Audio Loudspeaker Array With Rearward Drivers For Off-Axis Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio speaker designs face challenges in achieving high fidelity sound reproduction across multiple sound sources, leading to sonic confusion and inadequate live sound imaging, particularly in off-axis listening positions, due to the use of multiple transducer types or sizes and their inherent frequency range limitations.
Innovation Solution
The design features a speaker array with a plurality of drivers, including an inner and outer group of drivers, where the outer group includes at least two rearward-facing drivers, all operating in common acoustic phase and supported by a frame that allows each driver to be positioned at unique angles relative to the listening space, forming a three-dimensional sound wave distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transducer types or sizes are used to cover different frequency ranges, then frequency coverage is improved, but sonic confusion increases and fidelity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple drivers of the same type (all compression drivers or all piston drivers) rather than mixing different transducer types. This homogeneity ensures that all drivers produce sound waves with consistent characteristics, eliminating the sonic confusion that arises from mixing different transducer types while still covering the full frequency range through proper driver selection and arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker system divides the frequency coverage task among multiple identical drivers rather than using one specialized driver per frequency range. Each driver in the array contributes to the overall frequency coverage, and through digital signal processing, the system manages the output of each driver to maintain fidelity across the entire spectrum.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional speaker designs use multiple sound sources, then frequency range is improved, but sound imaging and live performance perception deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identical drivers into a unified array system that operates cohesively. By using drivers of the same type in a coordinated array with digital signal processing, the system merges their outputs to create a unified sound field that preserves spatial information and live performance characteristics, rather than having distinct sound sources that create imaging confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital signal processing to dynamically adjust the amplitude, phase, and timing parameters of each driver in the array. This allows precise control over how sound waves from multiple drivers combine, maintaining accurate sound imaging and the perception of live performance across the entire frequency range.
3Reliability
If drivers are positioned at unique angles in three-dimensional space, then off-axis imaging is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar speaker arrangements to a three-dimensional driver array configuration. Drivers are positioned at unique angles in 3D space rather than lying flat in a single plane, creating a spherical or volumetric sound distribution pattern that significantly improves off-axis imaging and creates a more immersive listening experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates digital signal processing that dynamically adjusts the operation of each driver based on its position in the three-dimensional array. This dynamic control allows the complex 3D configuration to be managed efficiently, optimizing sound distribution and imaging while maintaining system coherence across varying listening positions.
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 enhances fidelity both on-axis and off-axis by ensuring that sonic waves from different drivers arrive at the listener's ears at varying times, reducing sonic confusion and improving the perception of a live sound stage, thereby achieving more accurate sound imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A key element of audio loudspeakers is the transducer, commonly called a driver, which is a device whose movement causes changes in sound pressure that reproduces the desired music or sound
Implementation Method 2
sonic waves from different drivers arrive at the listener's ears at varying times, reducing sonic confusion
Data Source
AI summary
An audio speaker includes a frame or manifold supporting a plurality of drivers electrically connected to operate in common acoustic phase. The plurality of drivers includes an inner group of drivers and an outer group of drivers at least partially surrounding the inner group of drivers and the outer group of drivers includes at least two drivers with at least one the two drivers being a rearward facing driver.