Compact Loudspeaker Signal Processor for Broad Sound Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio speaker systems face challenges in producing high-quality stereophonic sound in compact environments due to close speaker proximity, leading to inadequate sound separation and robustness, especially in environments where expert speaker placement is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A sound system processor configuration that processes left and right channel signals using sum processors, high pass filters, low pass filters, and difference processors to generate composite signals for delivery to speaker drivers, reducing the perception of point-source sound generation and enhancing sound field reproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If speakers are placed close together in a compact environment, then the device size is reduced, but sound separation and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is segmented into multiple frequency bands using filter banks. Each band is processed independently through separate signal paths, allowing compact speaker placement while maintaining frequency-specific sound separation. The segmentation of audio frequencies enables the system to overcome the physical limitations of close speaker spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial separation (physical distance between speakers) to frequency-based separation (different frequency bands). By processing different frequency ranges through separate signal paths and applying phase shifts, the system achieves sound field separation in the frequency dimension rather than relying solely on physical spatial arrangement.
2Area of stationary object
If speakers are placed close together, then space requirements are reduced, but the perception of point-source sound generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts phase relationships between different frequency bands using adjustable phase shifters. By varying phase shifts across frequency bands, the system creates a dynamic sound field that simulates multiple sound sources, preventing the static perception of a single point source even when speakers are physically close together.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes acoustic parameters (phase, frequency, amplitude) across different signal paths to create the perception of distributed sound sources. By manipulating these parameters independently for each frequency band, the system transforms the acoustic field characteristics to reduce point-source perception despite compact speaker placement.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional stereo placement is used, then sound separation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to expert knowledge requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic signal processing and optimization without requiring user expertise in acoustic placement. The processor automatically segments frequencies, applies appropriate phase shifts, and optimizes sound field distribution, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for users to have specialized knowledge of speaker positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical speaker placement optimization with electronic signal processing. Instead of requiring users to physically position speakers for optimal sound separation, the system uses digital signal processing (filter banks, phase shifters) to achieve separation electronically, substituting mechanical positioning with electronic control.
Data Source
AI summary
A sound system processor for converting left and right channel signals from an audio source into composite left and right signals and employing at least one low and high pass filters, a plurality of sum processors, and at least one difference processor so as to create at least two or more composite signals for delivery to speaker drivers to generate a broad sound field from a compact multi-speaker sound system source.