Rotating Speaker Array Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating speaker systems, such as the Leslie speaker, do not synchronize the absolute angular positions of multiple rotating horns or reflectors, limiting the achievable acoustic effects to simple tremolo and pitch variations.
Innovation Solution
A speaker system with one or more rotating speakers or reflectors synchronized in absolute angular position, allowing for control of rotary motion profiles that produce advanced acoustic effects like matched-velocity scanning, variable speed rotation, and phase-controlled modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotating speakers are used without synchronization, then the system is simpler to control, but the acoustic effects are limited to simple tremolo and pitch variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through encoders that continuously monitor the absolute angular position of each rotating speaker and provide this information to a control system. The control system processes this feedback and generates correction signals to maintain precise synchronization between multiple rotating speakers, enabling complex acoustic effects while maintaining stable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical synchronization methods with an integrated system combining electronic sensors (encoders), digital signal processing, and electronic control. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic and informational components enables precise angular position control and synchronization, expanding the range of achievable acoustic effects
2Adaptability or versatility
If absolute angular position control is implemented, then complex acoustic effects become possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that acts as a mediator between the rotating speakers and the desired acoustic effects. This control system receives position feedback from encoders, processes the information according to predetermined motion profiles, and generates appropriate control signals, thereby enabling complex motion patterns without direct mechanical coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of rotating speakers through programmable motion profiles that can adjust angular velocity, acceleration, and position in real-time. The system transitions from static synchronization to dynamic control, allowing motion profiles such as scanning with unequal peak velocities, variable speed rotation, and phase-controlled modulation
3Ease of operation
If rotating speakers operate at different speeds and directions, then tremolo effect is enhanced, but synchronization of absolute angular positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses encoder feedback to continuously monitor the absolute angular position of each rotating speaker regardless of their different speeds or directions of rotation. This feedback enables the control system to maintain precise knowledge of each speaker's position, allowing for sophisticated synchronization patterns that go beyond simple tremolo effects while still utilizing differential rotation
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
Enables the creation of complex acoustic effects not previously possible, such as scanning with unequal peak velocities, variable speed rotation, and phase-controlled modulation, enhancing the range of audio effects achievable in multi-rotor speaker arrays.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation of the horns produces a tremolo effect (amplitude modulation) and a variation in pitch due to the Doppler effect (frequency modulation)
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker system includes one or more rotating speakers (or speakers with rotating reflectors) that are synchronized in absolute angular position to another rotating speaker or synchronized to audio effects to generated by a signal processing system driving a stationary or rotary speaker. Knowledge of absolute angular position in a multi-rotor speaker array or signal processing system allows for control of rotary position to accomplish acoustic effects otherwise not possible, such as matched-velocity profiles with differential phase control and motion profiles that are not based on simple rotation.