Localized Speaker Pair Layout Using Opposite-Phase Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earphones or headphones for audio playback in aircraft cause discomfort and are cumbersome, and synthesizing a virtual sound field requires a large-scale speaker array that is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A speaker system using at least two sets of speakers, each comprising a first and second speaker emitting acoustic signals with opposite phases, to create a sound field audible only in the vicinity of the speakers and inaudible elsewhere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If earphones or headphones are used for audio playback in aircraft, then sound can be heard by the user, but it causes discomfort and is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is divided into multiple speaker units arranged in arrays, with each unit containing multiple drivers (woofers, mid-range, tweeters) that work together to create directional sound beams, eliminating the need for wearable earphones
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates localized sound zones where audio is audible only to specific users in particular seating positions, while remaining inaudible to surrounding passengers, thus providing personal audio experience without disturbing others
2Ease of operation
If a speaker is used for audio playback in aircraft, then no wearing is required, but the reproduced sound reaches the periphery and causes trouble to other users
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker system uses multiple speaker units arranged in arrays, with each unit containing multiple drivers that emit sound waves in specific directions, creating localized sound zones that prevent sound disturbance to surrounding passengers
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates localized sound zones where audio is audible only to specific users in particular seating positions, while remaining inaudible to surrounding passengers, thus providing personal audio experience without disturbing others
3Ease of operation
If a large-scale speaker array is used to synthesize a virtual sound field, then sound can be confined to specific areas, but the device complexity and cost become unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is divided into multiple speaker units arranged in arrays, with each unit containing multiple drivers (woofers, mid-range, tweeters) that work together to create directional sound beams, eliminating the need for wearable earphones
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates localized sound zones where audio is audible only to specific users in particular seating positions, while remaining inaudible to surrounding passengers, thus providing personal audio experience without disturbing others
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 system reproduces sound that can be heard only in a very limited, narrow range, eliminating the need for headphones and reducing sound leakage to other users.
Implementation Method 1
a first speaker that emits the acoustic signal, and a second speaker that emits the acoustic signal in a phase opposite to the first speaker
Implementation Method 2
emits an acoustic signal that is audible to a user in the vicinity of a speaker and not audible to a user outside the vicinity of the speaker
Data Source
AI summary
A sound that cannot be heard by surrounding users is reproduced. A reproduction device (110) includes an n-th reproduction unit that outputs a 2n-1th acoustic signal (n = 1, ..., N) that is an acoustic signal obtained on the basis of a reproduction target and a 2n-th acoustic signal that is an acoustic signal having a phase opposite to that of the 2n-1th acoustic signal. A speaker system (120) includes at least two or more sets of an n-th speaker unit pair (122) including a positive speaker unit (1221) that emits a 2n-1th acoustic signal-based sound and a negative speaker unit (1222) that emits a 2n-th acoustic signal-based sound, the n-th speaker unit pair being installed at a position close to a user's head.