Playback Driver Radiation Patterns for Adjustable Audio Wideness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems struggle to provide a consistent 'wideness effect' in audio perception, which is limited by the environment and listener's position relative to the playback system, and lack flexibility in adjusting the wideness of the multi-channel audio image based on room size and sound barriers.
Innovation Solution
A playback system that manipulates input signals to audio drivers using radiation patterns to adjust the wideness of the multi-channel audio image by varying the amplitudes of center and side channels, allowing for dynamic adjustment based on room size and sound barriers, and incorporates multiple groups of audio drivers to enhance the perceived audio experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional media playback systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the wideness effect in audio perception is inconsistent and limited by environment and listener position
Solution Approach 1:
The audio output is segmented into multiple independent audio drivers arranged in specific spatial patterns. Each driver group processes specific audio channels (center, side, rear) to create distinct radiation patterns that combine to form a consistent multi-channel audio image with controlled wideness effect across different listening positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different audio drivers are assigned different radiation patterns and amplitude levels based on their spatial position. The center audio drivers produce a first radiation pattern while side audio drivers produce a second radiation pattern, with amplitude ratios adjusted to optimize the wideness effect in specific spatial zones and listening positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed amplitude ratios are used for audio channels, then the system operation is simple, but the wideness of multi-channel audio image cannot be adjusted based on room size and sound barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The amplitude ratios between center and side audio channels are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system can vary the amplitude of side channels relative to center channels based on environmental factors such as room size and presence of sound barriers, allowing optimization of the wideness effect for different listening conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the amplitude parameter of audio channels to control the wideness of the audio image. By adjusting the amplitude ratio between center and side channels, the system can expand or contract the perceived width of the multi-channel audio image to match the physical characteristics of the listening environment.
3Reliability
If multiple groups of audio drivers are added to enhance audio experience, then the audio quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple audio drivers are merged into coordinated groups (center audio drivers, side audio drivers, rear audio drivers) that work together to produce integrated radiation patterns. This grouping approach enhances audio quality and creates a consistent multi-channel sound field while managing the complexity through systematic organization of the drivers.
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 system effectively adjusts the wideness of the multi-channel audio image to optimize the listening experience by enhancing the perceived audio image based on the environment, providing a more pronounced effect when needed and minimizing it when appropriate.
Implementation Method 1
manipulates input signals to audio drivers using radiation patterns to adjust the wideness of the multi-channel audio image
Data Source
AI summary
Example techniques involve outputting multiple audio channels using a multiple driver playback device. An example playback device receives a first and second channel of audio content. The playback device plays back play back the first channel via a first group of audio transducers such that the first group of audio transducers form, via superposition, a first response lobe having a maximum in a first direction. Further, the playback device plays back the second channel via a second group of audio transducers such that the second group of audio transducers form, via superposition, a second response lobe having a maximum in a second direction that is separated by an angle of at least 45° from the first direction.