Positional Subwoofer Signal Processing for Bass Image Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loudspeakers struggle to adequately localize low-frequency sound components, particularly when the sound image needs to move within an acoustic space, as subwoofers are primarily used for loudness enhancement rather than sound image localization.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing method that assigns sound sources to subwoofers based on their positional relation within an acoustic space, generating sound signals that enhance localization of low-frequency components by utilizing a sound source assigner and signal processor to generate specific sound signals for subwoofers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional loud speakers (main speakers) are used alone for sound image localization, then high-frequency sound localization is achieved, but low-frequency sound image localization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling subwoofers to perform both their traditional function of reproducing low-frequency sound components for loudness enhancement and a new function of localizing low-frequency sound images. Through the sound source assigner, subwoofers are assigned specific sound sources based on positional relationships, allowing them to reproduce directed low-frequency sounds that create localized sound images rather than just omnidirectional bass reinforcement.
2Power
If subwoofers are used for loudness enhancement, then low-frequency volume is increased, but sound image localization capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the acoustic space into multiple regions and assigning different sound sources to different subwoofers based on their positional relationships with sound sources. This segmentation allows each subwoofer to reproduce specific directional low-frequency components, enabling the system to maintain both high loudness and precise sound image localization by treating each subwoofer as an independent sound reproduction unit rather than a single omnidirectional bass source.
Data Source
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AI summary
A signal processing method assigning each of a plurality of sound sources that correspond to different positions, to one or more subwoofers installed in an acoustic space, in which each of the plurality of sound sources is assigned based on a positional relation between each of the plurality of sound sources and a plurality of subwoofers installed in the acoustic space and including the one or more subwoofers; and based on results of assignment of each of the plurality of sound sources, generates, from a plurality of sound source signals corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of sound sources, a plurality of first sound signals corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of subwoofers.