3D Sound Field Control via Virtual Polyhedron Speaker Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multichannel audio systems fail to sterically control the localization of virtual audio sources in three dimensions, resulting in a two-dimensional sound field experience that lacks the height sensation of real-world sound fields.
Innovation Solution
A sound field control apparatus that uses a storage unit to store position information of speakers and a sound receiving point, along with an input unit and localization controller to define a virtual polyhedral solid and select speakers based on directional lines and angles, allowing for three-dimensional localization of virtual audio sources by determining appropriate signal levels for each speaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If speakers are disposed only in a plane (two-dimensional arrangement), then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the sound field reproduction capability is limited to two dimensions and cannot achieve three-dimensional localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional speaker arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by adding speakers at different heights (upper and lower positions). This dimensional expansion enables the system to reproduce sound fields in three dimensions, allowing virtual audio sources to be localized not only in horizontal directions but also in vertical directions, thereby resolving the limitation of conventional planar speaker systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surround sound speakers are installed at high positions, then the sound field support is improved, but the contribution to localization of individual virtual audio sources is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different functional roles to speakers based on their spatial positions. Upper speakers (FLh, FRh, BLh, BRh) and lower speakers (FL1, FR1, BL1, BR1) are selectively activated depending on the vertical position of the virtual audio source. This localized functional assignment enables precise control over sound field characteristics for different spatial regions, allowing accurate localization of individual virtual audio sources at various heights.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the height of localization of virtual audio sources is not controlled, then the ease of operation is improved, but the realism of the sound field is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speaker selection and signal distribution based on the real-time vertical position of virtual audio sources. The system automatically adjusts which speakers (upper or lower) are activated and calculates appropriate signal levels based on the angular position of the virtual source relative to the listener. This dynamic adaptation enables realistic height sensation without requiring manual configuration, as the system automatically optimizes the sound field according to the desired virtual source position.
Data Source
AI summary
In a sound field control apparatus, a storage unit stores position information of a plurality of speakers disposed in a three-dimensional space and position information of a sound receiving point. An input unit inputs an audio signal and position information of a virtual audio source. A localization controller localizes the audio signal at a position of the virtual audio source. The localization controller defines a virtual polyhedral solid that has vertices at respective positions of the plurality of the speakers, selects a face of the virtual polyhedral solid through which a directional line from the sound receiving point to the virtual audio source passes, selects speakers located at vertices of the selected face as speakers to which the audio signal is output, and determines ratios of levels of the audio signals to be provided to the speakers located at the vertices of the selected face based on ratios of respective angles between the directional line and straight lines directed from the sound receiving point to the vertices of the selected face.