Speaker Array Beam Steering With Side-Lobe Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speaker arrays in TV walls with narrow bezels cannot effectively direct audio signals to audiences positioned to the side, as the main beam of output signals is always directed forward, resulting in poor audio transmission and increased noise.
Innovation Solution
A speaker array control method that detects the audience's position, calculates a weighting vector for each speaker to adjust the directionality of output signals, reduces side lobe energy by outputting interference signals, and optimizes the weighting vector using an iterative method to ensure audio signals are directed towards the audience while minimizing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the main beam of output signals is always directed forward, then the structure is simple and stable, but the audio signals cannot be transmitted to audiences located at right side or left side of the TV wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering by adjusting the phase and amplitude of each speaker element based on detected audience position. The main beam direction changes dynamically from fixed forward to adjustable angles, enabling audio signals to reach audiences at different locations while maintaining system adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses audience position detection as feedback to continuously adjust the beam direction. The detector provides real-time position information, and the control algorithm modifies the weighting vectors accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to audience location changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the main beam is adjusted to reach side audiences, then audio transmission improves, but side lobes with noise signals increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different weighting factors to different speaker elements based on their individual contribution to the main beam and side lobes. By locally optimizing the amplitude and phase of each element, the system enhances the main beam in the desired direction while suppressing side lobes that generate noise, achieving spatially selective audio transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters (amplitude and phase) of each speaker element's output signal to optimize beam formation. By adjusting these parameters based on audience position, the main beam is directed toward the audience while side lobe energy is reduced, minimizing noise transmission to unwanted areas
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 method effectively adjusts the main beam of output signals to reach audiences at any position in front of the speaker array, reducing side lobe energy and enhancing audio quality by optimizing the weighting vector for each speaker.
Implementation Method 1
calculating a weighting vector for each of the speakers according to the position of the audience; adjusting a directionality of output signals of the speakers by the weighting vector
Implementation Method 2
outputting interference signals toward the non-target; reducing energy of a plurality of side lobes of the output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker array control method includes steps of detecting a position of an audience located in front of a speaker array, wherein the speaker array includes N speakers and N is a positive integer larger than one; defining a target and a non-target with respect to an i-th speaker of the N speakers according to the position of the audience, wherein i is a positive integer smaller than or equal to N; calculating a weighting vector for the i-th speaker according to the target and the non-target; adjusting a directionality of an output signal of the i-th speaker by the weighting vector and reducing energy of a plurality of side lobes of the output signal of the i-th speaker; and controlling the i-th speaker to output the adjusted output signal when the energy of each of the side lobes is smaller than a threshold.