Loudspeaker Array SPL Mapping With Wave Physics Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sound reinforcement system design methods, such as the complex directivity point source model (CDPS), fail to account for wave physics aspects like reflection, diffraction, and shadowing/occlusion, limiting design freedom and introducing errors, especially for low-frequency loudspeakers, due to computational complexity and measurement challenges.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using numerical simulations, including Lumped Element Models and Finite/ Boundary Element Methods, to generate a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) map that accounts for wave physics, utilizing pre-stored acoustic velocity data and coarse meshing, enabling efficient computation on modern hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the complex directivity point source model (CDPS) is used to predict sound pressure level, then the phase interactions between sources are captured accurately, but wave physics aspects such as reflection, diffraction, and shadowing/occlusion are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the CDPS model with additional wave physics models (reflection, diffraction, shadowing/occlusion) into a unified prediction framework. This merging allows the system to maintain the accurate phase interaction calculation of CDPS while adding the missing wave physics aspects through integrated computational models.
2Reliability
If full wave domain simulations are run to include reflection, diffraction, and shadowing/occlusion, then wave physics accuracy is improved, but the computational cost becomes prohibitive for end user hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wave physics simulation into separate modular components (reflection model, diffraction model, shadowing/occlusion model) that can be independently calculated and combined. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of running full wave domain simulations by breaking them into smaller, more manageable calculations that can be performed efficiently on end user hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial wave physics simulations by selectively applying reflection, diffraction, and shadowing/occlusion models only where needed in the acoustic environment, rather than performing complete full-wave simulations everywhere. This partial action approach maintains wave physics accuracy in critical areas while reducing overall computational cost.
3Measurement precision
If direct measurements of bass loudspeakers are conducted to ensure CDPS model accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the requirement for anechoic chambers limits design freedom and introduces errors for edge cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses computational models to create virtual copies of the acoustic measurements and directivity patterns, eliminating the need for physical anechoic chamber measurements. This allows designers to accurately model bass loudspeaker behavior through simulation, expanding design freedom to include edge cases and configurations that would be difficult or impossible to measure physically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computational characterization of loudspeaker behavior using simplified models and available data, creating pre-calculated directivity patterns and acoustic signatures. This preliminary action eliminates the need for extensive physical measurements later in the design process, allowing for greater adaptability and design freedom while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a Sound Pressure Level, SPL, map for a venue. The method comprises receiving a loudspeaker system configuration including loudspeaker unit data. A data library is accessed to obtain a loudspeaker unit type data including a geometry of loudspeaker unit types and acoustic velocity information at surface locations of the loudspeaker unit types. A mesh representation of the loudspeaker system is obtained and used to generate system acoustic velocity information at surface locations of the mesh representation of the loudspeaker system. A numerical method is used to calculate surface pressures at surfaces of the mesh representation of the loudspeaker system, based on said system acoustic velocity information. A far field pressure at a multiplicity of observation points within said venue is then obtained and an SPL map generated based on the obtained far field pressures.