Sound Reproduction Signal Processor for Multi-Listener Cross-Talk Cancellation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound reproduction systems struggle to achieve exact cross-talk cancellation for multiple listener positions at all frequencies, as the Optimal Source Distribution (OSD) method is primarily designed for a single listener and requires continuous frequency distribution of sound sources, which is impractical with discrete loudspeakers.
Innovation Solution
A signal processor and array of discretized loudspeakers are configured to implement an approximation of the OSD sound field, using a minimum norm solution or linearly constrained least squares approach to generate cross-talk cancellation at multiple listener positions by optimizing source strength vectors and arranging speakers in a distributed frequency manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a continuous OSD sound field is used, then cross-talk cancellation is achieved at a single listener position, but it is impractical to implement with discrete loudspeakers and does not support multiple listeners
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous OSD sound field is segmented into discrete frequency bands, with each band handled by separate loudspeaker pairs. This segmentation allows the continuous theoretical model to be implemented using practical discrete loudspeakers while maintaining cross-talk cancellation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of source distribution from continuous to discrete by distributing loudspeakers across different spatial locations and frequency bands. This parameter change enables practical implementation while preserving the essential OSD functionality for multiple listeners.
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete loudspeakers are used to approximate OSD, then implementation becomes practical, but exact cross-talk cancellation at all frequencies for multiple listeners cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves partial cross-talk cancellation by targeting specific frequency bands and listener positions rather than attempting exact cancellation at all frequencies for all positions. This partial action approach makes the system practical while still providing significant benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes parameters such as loudspeaker spacing, frequency band allocation, and signal processing filters to achieve the best possible cross-talk cancellation performance given the constraints of discrete loudspeaker implementation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pairs of loudspeakers are used to support multiple listeners, then system complexity increases, but the fundamental OSD property of frequency-independent cross-talk cancellation is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by designing the discrete loudspeaker array to serve multiple listener positions simultaneously. Each loudspeaker pair contributes to the overall sound field that provides cross-talk cancellation for multiple listeners, making the system universal rather than position-specific.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the audio signal into frequency bands and assigns different loudspeaker pairs to different bands, allowing each subset of loudspeakers to be optimized for its frequency range while collectively supporting multiple listeners.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processor for a sound reproduction system which is arranged to perform processing of a sound recording so as to provide input signals for an array of distributed loudspeakers, such that the sound field generated by the loudspeakers results in cross-talk cancellation in respect of multiple listener positions at substantially all frequencies reproduced by the loudspeakers, and wherein the sound field so generated is an approximation of a sound field produced by an Optimal Source Distribution, OSD.