Electronic Keyboard Sound Image Expansion via Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic keyboard musical instruments fail to provide audiences with a consistent and expanded sound image similar to that of a grand piano, as they primarily focus on simulating the depth feeling for the performer without considering the perception of audience members at different listening positions.
Innovation Solution
The electronic keyboard musical instrument employs a signal processing device that processes stereophonic tone signals to create a specified relation between delay, volume level, and phase of signals outputted to multiple speakers, allowing sound images to be formed outside the speaker arrangement, independent of listening positions, thereby creating a large planar sound image similar to a grand piano for both performers and audiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If speakers are arranged in a compact planar configuration, then the instrument size is reduced, but the sound image expansion capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by using signal processing to create sound images that extend beyond the physical speaker arrangement. The signal processing device manipulates delay, volume level, and phase parameters to project sound images in virtual space, effectively adding a dimensional aspect that transcends the compact physical footprint of the speaker array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual sound images that are acoustic copies or representations of extended spatial arrangements. By processing signals through delay and phase manipulation, the system generates perceived sound sources that appear to originate from positions beyond the actual speaker locations, effectively copying the acoustic effect of a larger speaker configuration.
2Area of stationary object
If signal processing is applied to create expanded sound images, then the sound image area increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it processes delay, adjusts volume levels, manipulates phase relationships, and creates stereo images all through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each processing task, thereby managing complexity while achieving expanded sound images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple signal processing operations (delay, volume control, phase adjustment) into a unified processing architecture. By merging these functions into a single cohesive system rather than using separate independent components, the overall device complexity is managed more effectively while still achieving the desired sound image expansion.
3Shape
If delay and phase processing is applied to speakers, then sound image positioning is improved, but the precision of timing and phase control must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically adjusts multiple signal parameters (delay time, volume level, phase angle) to achieve proper sound image positioning. By carefully controlling and optimizing these parameters, the system achieves accurate sound image placement without requiring excessively high precision in any single parameter, as the combined effect of parameter adjustments produces the desired positioning result.
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 solution enables both performers and audiences to perceive a consistent, large planar sound image similar to a grand piano, even when they are at different listening positions, while maintaining a compact instrument size, by processing signals to create sound images that expand beyond the speaker arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a combination of at least a delay, a volume level and a phase of each of the signals to be outputted respectively to the at least three speakers
Implementation Method 2
a combination of at least a delay, a volume level and a phase of each of the signals to be outputted respectively to the at least three speakers
Implementation Method 3
the signal processing device rendering processing on at least one of left channel signals and right channel signals composing the stereophonic tone signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic musical instrument has a front side, back side, right side, and left side with respect to a perspective of a performer of the musical instrument, and comprises: a planar surface having a first speaker positioned on the front side and the left side, a second speaker positioned on the front side and the right side, and a third speaker positioned on the back side; a first localized sound processing section receives left and right channel signals of tone signals assigned as first localized sounds and produces sound signals to the first speaker, the second speaker and the third speaker to form a first sound image; and a second localized sound processing section receives left and right channel signals of tone signals assigned as second localized sounds and produces sound signals to the first speaker, the second speaker and the third speaker to form a second sound image.