Elliptical Reflector Aligns Virtual Sound Image with Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In speaker systems used in environments like movie theaters, where displays are typically liquid crystal or LED, it is challenging to align the display position of videos with the sound output position due to the difficulty in forming sound transmission holes, leading to discomfort for viewers.
Innovation Solution
A speaker system that includes a speaker device positioned outside the projection surface and a reflector with an elliptical reflection surface, which localizes the sound image of a virtual sound source within the projection surface, allowing the sound to be reflected and collected at a focal point, thereby aligning the sound output with the display position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the speaker device is disposed outside the projection surface region, then the display position of video and sound output position can be aligned, but the speaker device and reflector may enter the field of vision of the viewer
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is positioned above the display in the vertical dimension, allowing sound reflection without obstructing the horizontal field of vision. The speaker device is placed at a focal point above the display, and the reflector arches over the display surface, enabling sound to be directed toward the viewer while maintaining visual clarity of the screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is configured with a curved surface (arc-shaped or parabolic) that focuses sound waves from the speaker device located at one focal point toward the viewer positioned at or near the other focal point. This curvature enables precise sound direction while keeping the reflector structure above the display, out of the viewer's direct line of sight.
2Measurement precision
If the speaker device is disposed outside the projection surface region, then alignment between video display position and sound output position is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface serves dual functions: displaying visual content and acting as a reference for positioning the acoustic system. The reflector structure simultaneously reflects sound waves and is positioned to be aesthetically integrated with the display, while the focal point arrangement enables precise sound localization without requiring additional complex positioning mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the speaker device is disposed outside the projection surface region, then sound alignment with video is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic components are positioned in the vertical dimension above the display rather than extending horizontally, allowing sound alignment without increasing the horizontal footprint. The reflector arches over the display area, utilizing vertical space to achieve sound focus while maintaining a compact horizontal profile.
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
This configuration ensures a comfortable viewing experience by aligning the sound output with the video display position, improving sound pressure and directivity while maintaining design flexibility and minimizing visibility of the speaker and reflector.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector that has a reflection surface reflecting a sound output from the speaker device
Implementation Method 2
the reflector has an elliptical reflection surface in at least a part of the reflection surface... the speaker device is disposed at or near one of focal points on the elliptical reflection surface... the sound output from the speaker device and reflected by the elliptical reflection surface is easily collected at the other focal point
Data Source
AI summary
This speaker system includes: a speaker device that is disposed outside a region of a projection surface on which a display surface of a display is projected, the speaker device functioning as a real sound source; and a reflector that has a reflection surface reflecting a sound output from the speaker device, the reflector localizing a sound image of a virtual sound source within the region of the projection surface. The reflector has an elliptical reflection surface in at least a part of the reflection surface. With this configuration, the sound output from the speaker device disposed outside the region of the projection surface is reflected on the reflector, and a sound image thereof is localized within the region of the projection surface, whereby it is possible to bring a display position of a video into alignment with an output position of the sound. Thus, a comfortable viewing state can be ensured for a viewer.