Projector Speaker Layout Using Reflected Sound for Screen Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional projectors with built-in speakers face challenges in matching the sound image to the projection screen, particularly as screen sizes increase, and struggle with outputting low-frequency sounds and sound localization due to vibration sensitivity and limited projector width.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with multiple speakers, including a first speaker outputting sound opposite the projection surface and a second speaker outputting sound waves reflected from the ceiling or walls, controlled by a processor to align sound images with the projected image, using symmetric speaker structures and waveguides to minimize vibration and enhance sound directionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a built-in speaker is used in an ultra-short focus projector, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the sound image cannot be matched to the projection screen and sound localization is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is segmented into multiple independent speaker units (first speaker, second speaker, third speaker, fourth speaker) positioned at different locations within the projector. Each speaker handles specific spatial zones, allowing precise sound image positioning that matches the projection screen geometry while maintaining a compact integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-direction sound output to three-dimensional spatial sound distribution by positioning speakers at multiple locations (front, rear, left, right) and using reflection surfaces. This creates sound images that can be localized in different spatial dimensions, enabling precise matching with the projection screen area.
2Volume of moving object
If the projector size is minimized, then the device becomes more portable and installation freedom increases, but the width limitation makes sound image localization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple speaker units are nested within the compact projector housing in a space-efficient arrangement. The first, second, third, and fourth speakers are positioned at different locations within the limited volume, utilizing vertical and lateral spaces to achieve spatial sound distribution without increasing the overall projector footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent compensates for limited horizontal width by utilizing the vertical dimension and rear space for speaker placement. Reflection surfaces are positioned to redirect sound waves, creating the effect of wider sound dispersion from a compact form factor, enabling sound image localization despite minimized projector dimensions.
3Device complexity
If a built-in speaker is used, then separate speaker connection is unnecessary, but low-frequency sound output is difficult due to vibration sensitivity of the optical system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs active vibration cancellation by positioning speaker units in opposition and using reflection surfaces to counterbalance vibrational forces. The symmetric arrangement of speakers and strategic placement of reflection surfaces create opposing vibration patterns that cancel each other, reducing net vibration transmitted to the optical system while maintaining strong low-frequency output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful vibration effect into a beneficial feature by using controlled vibration reflection and cancellation. The reflection surfaces and opposing speaker configuration transform vibrational energy that would otherwise damage the optical system into directed sound waves that enhance low-frequency output while protecting the projector's sensitive components.
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 effectively matches sound images to the projection screen, enhances sound localization, and minimizes vibration effects, providing an immersive audio experience even with large screens.
Implementation Method 1
at least one second speaker to output a second sound signal corresponding to a sound wave along at least one direction such that the sound wave is reflected from a ceiling or a wall of a space where the electronic device is disposed
Implementation Method 2
at least one of a plurality of speaker units disposed in a mutual symmetric structure for offsetting vibration incurred from the sound signal outputted by the at least one first speaker
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method for controlling the electric device including a projection unit, a memory, at least one first speaker that outputs a first sound signal along a direction opposite to a projection surface, at least one second speaker that outputs a second sound signal corresponding to a sound wave along at least one direction such that the sound wave is reflected on the ceiling or a wall of a space in which the electronic device is placed. The at least one processor, based on information that is included in the data about the content and directionality indicated in association with sound signals included in the content, and controls the at least one first speaker to output the first sound signal and controls the at least one second speaker to output the second sound signal while the image is displayed on the projection surface.