Orientation-Responsive Audio Driver with Acoustic Interference Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio devices that combine multiple channels into a single unit often compromise the spatial effect intended by separate devices, failing to effectively direct acoustic output based on physical orientation.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with a casing that allows acoustic drivers to be oriented laterally relative to a listener, using acoustic interference arrays and filter configurations to direct sound channels appropriately, and incorporating sensors and reflectors to optimize audio distribution based on the device's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple acoustic drivers are co-located in a single cabinet, then device complexity is reduced, but spatial audio effect is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The single audio device is segmented into multiple acoustic drivers (first, second, third, and fourth drivers) that are spatially distributed within the cabinet. Each driver is assigned to specific audio channels (front left, front right, center, surround left, surround right) to recreate the spatial separation effect of multiple devices while maintaining a single unified unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces orientation detection as a new dimension of control. A sensor detects the physical orientation of the device, and based on this detection, the system dynamically assigns acoustic drivers to different audio channels. This allows the same physical hardware to adapt its functional configuration, enabling spatial audio effects that would normally require multiple separately positioned devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If acoustic drivers are fixed in a single orientation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different listening positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static driver assignment to a dynamic configuration. The sensor continuously monitors the device's physical orientation, and the processing device dynamically reassigns acoustic drivers to appropriate audio channels based on the detected orientation. This allows the system to adapt to different installation scenarios (e.g., device mounted on different walls or at different angles) while maintaining manufacturing simplicity with fixed driver positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the acoustic drivers based on orientation detection. When the sensor detects a change in physical orientation, the system modifies which drivers are active and their assigned channels. For example, if the device is rotated 90 degrees, the system reconfigures the driver assignments to match the new spatial arrangement, effectively adapting the audio output to the new orientation without physical movement of the drivers themselves.
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
The solution enhances the spatial audio effect by directing sound channels to recreate the experience of separate devices, improving sound distribution and clarity based on the device's orientation within a room.
Implementation Method 1
the processing device is caused to operate more than one of the acoustic drivers in a manner that creates one or more acoustic interference arrays
Implementation Method 2
a gravity detector is caused to detect a direction of the force of gravity
Implementation Method 3
at least one reflector is disposed on the casing of the audio device to reflect acoustic output of the acoustic drivers towards the listening area
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
An audio device (100) positioned within a room (900), comprising: a casing (110) having and being rotatable about an elongate axis (118) between a first orientation and a second orientation, relative to a direction of the force of gravity and to a listening position (905) of the room; an orientation input device (540) disposed on the casing to enable determination of an orientation of the casing; a plurality of acoustic drivers (191, 192a-e, 193a-b) disposed on the casing and operable to form an acoustic interference array, and first and second sets of one or more infrared sensors (121a,121b;122a,122b), wherein: in response to the casing being positioned in the first orientation, the first infrared sensor set is enabled to receive infrared signals representing commands from an external control device, and the second infrared sensor set is disabled; and in response to the casing being positioned in the second orientation, the second infrared sensor set is enabled to receive infrared signals from the external control device, and the first infrared sensor set is disabled.