Inclined Speaker Array for Height Channel Sound Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speaker array apparatuses face challenges in ensuring sufficient sound pressure and directivity for height channels, as sound pressure decreases when outputting sound beams at elevation angles, leading to inadequate sound field expression.

Innovation Solution

The speaker array apparatus is designed with speakers disposed on an inclined or curved array plane to increase sound pressure towards the ceiling surface while reducing sound pressure in the horizontal direction, using a sound-suppression member and horn configurations to enhance sound beam orientation and directivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If speakers are disposed on a vertical array plane to output sound beams at elevation angles for height channels, then sound field expression in vertical direction is improved, but sound pressure decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound field expression capabilityVSAvoidsound pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the speaker array from a vertical configuration to an inclined configuration, changing the spatial dimension of sound beam output. By inclining the array plane at a specific angle (30-60 degrees), the system directs sound beams toward the ceiling surface, utilizing the vertical dimension for reflection-based height channel expression while maintaining adequate sound pressure through optimized projection geometry

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the critical parameter of array plane orientation from vertical to inclined. By adjusting the inclination angle within the optimal range of 30-60 degrees, the system optimizes the balance between sound pressure maintenance and height channel effectiveness, creating a parameter-driven solution that resolves the contradiction between sound pressure and vertical sound field expression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If sound beams are directed towards ceiling surface for height channel expression, then vertical sound field quality is improved, but horizontal sound pressure distribution becomes unbalanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight channel sound field qualityVSAvoidhorizontal sound pressure distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different sound pressure characteristics in different spatial directions. The inclined array plane configuration provides enhanced sound pressure toward the ceiling surface for height channel expression, while simultaneously maintaining appropriate horizontal sound pressure distribution through the specific inclination angle, achieving directionally differentiated acoustic performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively increases sound pressure to the ceiling surface and reduces horizontal sound pressure, improving the quality of sound field expression for height channels by optimizing sound beam distribution and directivity.

Implementation Method 1

a speaker array apparatus which uses a technology which strengthens acoustic energy in the vicinity of a focal point by in-phase adding, and as a result, makes a sound beam having strong directivity in the direction of the focal point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic beam forming:

Implementation Method 2

by in-phase adding... makes a sound beam having strong directivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic interference: Interference

Implementation Method 3

can make the sound beams related to each channel reach a listening position from various directions by reflecting each of the sound beams related to the multi-channel at a wall surface of an installation space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3062536B1Speaker array apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP3062536B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3062536B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3062536B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A speaker array apparatus includes an apparatus housing having a disposition plane, and a speaker array which includes a plurality of speakers disposed at least in a vertical direction on the disposition plane of the apparatus housing that is opposite to a listening position. The speaker array apparatus receives and distributes a sound signal input from an outside to all of or a part of the speakers of the speaker array, and outputs the distributed sound signal as a sound beam by controlling an output timing of each sound output from the all or part of the speakers. Each speaker of the speaker array has an appropriate output direction in an elevation angle, the appropriate output direction indicating a direction having largest sound pressure in a sound pressure distribution when the sound is output from the speaker.