Spatial Sound Energy Distribution Control Using Filter Coefficients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in creating a personal sound zone (PSZ) that effectively transmits sound to a designated listener without disturbing others, as they struggle to efficiently control sound energy distribution and directivity using conventional speakers.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a filter coefficient calculating unit to optimize sound energy distribution by calculating filter coefficients based on sound energy ratios and efficiencies, determining array sizes, and generating output signals to concentrate sound energy on specific regions, thereby enhancing directivity and reducing noise in undesired areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional speakers are used to create a personal sound zone, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sound energy distribution control and directivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound field into distinct regions (concentration region and reduction region) and applies different filter coefficients to control sound energy distribution in each region. This segmentation allows independent optimization of sound energy concentration in the target area while reducing noise in surrounding areas, resolving the contradiction between simple device configuration and precise sound energy control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements location-specific sound energy control by calculating separate filter coefficients for the concentration region and reduction region. Each region receives tailored acoustic treatment, with the concentration region optimized for sound delivery and the reduction region optimized for noise suppression. This local quality approach enables precise spatial control of sound energy without requiring complex hardware modifications.
2Manufacturing precision
If sound energy is concentrated on a particular region using delay from multiple speakers, then the directivity is improved, but the sound energy efficiency is reduced due to energy loss in other regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful sound energy that would otherwise be wasted in the reduction region into a beneficial control mechanism. By applying negative filter coefficients to the reduction region, the system actively suppresses sound energy in areas where it is not needed. This transforms potential energy waste into a useful noise-cancellation effect, improving overall sound energy efficiency while maintaining directivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts filter coefficients based on the spatial relationship between the concentration region and reduction region. By changing the parameters of the acoustic field control (filter coefficients, delay times, and gain values), the system optimizes sound energy distribution to maximize concentration in the target region while minimizing energy waste in surrounding regions, thereby improving both directivity and energy efficiency.
3Device complexity
If filter coefficients are calculated without considering sound energy ratio, then the calculation complexity is reduced, but the sound energy distribution control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of sound energy ratios between the concentration region and reduction region before determining the final filter coefficients. This preliminary action provides a foundation for optimizing the acoustic field control, allowing the system to pre-determine the optimal energy distribution pattern. By calculating sound energy ratios in advance, the system establishes a reference framework that guides subsequent filter coefficient optimization, improving sound energy distribution control without excessive computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculated sound energy ratio is used to adjust and optimize the filter coefficients. The system continuously monitors the sound energy distribution and uses the energy ratio information to refine the acoustic field control parameters. This feedback loop ensures that the filter coefficients are optimized based on actual sound energy distribution patterns, achieving precise control while maintaining manageable calculation complexity through iterative refinement.
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 solution effectively creates a personal sound zone by increasing sound pressure levels in desired regions while reducing them in undesired areas, allowing for stereophonic sound experience without wall reflections, using a single array speaker.
Implementation Method 1
sounds emitted from a plurality of speakers in different directions may be concentrated on a particular region using delay of the sounds from the respective speakers
Implementation Method 2
directivity of the sounds is increased using a special speaker capable of high-output and high-frequency vibration or using a sound wave guide
Data Source
AI summary
A spatial sound energy (SSE) distribution control apparatus calculates filter coefficients for controlling distribution of the sound energy of an input signal, in consideration of a sound energy ratio between a reduction region for reducing transmission of a sound energy emitted through an array speaker and a concentration region for concentrating transmission of the sound energy and also in consideration of a sound energy efficiency of the concentration region. Also, the SSE distribution control apparatus determines an array size of a speaker in a case where the sound energy ratio is maximized, according to frequency variation of the input signal.