Loudspeaker Array Filtering for Virtual Height Audio Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio devices without overhead speakers are not natively configured to reproduce height components of object-based audio, limiting their ability to achieve three-dimensional sound placement.
Innovation Solution
A sound-producing device with co-planar loudspeakers that generate left and right height components using arrays of electro-acoustic transducers facing from the front and top of the housing, employing array filters to produce height components without overhead speakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overhead speakers are used, then height components of object-based audio are reproduced, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by using the vertical dimension of sound propagation through array filtering. Instead of placing speakers overhead (physical dimension), the invention uses co-planar speakers that create virtual height components through acoustic processing in the vertical sound field dimension, achieving height reproduction without additional vertical space
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates virtual overhead speaker images through array filtering processing. The co-planar speakers generate sound fields that copy the effect of actual overhead speakers by creating virtual sound sources in the vertical dimension through digital signal processing and acoustic beamforming
2Device complexity
If co-planar loudspeakers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but height component reproduction capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of physically placing speakers overhead with an acoustic field processing solution. Instead of mechanical/physical speaker arrangement, the invention uses array filtering algorithms to synthesize vertical sound components from co-planar speakers, substituting acoustic processing for physical configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the acoustic parameters of the co-planar speakers through array filtering. By applying frequency-dependent filtering and phase adjustment to the speaker outputs, the system transforms the sound radiation pattern to create virtual vertical sound sources, changing the acoustic field parameters without changing the physical speaker arrangement
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
Enables the reproduction of object-based audio with three-dimensional sound placement by utilizing loudspeaker arrays to create left and right height components, enhancing the audio playback experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first electro-acoustic transducer facing from the front of the housing, a second electro-acoustic transducer facing from the top of the housing, a third electro-acoustic transducer facing from the top of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A sound-producing device includes a housing having a front and a top, a first electro-acoustic transducer facing from the front of the housing, a second electro-acoustic transducer facing from the top of the housing, and a third electro-acoustic transducer facing from the top of the housing. There is at least one processor that is configured to, during audio playback, generate a first array using the first and second electro-acoustic transducers, the first array providing a left height component of the audio playback, and generate a second array using the first and third electro-acoustic transducers, the second array providing a right height component of the audio playback.