Speaker Array Beam Angle Control for Ceiling Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speaker array apparatuses face challenges in setting the output direction of height channel audio beams to achieve optimal surround sound effects, as they require precise determination of output angles to ensure the audio beams reach the listener from the upper front side, and incorrect settings can result in suboptimal sound field reproduction.
Innovation Solution
The speaker array apparatus employs a control system that sets the output angle of the height channel sound beams based on the peak signal level of reflected sounds picked up by a microphone, adjusting the start angle of the sweep range relative to the listening distance to avoid direct sound interference and ensure the audio beams are reflected from the ceiling, thereby enhancing the surround sound experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the output angle of the height channel sound beam is set based on the direct sound peak, then the setting process is simple, but the surround sound effect deteriorates because the audio beam does not reach the listener from the upper front side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ceiling reflection surface as an intermediary element. By setting the output angle so that the sound beam reflects off the ceiling, the system uses the ceiling as a mediator to redirect the audio beam from the upper front side to the listener position, achieving the desired surround sound effect without directly pointing the beam at the listener
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal sound field creation to vertical sound field creation by utilizing the vertical dimension. The height channel sound beam is directed upward at a specific angle to reflect off the ceiling, creating a three-dimensional sound field that provides height and depth perception, thereby improving the surround sound effect
2Measurement precision
If the sweep range includes angles close to the horizontal direction, then the measurement covers all possible directions, but direct sound interferes with the reflected sound measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sweep range into two distinct parts: angles close to the horizontal direction (which produce direct sound) and angles away from the horizontal direction (which produce reflected sound). By excluding the horizontal-adjacent angles from the sweep range, the system separates the measurement of direct sound and reflected sound, preventing interference and enabling accurate identification of the reflected sound peak
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 allows for accurate setting of the output angle of height channel sound beams, improving the surround sound field by ensuring the audio beams reach the listener after reflection from the ceiling, thereby enhancing the overall sound experience and preventing direct sound interference.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic energy in the vicinity of the focal point is increased by in-phase addition
Implementation Method 2
the output direction of the audio beam of the height channel may preferably be set to an output angle of a test audio beam of which a reflected sound, reflected at a ceiling surface, has a peak of a signal level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A speaker array apparatus includes a speaker array, a beam forming portion that is configured to cause the speaker array to output the sound beam, a beam control portion that is configured to sweep with the test sound beam in a predetermined angle range in a vertical direction with respect to a horizontal direction, a microphone, a distance obtaining portion that is configured to obtain a distance between the speaker array and the microphone, and a storage portion that is configured to store pickup sound data that is associated with the output angle. The beam control portion sets a minimum output angle of the angle range to be larger as the distance obtained by the distance obtaining portion is smaller.