Headphone Attachment Rear Insulating Plate for Audio Image Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Headphones fail to achieve point localization of audio images due to inferior audio image resolution compared to stereo speaker units, leading to unclear sound localization and inadequate direction recognition.
Innovation Solution
An audio image control method and headphone attachment that include a rear insulating plate to reflect rearward sound back towards the front of the auricle and a reflecting plate to guide both rearward and forward scattering sounds for accurate localization, improving audio image resolution by integrating sound components into a single point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If headphones radiate sound directly from the diaphragm adjacent to the auricle, then the headphone structure is simple and portable, but the audio image localization becomes diffusive and point localization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic radiation surface into multiple independent diaphragms (first diaphragm for front sound, second diaphragm for rear sound) with different functions. This segmentation allows each diaphragm to control specific sound components, enabling precise audio image localization while maintaining the headphone's compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an audio image controller as an intermediary device between the diaphragms and the auricle. This controller manages the radiation of sound components from different diaphragms, coordinating their interaction to achieve point localization of the audio image while preserving the simplicity of the headphone design.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple sound components are radiated simultaneously from different positions, then the sound field is rich and immersive, but the audio image resolution deteriorates and sounds cannot be distinguished as single point sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different local qualities to different diaphragms: the first diaphragm radiates forward scattering sound components while the second diaphragm radiates rearward sound components. This local differentiation allows each region to contribute specific sound characteristics, achieving both rich sound field and high audio image resolution through coordinated local functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning the first and second diaphragms at specific locations (front and rear of the auricle) before sound radiation occurs. This predetermined spatial arrangement enables the audio image controller to precisely manage sound component radiation, ensuring that multiple sound components can be radiated simultaneously while maintaining clear point localization.
3Volume of moving object
If the diaphragm is positioned just beside the auricle for direct sound radiation, then the headphone structure is compact, but the sound direction localization becomes diffusive and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane sound radiation approach to a three-dimensional sound field control approach by positioning diaphragms at different spatial locations (front and rear of the auricle) and using the audio image controller to manage sound radiation in multiple directions. This dimensional expansion enables precise sound direction localization while maintaining compact headphone dimensions.
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
The method enhances audio image resolution by achieving point localization, allowing listeners to discern detailed nuances in musical performances and spatial expressions, equivalent to those experienced with stereo speakers while maintaining the convenience of headphones.
Implementation Method 1
insulating a rearward sound radiated toward the auricle from the diaphragm at a position corresponding to the rear of the auricle to reflect the rearward sound back toward the front of the auricle
Implementation Method 2
reflecting the rearward sound reflected by the rear insulating plate, and a forward scattering sound radiated from the diaphragm at a position corresponding to the front of the auricle to be transmitted away from the auricle to guide the rearward sound and the forward scattering sound to the auricle
Data Source
AI summary
This audio image control method controls the localization of an audio image in a space between a headphone/speaker and the auricle. Rearward sound emitted from the headphone/speaker at a position corresponding to the rear of the auricle and traveling toward the auricle is blocked and reflected to travel away toward the front of the auricle. The reflected rearward sound is reflected together with forward scattering sound emitted from the headphone/speaker at a position forwardly of the auricle and travelling away from the auricle, and is allowed to reach the auricle as reflected forward sound travelling from the front of the auricle toward the auricle. Central sound emitted from the central portion of the headphone/speaker and travelling toward the auricle, and emitted forward sound emitted from the headphone/speaker at a position corresponding to the front of the auricle and traveling toward the auricle are allowed to reach the auricle directly.