Surface Speaker Multi-Transducer Frequency Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio devices using surface transducers to generate sound face challenges in optimizing low-frequency bass response, as the frequency response of a surface is location-dependent and non-linear, affecting the reproduction of lower frequencies which are often required at higher decibels for human perception.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple surface transducers positioned at specific locations on a surface to excite different modes of oscillation, with one transducer configured to stimulate high-frequency oscillations and another to stimulate low-frequency oscillations, optimizing the frequency response by varying the stiffness and displacement characteristics across the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single surface transducer is used to generate sound, then the device structure is simple, but the low-frequency bass response is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is segmented into multiple transducers with distinct frequency responsibilities: first transducers handle high-frequency oscillations while second transducers handle low-frequency oscillations. This segmentation allows each transducer to be optimized for its specific frequency range, improving overall sound quality particularly in bass response without requiring excessive complexity in any single component
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from considering only the position dimension to incorporating the frequency dimension in transducer placement. By positioning transducers to excite different modes of oscillation (high-frequency vs low-frequency modes), the system exploits the frequency dimension to achieve balanced audio output across the spectrum, particularly enhancing low-frequency response
2Measurement precision
If transducers are positioned to excite high-frequency modes, then high-frequency sound quality is improved, but low-frequency response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the surface are assigned different functional qualities: certain locations are optimized for exciting high-frequency modes while other locations are optimized for low-frequency modes. This local quality differentiation allows each transducer position to excel at its designated frequency range, with the overall system achieving balanced frequency response through the combination of locally-optimized transducers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of different transducers, specifically assigning different frequency ranges to different transducers. First transducers are configured to excite high-frequency modes of oscillation while second transducers are configured to excite low-frequency modes, creating a parameter-based division of labor that resolves the frequency response trade-off
3Reliability
If transducers are positioned at specific locations to optimize frequency response, then audio quality is improved, but the positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is segmented into distinct positioning zones: high-frequency transducer positions and low-frequency transducer positions. Each zone has specific positioning requirements optimized for its frequency function, which can simplify the overall positioning challenge by breaking it into manageable segments with clearly defined placement criteria rather than requiring precise optimization of a single transducer position
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 enhances the low-frequency response by positioning transducers at anti-nodes for low-frequency modes and near edges for high-frequency modes, resulting in a more balanced sound pressure level across frequencies, improving the overall audio output.
Implementation Method 1
one or more surface transducers, for example piezo devices, moving magnetic voice coils, or other transducers capable of translating an input audio signal into movement to vibrate the screen
Implementation Method 2
one or more surface transducers, for example piezo devices, moving magnetic voice coils, or other transducers capable of translating an input audio signal into movement to vibrate the screen
Implementation Method 3
These vibrations displace the surrounding air creating soundwaves
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide an audio device and a method of operating the audio device. The audio device comprises at least one surface, a first surface transducer positioned to excite first modes of oscillation in a first surface of the at least one surface, and a second surface transducer positioned to excite second modes of oscillation in a second surface of the at least one surface, wherein the first modes of oscillation are of a higher frequency than the second modes of oscillation.