Speaker Waveguide for Dolby Atmos Height Channel Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional height channel speakers in loudspeakers often produce sound energy directly towards listeners, rather than effectively directing it towards the ceiling for Dolby Atmos layouts, resulting in suboptimal sound quality and failing to meet specifications for smooth Directivity Index curves.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide design for loudspeakers that includes a housing with a recessed mounting surface and sidewall forming a waveguide, which shapes acoustic energy to project it upwardly inclined, ensuring that most energy is directed towards the ceiling and occluded from listeners, thereby enhancing sound reflection and reducing direct sound to listeners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional height channel speakers project sound energy directly towards listeners, then the acoustic energy is easily received by listeners, but the Directivity Index curve becomes non-smooth and sound quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide changes the spatial distribution parameters of acoustic energy by shaping the propagation path, directing sound at specific upward angles (e.g., 30-60 degrees from horizontal) to achieve smooth Directivity Index curves while maintaining controlled sound delivery to listeners
2Use of energy by moving object
If the waveguide directs acoustic energy upwardly inclined towards the ceiling, then more energy is projected towards the ceiling for Dolby Atmos layouts, but less direct sound reaches listeners
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide redirects acoustic energy from a horizontal propagation dimension into a vertical dimension by shaping the sound path at upward angles, enabling Dolby Atmos height channel functionality where sound reflects off the ceiling to create immersive spatial audio experiences
3Reliability
If the waveguide shapes propagation of acoustic energy to project it upwardly inclined, then sound quality is enhanced through smooth Directivity Index curves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide applies localized acoustic shaping only in the vertical dimension where it is most needed for Dolby Atmos performance, using targeted geometric features (sidewalls, flares, bends) at specific locations within the speaker assembly rather than complex modifications throughout the entire device
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 waveguide design achieves a smooth Directivity Index curve, improving sound quality by directing more energy towards the ceiling and minimizing direct sound to listeners, meeting Dolby Atmos specifications without requiring digital signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
The first waveguide shapes propagation of acoustic energy generated by the first upward-facing driver to project the acoustic energy out of the speaker device in an upwardly inclined direction
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a speaker device comprising a first housing including a first top surface comprising a first opening, a first recessed mounting surface spaced below the first opening, and a first recessed sidewall extending upwardly from the first recessed mounting surface to the first opening to form a first waveguide. The speaker device further comprises a first upward-facing driver mounted into the first recessed mounting surface. The first waveguide shapes propagation of acoustic energy generated by the first upward-facing driver to project the acoustic energy out of the speaker device in an upwardly inclined direction.