Sound System Reducing Speaker Count via Signal Phase Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound localization techniques require a large number of speakers for stereo reproduction, leading to increased occupied volume, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sound system utilizing a pair of speaker units without speaker boxes, where each speaker emits specific processed acoustic signals to create localized sound reproduction, allowing for stereo reproduction with a reduced number of speakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stereo reproduction is performed using the technique in PTL 1, then localized sound reproduction is achieved, but the number of speakers required increases to at least four
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple speakers into a single speaker unit by integrating multiple speaker elements (first and second speakers) within one housing. This allows the unit to perform both L-channel and R-channel localized sound reproduction simultaneously, reducing the total number of speaker units required from four to two while maintaining stereo localized reproduction capability
Solution Approach 2:
Each speaker unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can reproduce both L-channel and R-channel localized sounds, and can be positioned in different locations (first and second positions) to create multiple localized sound regions. This universal design reduces the overall quantity of speaker units needed in the system
2Reliability
If the number of speakers is increased to achieve stereo localized reproduction, then sound localization performance is improved, but occupied volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple speaker elements are merged into a single integrated speaker unit housing, reducing the total volume occupied by speaker components. The first and second speakers are combined in one unit, and the first and second positions share a common housing structure, thereby decreasing the overall occupied volume while maintaining stereo localized reproduction performance
3Reliability
If the number of speakers is increased to achieve stereo localized reproduction, then sound localization performance is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple speaker elements into integrated units, reducing the total weight of the system. By combining first and second speakers within shared housings at different positions, the overall weight is reduced compared to using separate speaker units for each function, while maintaining the capability for stereo localized reproduction
4Reliability
If the number of speakers is increased to achieve stereo localized reproduction, then sound localization performance is improved, but cost is doubled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple speaker elements into integrated speaker units with shared housings, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining stereo localized reproduction capability, avoiding the cost doubling that would result from using four separate speaker units
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
The system achieves localized sound reproduction in stereo with fewer speakers, reducing volume, weight, and cost while maintaining effective sound localization.
Implementation Method 1
an L (2n)-th acoustic signal is an acoustic signal of an opposite phase to that of the L (2n−1)-th acoustic signal, an R (2n)-th acoustic signal is an acoustic signal of an opposite phase to that of the R (2n−1)-th acoustic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A sound system capable of reducing the number of speakers required for performing localized reproduction in stereo is provided. A first speaker emits a sound based on an L (2n−1)-th processed acoustic signal with signal processing to make it audible in a first region in an L direction to an L (2n−1)-th acoustic signal and an R (2n)-th processed acoustic signal with signal processing to make it non-audible in a fourth region in an R direction to an R (2n)-th acoustic signal, and a second speaker emits a sound based on an L (2n)-th processed acoustic signal with signal processing to make it non-audible in a second region in an L direction to an L (2n)-th acoustic signal and an R (2n−1)-th processed acoustic signal with signal processing to make it audible in a third region in an R direction to an R (2n−1)-th acoustic signal.