Integrated TV Sound Projector for Surround Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face complexity and frustration in setting up and controlling surround sound systems, which typically require an additional audio-video receiver (AVR) and multiple speakers, increasing the complexity of home entertainment systems.
Innovation Solution
A television with an integrated sound projection system that includes an array of speakers capable of creating surround sound and projecting beams into a room, controlled by the TV's microprocessor and configurable using a graphical user interface on the TV remote control, allowing users to select modes, calibrate, and adjust sound beam parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate AVR and multiple speakers are used to create surround sound, then the sound quality and surround effect are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AVR functionality and multiple speaker system into a single integrated sound projector unit. The sound projector contains all necessary audio processing capabilities and houses multiple speakers (front left, front right, center, rear left, rear right, and subwoofer) within one device, eliminating the need for separate AVR and multiple discrete speakers while maintaining surround sound quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound projector serves multiple functions in a single device: it acts as both the audio receiver (AVR) and the multi-channel speaker system. The device can process various audio formats (5.1 surround, stereo, mono) and simultaneously function as all six speakers plus subwoofer, providing universal audio output capabilities without requiring additional specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate AVR and multiple speakers are used, then the surround sound capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is merged into the television itself. The TV's existing remote control and on-screen display (OSD) menu system are used to control the integrated sound projector, eliminating the need for a separate AVR remote control. All sound projection settings, modes, and configurations can be adjusted through the TV's familiar interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The TV's control system serves dual purposes: it controls both the video display and the integrated sound projection system. The single remote control unit provides universal control for both picture and sound, and the OSD menu system handles both video and audio configuration, simplifying operation while maintaining full surround sound capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an AVR component is added to the system, then the audio processing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing capabilities previously requiring a separate AVR component are merged directly into the sound projector unit. The sound projector includes built-in decoding functionality for various audio formats (5.1 surround, stereo, mono) and houses all necessary digital signal processing circuits, eliminating the need for an external AVR while maintaining full audio processing versatility.
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
Simplifies the setup and operation of surround sound systems by integrating sound projection into the TV, eliminating the need for a separate AVR and multiple speakers, providing intuitive control and configuration through the TV's menu system, and allowing for automatic calibration and manual adjustments of sound beams.
Implementation Method 1
beams of sound emanate from an array of speakers mounted in a single enclosure, i.e., a sound projector, into the room in which the sound projector is positioned and reflect off the walls and ceiling of the room creating surround sound within the room
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, sound can be projected and/or the television can be oriented automatically as a function of the location of the television remote control unit.