Single Enclosure Loudspeaker Using Psychoacoustic Signal Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional home theater surround sound systems require multiple loudspeakers, leading to complex and unsightly installations, compromising both décor and sonic performance due to poor speaker placement and wiring issues.

Innovation Solution

A single-enclosure loudspeaker system utilizing multiple transducers driven by audio source filter circuitry based on psycho-acoustic principles and cranial anatomy analysis to create phantom surround sound positions, eliminating the need for multiple speakers and reducing installation complexity through wireless connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple loudspeakers are used to provide surround sound, then surround sound quality is improved, but installation complexity and wiring requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurround sound qualityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple loudspeaker functions into a single enclosure that houses multiple transducers (at least two). This single enclosure system integrates what would traditionally require separate speaker placements, thereby maintaining surround sound quality while eliminating complex wiring and installation requirements. The multiple transducers within one enclosure work together to create phantom surround sound positions without needing multiple physical speakers distributed around the room.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single enclosure loudspeaker system performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices. It provides both front channel and surround channel sound reproduction, as well as bass output, all from one unit. This multi-functional approach allows the system to replace multiple specialized speakers while maintaining comprehensive audio coverage and surround sound effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple loudspeakers are installed for surround sound, then audio performance is improved, but home décor is compromised due to unsightly wiring and speaker placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio performanceVSAvoidhome décor compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple loudspeaker functions into a single aesthetically pleasing enclosure, the system eliminates the need for visible wiring and multiple speaker placements that compromise home décor. The single enclosure can be positioned discreetly while still delivering comprehensive surround sound performance through its multiple transducers and psychoacoustic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple physical speakers and visible wiring with an electronic/psychoacoustic system. Using filter circuitry and psychoacoustic principles, the single enclosure creates phantom surround sound positions through signal processing, eliminating the need for physical speaker placements that would interfere with home décor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional multiple-speaker systems are used, then surround sound coverage is improved, but installation effort and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurround sound coverageVSAvoidinstallation effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The single enclosure system combines multiple speaker functions into one unit that requires minimal installation effort. Instead of installing and wiring multiple speakers throughout the room, users simply place the single enclosure in an appropriate location, connect power and audio input, and achieve comprehensive surround sound coverage through the integrated multiple transducers and psychoacoustic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If surround loudspeakers are placed according to industry standards, then surround sound quality is improved, but placement flexibility is reduced due to wiring constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurround sound qualityVSAvoidplacement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of physical speaker placement with electronic/psychoacoustic techniques. The single enclosure uses filter circuitry and psychoacoustic principles to create phantom surround sound positions, allowing the physical unit to be placed in locations that would be inaccessible to traditional speakers while still achieving standard-compliant surround sound quality through signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9185490B2Single enclosure surround sound loudspeaker system and method

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 POLK AUDIO LLC

AI summary

A single enclosure loudspeaker system projects multi-channel surround sound into a listener's room, and so replaces multiple conventional surround channel loudspeakers. The loudspeaker system includes a pair of opposing multi transducer arrays oriented laterally toward walls or reflecting surfaces (relative to the viewing axis) within the media space. The multi-element arrays are housed in a single self-powered loudspeaker enclosure along with a single (or multiple) low-frequency electro-acoustical drive element(s). In one embodiment of the invention, surround channel program material is pre-processed by an integrated wireless transmission device that performs certain digital signal processing and channel mixing steps in advance of wireless surround signal broadcast to a receiver.