Handsfree Beam Pattern Configuration via Listener Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring beam patterns for loudspeaker arrays is a complex and arduous process, requiring individual adjustment of delays and energy levels for each transducer to achieve desired sound focusing.
Innovation Solution
An audio system that includes a listener location estimator, identifier, and voice command processor to customize beam patterns based on user preferences, estimating listener locations and associating them with personalized settings through voice commands, minimizing direct input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam patterns are configured by individually adjusting delays and energy levels for each transducer, then sound focusing precision is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically configures beam patterns by detecting listener positions and autonomously adjusting transducer parameters without requiring manual configuration. The audio system performs self-configuration through voice command processing and automatic beam pattern generation, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust delays and energy levels for each transducer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes parameters such as delays and energy levels for each transducer based on detected listener positions and preferences. By automatically adjusting these parameters in response to environmental conditions and user input, the system achieves precise sound focusing while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If beam patterns are customized for each listener with personalized settings, then sound quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a unified voice command processing mechanism that serves multiple functions: identifying listeners, determining preferences, and configuring beam patterns. This multi-functional approach allows personalized sound quality for each listener while avoiding the need for separate complex configuration systems for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where voice commands are processed to identify listeners and their preferences, which then inform subsequent beam pattern configurations. This feedback mechanism enables automatic personalization of sound quality for each listener based on their expressed preferences and detected characteristics.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of beam patterns is required, then configuration precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated acoustic and computational methods. Voice commands and automatic detection algorithms substitute for manual adjustment mechanisms, achieving precise beam pattern configuration without requiring users to physically adjust transducer parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces voice commands and automatic processing algorithms as intermediaries between the user and the transducer configuration. These intermediaries translate simple user input into precise technical parameters, bridging the gap between ease of operation and configuration precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system that adjusts one or more beam patterns emitted by one or more loudspeaker arrays based on the preferences of users/listeners is described. The audio system includes an audio receiver that contains a listener location estimator, a listener identifier, and a voice command processor. Inputs from the listener location estimator, the listener identifier, and the voice command processor are fed into an array processor. The array processor drives the one or more loudspeaker arrays to emit beam patterns into the listening area based on inputs from each of these devices. By examining the location, preferred usage settings, and voice commands from listeners, the generated beam patterns are customized to the explicit and implicit preferences of the listeners with minimal direct input. Other embodiments are also described.