Quiet Zone Generation via Destructive Interference in Home Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for quieting unwanted sound in premises-based audio systems are inadequate, failing to effectively mitigate noise disturbances in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a network of loudspeakers and electronic devices with sound detection capabilities to generate cancellation signals that destructively interfere with unwanted sounds, employing calibration methods to determine transfer functions and generate counteracting sounds for precise noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional systems are used for quieting unwanted sound, then the system structure is simple, but the noise reduction effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the spatial area into multiple zones with different audio characteristics, allowing independent noise control in each zone. The quiet zone is segmented as a specific region where unwanted sound is actively cancelled, while other zones maintain normal audio playback, resolving the contradiction by localizing the complex noise reduction function to only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives audio signals, generates anti-noise signals, and combines them before output to loudspeakers. This intermediary signal processing mechanism enables effective noise reduction without requiring complete system redesign, adding controlled complexity only to the signal path while keeping the physical system structure relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If a network of loudspeakers and sound detection devices is deployed, then noise cancellation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs loudspeakers that serve dual functions: both reproducing desired audio content and generating anti-noise signals for cancellation. Sound detection devices similarly serve multiple purposes including monitoring unwanted sound, verifying cancellation effectiveness, and providing feedback for adaptive control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sound detection devices continuously monitor the acoustic environment and feed this information back to the signal processing unit. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of anti-noise signals, improving sound detection precision and noise cancellation effectiveness without requiring permanently complex hardwired systems, as the complexity is managed through adaptive software control.
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration methods are used to determine transfer functions, then the quieting precision is improved, but the setup time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration procedures during the initial setup phase to determine transfer functions that characterize the acoustic environment. These pre-determined transfer functions are then stored and reused for ongoing noise cancellation operations. By conducting the complex calibration work in advance (preliminary action), the system achieves high quieting precision during operation without requiring repeated calibration, thereby limiting the time loss to only the initial setup period.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process involves determining transfer functions that describe how sound propagates throughout the space, including frequency-dependent parameters. Once these parameters are established, the system can efficiently compute anti-noise signals by applying these pre-characterized parameters rather than performing full calibration repeatedly. This parameter-based approach maintains high quieting precision while significantly reducing the time and complexity of ongoing operations compared to repeated full calibrations.
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 reduces unwanted noise by generating cancellation signals that significantly quieten disturbances, providing improved sound quality in multi-zone media environments, adaptable to different locations and sound sources.
Implementation Method 1
generate cancellation signals that destructively interfere with unwanted sounds
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for quieting unwanted sound. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide a system and method, for example implemented in a premises-based or home audio system, for quieting unwanted sound at a particular location.