Spherical Speaker Array for AR Sound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality systems face challenges in creating a high-quality sound experience, especially in environments with moving objects or users, as they struggle to provide rich audio that is synchronized and directional.
Innovation Solution
A centrally mounted spherical speaker array with individually controlled speakers, capable of forming directional beams using time delays, is integrated into the augmented reality environment, along with projection and camera systems to project and capture images, and a speaker array controller to manage sound output based on 3D scene models and user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed speaker array is used, then the system structure is simple, but the sound quality and directional control are insufficient for moving users
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker array is divided into multiple individually controllable speaker units arranged in a spherical configuration. Each speaker can be independently controlled to emit sound waves with specific time delays, enabling precise directional beam formation and dynamic tracking of moving users without requiring a complex movable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the time delays and activation states of individual speakers based on the real-time positions of users and objects in the environment. This dynamic control enables the sound beams to track moving users and maintain high-quality directional audio without physical movement of the speaker array itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sound systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to provide immersive surround sound and stereo effects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The speakers are arranged in a three-dimensional spherical configuration rather than a traditional planar arrangement. This spatial distribution enables the system to create sound beams in multiple directions simultaneously, providing immersive surround sound and stereo effects by utilizing the third dimension for audio spatialization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the spherical speaker array can emit sound with different characteristics, time delays, and intensities. This local control enables the system to create directional sound beams targeted at specific users or objects, providing customized audio experiences for different spatial zones within the environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If speakers are distributed throughout the environment, then the audio coverage is improved, but the device complexity and synchronization challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cameras and sensors to continuously track the positions of users and objects in the environment, providing real-time feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the time delays and activation of individual speakers to maintain accurate directional sound beams, ensuring proper synchronization across the distributed speaker array.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-calculates and stores the spatial relationships and time delay requirements for different user positions and environmental configurations. When a user or object is detected, the system retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-computed parameters, reducing real-time computational complexity and ensuring precise synchronization across distributed speakers.
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 setup enables a rich, full-spectrum, and immersive audio experience by directing sound beams accurately to users and objects within the environment, providing surround sound and stereo effects while maintaining clarity and localization.
Implementation Method 1
capable of forming directional beams using time delays
Data Source
AI summary
In an augmented reality environment, a speaker array is centrally located within an area to generate sound for the environment. The speaker array has a spherical or hemispherical body and speakers mounted about the body to emit sound in multiple directions. A controller is provided to select sets of speakers to form beams of sound in determined directions. The shaped beams are output to deliver a full audio experience in the environment from the fixed location speaker array.