Single Speaker Multi-Drive System for Immersive Surround Sound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speaker systems, especially single speaker surround bars, struggle to provide a natural and immersive surround sound experience due to interaural crosstalk and require complex reconfiguration for switching between music and movie modes, limiting the sound stage and fidelity.
Innovation Solution
A single speaker multi-drive system with an on-screen display or smartphone app-based SSA Immersion Scale that adjusts Head Related Transfer Functions, Inter Aural Crosstalk Cancellation, and center channel level to create a customizable surround effect, allowing users to easily switch between music and movie configurations using a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional speaker systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the sound stage imaging and spatial acoustic reproduction are limited due to interaural crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical speaker arrangements with a single speaker containing multiple drivers that electronically simulate surround sound through digital signal processing. This substitutes the mechanical complexity of multiple speakers with electronic processing to achieve superior sound stage imaging while reducing physical system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts audio parameters including Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs), interaural crosstalk cancellation, and center channel levels through digital signal processing. By changing these parameters in real-time, the system optimizes sound stage imaging and spatial acoustic reproduction without adding physical complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex reconfiguration is used to switch between music and movie modes, then the sound quality can be optimized for each mode, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic reconfiguration capabilities through a user-friendly interface that allows easy switching between music and movie modes. The system automatically adjusts HRTF parameters, interaural crosstalk cancellation settings, and channel levels based on the selected mode, maintaining optimal sound quality while improving operational ease through automated parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically selecting and applying appropriate audio processing parameters based on the input source type. The interface guides users through simple selections, and the system autonomously adjusts complex parameters like HRTFs and crosstalk cancellation without requiring manual technical configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single speaker multi-drive system is used, then the speaker placement flexibility is improved, but the accuracy of spatial acoustic reproduction becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical multi-speaker systems with a single speaker that uses multiple drivers and digital signal processing to create virtual surround sound. This substitution maintains placement flexibility while achieving accurate spatial acoustic reproduction through electronic manipulation of audio signals including HRTF filtering and interaural crosstalk cancellation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces digital signal processing as an intermediary between the audio source and the listener's ears. This intermediary layer processes the audio signals through HRTF filters, crosstalk cancellation algorithms, and channel level adjustments to accurately reproduce spatial acoustic characteristics despite the simplified single-speaker physical configuration.
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 full sound stage immersion and realistic spatial acoustic reproduction regardless of speaker placement or listener location, providing a flexible and intuitive way to adjust the surround sound experience for both music and movie listening.
Implementation Method 1
The sub parameters controlled by the method include Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs), Inter Aural Crosstalk (IAC) Cancellation
Implementation Method 2
Inter Aural crosstalk (IAC) occurs when two sound sources (for example a set of speakers) which are separated in space and are intended to replace a single source
Data Source
AI summary
A method and speaker system that provides a single, user adjustable tool for controlling how and which spatialization parameters are used in a single speaker multi-driver system to enhance the sound stage. The tool creates the desired amount of audio surround effect to enhance the sound stage experience or effects in multiple sound recording mode, such as music or movies. The tool is represented in a scale that runs from ‘−10’ (less immersive) to ‘+10’ (more immersive) is set to taste by the listener and will vary with room acoustics and placement.