Spatial Sound Production With Timed TV and Hand-Held Speakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies require complex loudspeaker systems or specialist headphones to provide spatial sound with an apparent source position beyond left/right stereo, limiting their accessibility and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a controller loudspeaker in conjunction with TV speakers to create a spatial sound field by adjusting audio timing and phasing to simulate sound sources within a defined triangle, allowing for depth perception without complex setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex loudspeaker systems or specialist headphones are used, then spatial sound quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the TV speakers and controller loudspeaker into a unified spatial sound system. The controller loudspeaker is integrated with the TV system through wireless or wired connection, allowing coordinated operation to create virtual sound sources without requiring separate complex audio equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller loudspeaker serves multiple functions: it acts as a standard audio output device and simultaneously functions as a spatial sound generator when coordinated with TV speakers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated specialist headphones or complex loudspeaker systems.
2Measurement precision
If specialist headphones are used for spatial sound, then spatial sound perception is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates and adjusts timing offsets between TV speakers and controller loudspeaker based on their physical positions. The audio processor determines virtual sound source positions and applies appropriate time delays without requiring manual user configuration, making spatial sound accessible to all users regardless of technical knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates timing offsets based on the known positions of TV speakers and controller loudspeaker before audio playback begins. This preliminary setup enables immediate spatial sound perception without requiring users to perform calibration or configuration steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If audio timing is adjusted for spatial positioning, then spatial accuracy is improved, but potential game lag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates all timing offsets based on the fixed physical positions of TV speakers and controller loudspeaker before audio playback begins. By determining the time offsets in advance rather than calculating them in real-time during gameplay, the system achieves precise spatial positioning without introducing processing delays.
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
Enables spatial sound perception with minimal equipment, providing depth cues without game lag, using standard stereo speakers and a controller loudspeaker, enhancing immersion in films and games.
Implementation Method 1
outputting corresponding audio signals for one or more of the fixed loudspeakers and for the at least first hand-held loudspeaker at respective times both preceding a timing for an equivalent stereo signal for the fixed loudspeakers, wherein the respective times are selected to cause the resulting audio to reach the user substantially simultaneously from at least one fixed loudspeaker and from the at least first hand-held loudspeaker, and to be consistent with the audio being located at a spatial position between these loudspeakers
Data Source
AI summary
A method of spatial sound output comprises obtaining a distance between one or more fixed loudspeakers and a user, obtaining a distance between at least a first hand-held loudspeaker and the user, and outputting corresponding audio signals for one or more of the fixed loudspeakers and for the at least first hand-held loudspeaker at respective times both preceding a timing for an equivalent stereo signal for the fixed loudspeakers, wherein the respective times are selected to cause the resulting audio to reach the user substantially simultaneously from at least one fixed loudspeaker and from the at least first hand-held loudspeaker, and to be consistent with the audio being located at a predetermined spatial position between these loudspeakers.