Speaker Array Sound Beam Control for Phantom Image Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speaker array systems struggle to localize sound images in multiple directions beyond the conventional five, especially in rooms with irregular shapes, due to the difficulty in controlling sound beams that are reflected multiple times off wall faces.
Innovation Solution
A speaker array apparatus with a control section that adjusts audio signal directionalities and mixes signals to form sound beams in multiple directions, allowing for the creation of phantom sound images that can be localized in desired directions, even when conventional sound beams cannot reach the listener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sound beams are reflected three times off wall faces to increase localization directions, then the number of sound image directions increases, but the control of sound beams becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the audio signal processing into separate channels (front, rear, center, etc.), with each channel's sound beam being controlled independently. This segmentation allows complex multi-directional sound field control to be broken down into manageable individual channel controls, resolving the contradiction between increasing sound image directions and maintaining control simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If sound beams are reflected twice at maximum off wall faces, then the system is easy to control, but the sound image is limited to five directions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes both reflected sound paths (bouncing off walls) and direct sound paths (traveling directly to listener) to create sound images. By adding this additional dimension of direct sound beam control to the existing reflected sound path control, the system can localize sound images in more directions without significantly increasing control complexity, as direct beams follow simpler propagation paths.
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 the localization of sound images in additional directions beyond the conventional five, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems by forming phantom sound images using controlled sound beams, thus enhancing surround sound capabilities in various room configurations.
Implementation Method 1
outputs identical audio signals while applying delay times slightly different from one another to the audio signals so as to simultaneously reach the focal point in the space, so that the acoustic energy in the vicinity of the focal point is enhanced by in-phase addition
Implementation Method 2
sound beams are reflected twice at the maximum off the wall faces and then reach the listener
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker array apparatus includes a speaker array and a control section that controls audio signals corresponding to channels respectively so that the speaker array emits sound beams for the audio signal of a part of the channels in a plurality of directions and sound beams for the audio signals of the channels other than the part of the channels in a plurality of directions. One of the sound beams for the audio signal of the part of the channels is substantially identical in direction with one of the sound beams for the audio signals of the channels other than the part of the channels. Sound images for emitting sounds for the audio signals of the channels other than the part of the channels are formed and a phantom sound image for the audio signal of the part of the channels is formed at a position which is deviated from positions of the sound images.