Dual Speaker Array Sound Field Cancellation Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for local sound field silencing, such as using parametric speakers or linear speaker arrays, face difficulties in controlling the silenced area in the depth direction and are limited by frequency bands, making it challenging to achieve precise sound suppression at desired positions.

Innovation Solution

A locally silenced sound field forming apparatus comprising two speaker arrays, where one array generates a sound field and the other cancels it, using acquisition units to determine distances and drive signal generation units to produce inverted phase signals for precise sound field cancellation, allowing control of the silenced area in the depth direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If directivity control using parametric speaker or linear speaker array is used for local silencing, then the silenced area can be moved in the left and right directions, but it is difficult to control the silenced area in the depth direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolled direction of silenced areaVSAvoiddepth direction control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from controlling silenced area position only in the horizontal direction (left-right) to enabling control in three-dimensional space including the depth direction. This is achieved by using multiple speaker arrays positioned at different locations and combining their sound fields through digital signal processing to create silenced areas at arbitrary positions in space, not just laterally adjacent to a single speaker array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the sound field control function across multiple speaker arrays rather than relying on a single array. By segmenting the acoustic space and using multiple distributed speaker arrays, the system can independently control silenced areas in different spatial regions, enabling depth direction control that was impossible with a single linear array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If parametric speaker is used for local silencing, then directivity control is achieved, but frequency bands available for reproduced sounds are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectivity control precisionVSAvoidfrequency band range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the outputs of multiple speaker arrays through digital signal processing to achieve both precise directivity control and extended frequency response. By merging the acoustic fields from multiple sources with different frequency characteristics, the system maintains the directional control precision of parametric speakers while overcoming their frequency limitations through constructive and destructive interference patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a multi-functional audio control platform that can simultaneously achieve precise directional sound field control and reproduce sounds across a wide frequency range. The multiple speaker arrays serve multiple purposes: individual arrays can handle specific frequency ranges while collectively providing omnidirectional control capabilities and extended bandwidth beyond what any single parametric speaker could achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the formation of a silenced area at a desired position in the depth direction while maintaining audible sound fields in front and rear areas, providing flexible control over the silenced region.

Implementation Method 1

a second speaker array arranged at a position different from the position of the first speaker array and that outputs a sound on the basis of a second speaker drive signal to form a sound field that cancels the predetermined sound field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP3467818B1Locally attenuated sound field forming device, corresponding method and computer program
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3467818B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3467818B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3467818B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present technology relates to a locally silenced sound field forming apparatus and method, and a program capable of controlling a silenced area in a depth direction. The locally silenced sound field forming apparatus includes: a first speaker array that outputs a sound on the basis of a first speaker drive signal to form a predetermined sound field; and a second speaker array arranged at a position different from the position of the first speaker array and that outputs a sound on the basis of a second speaker drive signal to form a sound field that cancels the predetermined sound field. The present technology can be applied to a locally silenced sound field forming apparatus.