Multi-Plane Soundbar Transducer Layout for 3D Sound Directivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for creating a three-dimensional sound experience require a large number of loudspeakers and dedicated listening spaces, often interfering with the surroundings, and struggle to optimize sound radiation in three dimensions without sound distortion.
Innovation Solution
A loudspeaker transducer arrangement with a limited number of units arranged in specific geometrical configurations, combined with signal processing, to emit sound in multiple directions using reflections from room surfaces, optimizing sound radiation in three dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of loudspeakers are used to create a three-dimensional sound experience, then the sound quality and spatial coverage are improved, but the device complexity and interference with surrounding constructions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging loudspeaker transducer units in three-dimensional space at different positions and orientations. Specifically, transducer units are placed in different planes (first plane with front-facing transducers, second plane with side-facing transducers, third plane with rear-facing transducers) to create spatial sound fields in three dimensions, thereby achieving improved sound quality and spatial coverage without requiring a large number of speakers in a single plane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the loudspeaker system into multiple independent transducer units arranged in different spatial planes and orientations. Each transducer unit operates independently with specific directional characteristics, allowing the system to achieve complex three-dimensional sound radiation patterns through coordinated operation of segmented units rather than using a single large array
2Reliability
If loudspeakers are positioned at correct positions relative to the listener to create 3D sound, then the three-dimensional sound experience is improved, but the adaptability to different listening spaces and positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through signal processing that can dynamically adjust the operation of different transducer units based on the desired sound field configuration. The system can adaptively control which transducer units are active and their respective output levels to accommodate different listening positions and room acoustics, thereby maintaining three-dimensional sound experience across varying environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a multi-functional transducer arrangement where the same set of transducer units can serve multiple functions: front-facing transducers for direct sound, side-facing transducers for spatial envelopment, and rear-facing transducers for ambient sound fields. This multi-functional capability allows the system to adapt to different listening scenarios and space configurations without requiring reconfiguration of the physical speaker positions
3Power
If sound is emitted at higher volumes to play sound relatively loud, then the audio output level is improved, but sound distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio output across multiple transducer units operating in different directions and planes. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the power load across numerous units rather than overloading a single transducer, thereby achieving high overall output levels while each individual unit operates within its linear range, minimizing distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the operation of each transducer unit according to its specific spatial position and directional characteristics. Each transducer unit is controlled with appropriate signal levels and frequency content tailored to its location, allowing the system to achieve high overall power output while maintaining low distortion at each local radiation point
4Device complexity
If a limited number of loudspeaker transducer units are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize sound radiation in three dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the limited number of transducer units by exploiting three-dimensional spatial arrangement. Transducer units are positioned in multiple planes (front, side, rear planes) and oriented in different directions, utilizing the third dimension (vertical and depth positioning) to achieve comprehensive three-dimensional sound radiation coverage that would otherwise require many more units in a single plane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic signal processing to optimize the performance of each transducer unit based on its spatial position and the desired sound field. Through real-time control of phase, amplitude, and frequency content for each unit, the system maximizes the three-dimensional radiation efficiency of the limited transducer set, achieving optimal sound distribution throughout the listening space
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
Achieves a nature-true 3D sound experience without interfering with the surroundings, allowing for louder sound reproduction with minimized distortion by controlling sound directivity and reflections.
Implementation Method 1
the loudspeaker transducer units in the second and third walls will be aimed at a sidewall (side-firing) and the ceiling (up-firing) respectively of the room in which the loudspeaker transducer arrangement is provided
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a loudspeaker transducer arrangement comprising at least three loudspeaker transducer units emitting sound in different directions, where said loudspeaker transducer units are arranged in separate walls, where said walls are arranged in separate planes, wherein first, second and third planes are arranged relative to a three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system comprising x,y and z-axes, such that - a first wall arranged in said first plane is defined by a normal L1 perpendicular to said first plane and which normal L1 is parallel with the x-axis and the first loudspeaker transducer unit mainly emits sound along the normal L1 where - a second wall arranged in said second plane is defined by a normal L2 perpendicular to said second plane and which normal L2 results from rotating an axis parallel with the y-axis by an angle θ between 0 and 40 degrees around the z-axis (in the x-y plane) in the direction of the positive x-axis, and the second loudspeaker transducer unit emits sound mainly along the normal L2, and where - a third wall arranged in said third plane is defined by a normal L3 perpendicular to said third plane and which normal L3 results from rotating an axis parallel with the z-axis by an angle ϕ between 0 and 20 degrees around the y-axis (in the x-z plane) in the direction of the positive x-axis and subsequently rotating said axis by an angle ρ between -20 and 20 degrees around the x-axis in the direction of the negative y-axis, and the third loudspeaker transducer unit emits sound mainly along the normal L3. The invention is also directed to a soundbar where the loudspeaker transducer arrangement discussed above is integrated in both sides of the soundbar. Therefore, the invention is also directed to a soundbar for emitting a three dimensional sound image to a listener in a room.