Panel Loudspeaker Controller Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel loudspeakers driven by multiple actuators face challenges with high component costs, low efficiency, and poor acoustic response, particularly in thin electronic devices where existing distributed mode loudspeakers are too thick, and calibration methods are computationally expensive and ineffective due to opposing phase cancellations among actuators.
Innovation Solution
A panel loudspeaker controller with multiple electrical signal inputs and signal processors that preconfigure phase alignment using frequency response measurements to optimize actuator signals, employing filters like low pass or all-pass filters to enhance audio quality across a wide frequency range by intelligently managing actuator contributions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to drive a panel loudspeaker, then audio capability is improved, but phase cancellation occurs leading to poor acoustic response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal phase and amplitude adjustments for each actuator across different frequency ranges before actual audio playback. During operation, the controller simply retrieves pre-computed correction data based on the current frequency, avoiding real-time complex calculations and ensuring consistent phase alignment without cancellation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by dynamically adjusting the phase and amplitude of each actuator's drive signal based on frequency-dependent optimization data. The controller modifies these parameters according to pre-stored correction values that compensate for the natural phase differences between multiple actuators, transforming the system from one with phase cancellation to one with constructive interference across the frequency spectrum.
2Measurement precision
If individual calibration is performed for each actuator input, then measurement precision is improved, but computational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the computationally intensive calibration measurements and calculations in advance during a setup phase, storing the results in lookup tables. During normal audio operation, the controller only needs to retrieve pre-computed phase and amplitude correction data based on the current frequency, reducing real-time computational requirements from complex multi-channel impulse response analysis to simple table lookups and parameter applications.
3Length of moving object
If large-area electrically active planar actuators are used, then thin device design is enabled, but component cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-area planar actuator into multiple smaller, independently controllable actuator elements arranged in an array. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the same or better acoustic performance as a single large actuator while using smaller individual elements that consume less power each and cost less, while still maintaining the thin device profile enabled by planar actuation technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by optimizing the phase and amplitude of each segmented actuator element based on pre-calculated frequency-dependent data. This coordinated control of multiple smaller actuators achieves efficient acoustic output that reduces overall power consumption compared to driving a single large actuator, while maintaining the thin device design advantage of planar actuation.
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 provides computationally inexpensive and effective audio control with improved phase alignment, resulting in better audio quality and reduced power consumption across a wide frequency range, suitable for thin electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each signal processor implements a transfer function from its input to its output based on each actuator of the panel loudspeaker to a desired acoustic receiver
Implementation Method 2
The filter may comprise a low pass filter and/or an all-pass filter
Implementation Method 3
vibrations are applied to specific points on a flat-panel diaphragm by actuators to generate bending waves in the diaphragm
Implementation Method 4
vibrations are applied to specific points on a flat-panel diaphragm by actuators to generate bending waves in the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A panel loudspeaker controller for controlling a panel loudspeaker including a plurality of actuators, the panel loudspeaker controller including a plurality of electrical signal inputs, each input being associated with each actuator of the panel loudspeaker to be controlled; a plurality of signal processors, each signal processor being associated with each input and having an output for an electrical signal to control an actuator of the panel loudspeaker, and each signal processor implementing a transfer function from its input to its output based on each actuator of the panel loudspeaker to a desired acoustic receiver; and a signal processor controller associated with all of the plurality of signal processors, wherein the signal processor controller is preconfigured to improve phase alignment between the signals as an ensemble output at the outputs of the signal processors.