Virtual Sound Zone Control with Visual Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple audio sources, users face challenges in identifying and navigating between sound zones to minimize audio-on-audio interference, as existing technologies fail to effectively visualize and control virtual sound zones, leading to disruptions in audio quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine and sense secondary audio signals in adjacent areas, generate counteracting audio signals to create silent zones or adapt original signals based on sensed audio, and indicate positions between sound zones using visual or auditory cues to help users navigate and maintain optimal audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio sources are used in different areas, then audio coverage and user experience are improved, but audio-on-audio interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The space is divided into multiple sound zones with distinct audio programs playing in each zone. The system segments the audio environment so that each zone can be independently controlled, allowing different audio content in different areas without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sound zone is optimized with specific audio characteristics tailored to that location. The system applies local quality control by adjusting audio parameters, volume, and content specifically for each zone, ensuring optimal audio experience in each area while preventing interference with other zones.
2Reliability
If virtual sound zones are created to reduce interference, then audio quality in each zone is improved, but the ability to visualize and navigate between zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visual indicators that change color or intensity to represent different sound zones and their boundaries. This visual feedback mechanism allows users to perceive the location and extent of virtual sound zones, compensating for the invisibility of acoustic boundaries and enabling intuitive navigation between zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators serve as an intermediary between the invisible acoustic fields and the user's perception. These indicators mediate the information about sound zone locations, boundaries, and characteristics, making the spatial audio environment visible and navigable without compromising audio quality.
3Reliability
If acoustic contrast is increased to separate sound zones, then audio isolation between zones is improved, but the complexity of controlling phase and acoustic parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms to automatically adjust acoustic parameters for optimal zone separation. Sensors detect audio leakage between zones and the system dynamically adjusts phase and amplitude parameters to maintain acoustic contrast, reducing the need for manual complex control while improving isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic parameters including phase and amplitude are dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions and user movement. The system automatically modifies these parameters to maintain optimal acoustic contrast between zones, simplifying control while preserving audio isolation through adaptive behavior.
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
This approach effectively reduces audio interference by visualizing sound zones and controlling acoustic contrast, allowing users to move seamlessly between areas while maintaining desired audio quality, even when multiple audio sources are present.
Implementation Method 1
providing, in the first area, a first audio signal generated on the basis of the determined/sensed second audio signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing information to a user positioned in a room with two independent listening areas where, in one area, an audio signal is output compensating for the sound from the other area, and where a position between the two areas is indicated to a user. When the user moves about, the position and size of one listening area may change, and the user may be made aware of any conflict with the other listening area. The areas may be defined by boundaries where a compensation quality is at a threshold quality.