Line Array Speaker Units for Virtual Sound Source Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-channel audio surround systems are complex, space-intensive, and costly, with limitations in sound localization and directivity control, making them unsuitable for home use and lacking the immersive experience of live performances.
Innovation Solution
The use of line array speaker units, where multiple speakers are arrayed in a line and supplied with the same audio signal with prescribed delay times to form sound beams, allowing for the creation of virtual sound sources and phantom localization through directional and intensity control of sound beams, enabling flexible arrangement with displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a panel-type speaker array apparatus is used to form virtual sound sources, then multi-channel audio surround effects are achieved, but the system becomes expensive and requires a large overall area
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the speaker array into multiple independent line array speaker units, each capable of forming sound beams. This segmentation allows for fewer total speakers while maintaining the ability to create multiple virtual sound sources through coordinated operation of the segmented units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional panel-type speaker array to a three-dimensional arrangement of line array speaker units. This dimensional change enables sound beam formation in multiple directions simultaneously, achieving multi-channel surround effects with fewer speakers arranged in space rather than on a flat surface.
2Measurement precision
If numerous speakers are arranged in a two-dimensional manner to realize high directivity sound beam control, then sound localization is improved, but the overall area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic delay control to adjust the timing of sound signals to different speakers in real-time. This dynamic control enables precise sound beam directionality and virtual sound source positioning without requiring a large fixed speaker array, as the beam directions can be changed through software rather than physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters (delay times) of audio signals to control sound beam directions. By adjusting delay parameters rather than changing physical speaker positions, the system achieves precise sound localization with a compact arrangement of line array speaker units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional 5.1-channel surround system is used, then audio surround effects are achieved, but the wiring becomes complicated and setup becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple speaker functions into integrated line array speaker units that can operate independently. Each unit combines multiple drivers and processing capabilities in a single module, reducing the number of separate wiring connections needed compared to traditional distributed speaker systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The line array speaker units are designed as universal components that can function in various configurations and positions. Each unit is capable of forming sound beams in different directions and can serve multiple channels simultaneously, reducing the need for specialized wiring for each channel and simplifying setup.
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 approach results in a space-saving, cost-effective multi-channel audio playback system that can freely control virtual sound sources and localization, providing an immersive experience with reduced artificiality and improved sound quality, comparable to traditional panel-type speaker arrays.
Implementation Method 1
The audio surround system using the panel-type speaker array apparatus performs delay control in such a way that sounds emitted by speakers focus on a single point in space, thus forming sound beams
Implementation Method 2
The sound beams formed are reflected by wall surfaces in prescribed directions so as to form virtual sound sources surrounding a listener
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-channel audio system is constituted using at least one line array speaker unit, in which plural speakers are arrayed in line, wherein the same audio signal is supplied with a prescribed delay time to each of the speakers, thus forming plural sound beams. The plural sound beams are reflected on a wall surface and a ceiling of a room so as to form plural virtual sound sources surrounding a listening position, and emission directions and intensities of the sound beams are controlled so as to localize a phantom at a prescribed position based on the plural virtual sound sources. By appropriately arranging plural line array speaker units horizontally, vertically, and slantingly in such a way that each line array speaker unit forms sound beams distributed and spread in a sectorial form, it is possible to realize a surround audio system having a high degree of freedom with regard to setup positions for forming virtual sound sources.