Soundbar Transducer Reflection for 3D Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soundbar technologies face challenges in reproducing immersive 3D sound in home environments without the need for extensive loudspeaker installations, as they often lack sufficient directionality for a broad frequency range, leading to degraded sound quality due to direct sound emission and insufficient use of reflective surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A soundbar design that utilizes at least two transducer groups, where the first group emits sound in a horizontal direction for two-dimensional reproduction and the second group emits sound towards a vertical surface for reflection, extending the sound field in the height dimension using second-order reflections, with the sound being shielded by a screen or reflector to enhance directionality and reduce unwanted emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If upward-firing drivers are used for height audio signal, then 3D sound reproduction is enabled, but sufficient directionality for broad frequency range is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer system is divided into two distinct groups: first group transducers for horizontal 2D sound field reproduction and second group transducers for vertical height dimension reproduction. This segmentation allows each group to be optimized for its specific function, with the second group specifically designed to emit sound towards vertical surfaces for reflection-based height effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal-plane surround sound to three-dimensional sound reproduction by utilizing the vertical dimension. Second group transducers emit sound towards vertical surfaces, and the reflected sound creates height perception, adding a new spatial dimension to the audio experience without requiring ceiling-mounted loudspeakers.
2Manufacturing precision
If filters are applied to remove spatial cues, then directionality is improved, but sound quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Vertical reflective surfaces act as intermediaries between the second group transducers and the listener. The transducers emit sound towards these surfaces, which then reflect the sound to create height perception. This intermediary approach achieves directionality control without requiring filters that would degrade sound quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic filtering approach with a physical/geometric approach using reflective surfaces. Instead of using filters to control sound direction, the system uses the geometry of reflection off vertical surfaces to achieve directional control, substituting mechanical/geometric means for electronic signal processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional surround sound setups are installed, then immersive sound is achieved, but installation effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single soundbar device: horizontal 2D sound field reproduction, vertical height dimension reproduction, and reflection-based directional control. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate loudspeakers and complex installations, achieving immersive sound with a unified, simplified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The soundbar is designed as a universal device that can reproduce immersive 3D sound in various listening environments without requiring specific installation configurations. The system uses readily available vertical surfaces (walls, screens) for reflection, making it adaptable to different room layouts and eliminating the need for specialized installation.
4Area of stationary object
If direct sound emission is used, then sound coverage is improved, but directionality and immersive effect are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of emitting sound directly towards the listener, the second group transducers emit sound in the opposite direction towards vertical surfaces. The sound then reflects off these surfaces to reach the listener from above, creating height perception. This inverted approach uses reflection rather than direct emission to achieve directional control.
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 enables effective three-dimensional sound reproduction with improved directionality and reduced precedence effects, allowing for high-quality immersive audio without the need for multiple loudspeakers, by using second-order reflections and strategic transducer placement within the soundbar and room geometry.
Implementation Method 1
the sound emitted by the at least one transducer of the second group is reflected by the vertical surface first and by the horizontal surface second
Data Source
AI summary
A soundbar includes a housing, at least two transducers of a first group and at least one transducer of a second group. The at least two transducers of the first group are arranged at the front side of the housing and configured to emit sound in a first direction in accordance with two first audio signals so as to reproduce a two dimensional sound field. The at least one transducer of a second group is arranged at second side of the housing and configured to emit sound in a second direction in accordance with a second audio signal such that the sound emitted by the at least one transducer of the second group reaches a predefined listener's position in a reflected manner to extend the two dimensional sound field in a height direction. The reflection reflecting the sound emitted by the at least one transducer of the second group has an order of at least two.