Parametric Speaker Array for Targeted Sound Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound projection technologies fail to deliver sounds specifically to a particular person while avoiding others in the vicinity, particularly in scenarios like vehicles or childcare settings, where it is desirable to entertain or soothe children without disturbing adults.
Innovation Solution
A sound projection device utilizing a hollow body with multiple parametric speakers arranged in close proximity and a sound directing panel to project sounds in a narrow beam, ensuring that only the intended person receives the sound, with features like wireless connectivity, adjustable volume, and various mounting options for versatile use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional loudspeakers are used to deliver sound, then sound can be heard by all persons in the vicinity, but it is impossible to focus sound to a narrow beam for targeted delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The sound projection system is segmented into multiple independent parametric speaker units arranged in an array. Each speaker operates independently to contribute to the overall directional sound beam, enabling targeted sound delivery while maintaining system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple parametric speaker units are merged into a coordinated array system that works together to project a unified directional sound beam. The combination of multiple speakers achieves the narrow beam focus that would be impossible with a single conventional loudspeaker
2Ease of operation
If ultrasound frequencies are used to create narrow sound beams, then targeted sound delivery is achieved, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
A sound directing panel serves as an intermediary component between the parametric speaker array and the target listener. This panel helps shape and direct the sound beam, simplifying the overall system by providing passive acoustic guidance rather than requiring complex electronic beamforming control
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in acoustic parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) across the speaker array to achieve directional sound projection. By modulating these parameters, the system creates a focused sound beam without requiring mechanical movement or complex structural changes
3Adaptability or versatility
If sound is delivered to entertain children in vehicles, then children are entertained, but drivers and other adults are disturbed by the same sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The sound system provides local quality by delivering sound with different characteristics to different spatial locations. The directional beam ensures that sound energy is concentrated on the child listener while minimizing acoustic energy in directions where adults are seated, thus entertaining children without disturbing adults
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
Effectively delivers targeted sounds to children in car seats, cribs, or strollers, ensuring that adults nearby do not hear the same sounds, enhancing entertainment and relaxation while allowing caregivers to focus on other activities without distraction.
Implementation Method 1
researchers have been experimenting with creating directive low-frequency sound from nonlinear interaction of an aimed beam of ultrasound waves produced by a parametric array
Implementation Method 2
nonlinear interaction of an aimed beam of ultrasound waves produced by a parametric array using heterodyning
Implementation Method 3
The air within the beam behaves nonlinearly and extracts the modulation signal from the ultrasound, resulting in sound that can be heard only along the path of the beam
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a device to project sound to a specific person while keeping the sound away from others nearby. The device has various parametric speakers arranged in a pattern to project sounds in a narrow field while preventing dispersion of sounds to nearby areas. The device can be connected to other electronic equipment by wires or wirelessly, and can be removed and used in different settings. This device has particular application in delivering sounds to infants and toddlers to soothe them while the same sounds are not heard by adults nearby.