Multi-Speaker Delay Filtering for Spatial Aliasing Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Auditory spatial aliasing occurs when multiple speakers output the same sound with differing path lengths to a listener's ear, causing constructive or destructive interference at various frequencies, leading to audio distortion.
Innovation Solution
A tablet system with multiple speakers and delay filters adjusts audio signal delays based on the device's orientation and attachment state using inertial measurement units and anti-aliasing profiles to minimize path length differences and reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple speakers output the same audio signal simultaneously, then audio coverage is improved, but auditory spatial aliasing occurs causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary time delays to audio signals before they reach certain speakers, based on pre-calculated path length differences. This preliminary action ensures that sound waves from multiple speakers arrive at the listener's ear simultaneously, preventing constructive and destructive interference that causes spatial aliasing, while still maintaining the benefit of multiple speakers providing audio coverage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If delay filters are applied to speakers, then spatial aliasing is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the time parameter of audio signals by applying delay filters with specific delay durations to different speakers. By adjusting this single parameter (time delay) based on speaker positions and listener geometry, the system effectively reduces spatial aliasing without introducing complex structural modifications to the speaker hardware or audio processing architecture.
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
Reduces auditory spatial aliasing by applying tailored delays to audio signals, ensuring consistent sound quality regardless of device position or surface reflections.
Implementation Method 1
The first audio source may comprise a first delay filter that delays output of the first same audio signal by a first duration to a speaker of the first set of multiple speakers compared to a second speaker of the first set of multiple speakers
Implementation Method 2
The system may comprise a tablet computer comprising a first plurality of magnets. The system may comprise a dock that removably attaches with the tablet computer using a second plurality of magnets that magnetically couple with the first plurality of magnets
Implementation Method 3
The tablet computer may further comprise an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The speakers that output audio from the first audio source and the second audio source may vary based on an orientation determined based on a measurement by the IMU
Data Source
AI summary
Various arrangements for reducing auditory spatial aliasing for a user are detailed herein. A first delay filter may be set that delays output of a first audio signal by a first duration to a speaker of a device compared to a second speaker. A second delay filter may also be set that delays output of a second audio signal by a second duration. The first and second audio signals can be output by the speakers.