Self-configuring Loudspeaker Using Ultrasonic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless speakers in multichannel audio systems lack the ability to automatically determine their roles within the system, preventing optimal reproduction of multichannel audio due to lack of self-configuring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A self-configuring location-aware loudspeaker system utilizing ultrasonic and RF signals, with a processor that processes these signals to determine the location of adjacent speakers and create a speaker constellation map, allowing each speaker to identify its role and adjust audio output accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless speakers are used in multichannel audio systems, then wireless connectivity and convenience are improved, but the ability to automatically determine speaker roles and positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker system performs self-configuration by automatically determining its own position and role in the multichannel system through processing ultrasonic signals from other speakers, eliminating the need for manual configuration by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from received ultrasonic signals to continuously determine and update the position and role of each speaker in the constellation, enabling dynamic adaptation to changes in the speaker arrangement
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration is required for speaker roles, then precise position information can be obtained, but user convenience and ease of setup deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration operations with an automated acoustic field-based detection system that uses ultrasonic signals to automatically determine speaker positions and roles, achieving both precision and convenience
3Device complexity
If speakers cannot determine their roles automatically, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to reproduce multichannel audio optimally deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary self-configuration by determining speaker roles and positions automatically before audio playback begins, ensuring optimal multichannel reproduction is ready without requiring complex user setup procedures
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
Enables automatic configuration of wireless speakers within a multichannel system, ensuring optimal audio reproduction by determining the precise role of each speaker and adjusting audio output based on its location, enhancing the listening experience.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic transmitter transmits an ultrasonic signal associated with the loudspeaker
Implementation Method 2
An RF transmitter transmits an RF signal associated with the loudspeaker. An RF receiver receives adjacent loudspeaker RF data from an adjacent location aware self-configuring loudspeaker
Implementation Method 3
The processor includes a time difference of arrival processing unit that processes the first, second and third received ultrasonic receiver signals
Implementation Method 4
A transducer that radiates an audio signal indicative of the processed received audio data signal
Data Source
AI summary
A location aware self-configuring loudspeaker includes a plurality of ultrasonic receivers that each provide an associated received ultrasonic receiver signal. An RF receiver receives adjacent loudspeaker RF data from an adjacent location aware self-configuring loudspeaker and provides received RF data indicative thereof. A data receiver receives audio data and provides received audio data indicative thereof. The location aware self-configuring loudspeaker also includes a processor that receives and processes the received ultrasonic receiver signals and the received RF data to determine a location of detected adjacent loudspeakers and the location of the location aware self-configuring loudspeaker. The processor also provides data indicative of the determined location of the detected adjacent loudspeakers and the location of the self-configuring loudspeaker. In addition the processor receives and processes the received audio data based upon the determined location of the loudspeaker and radiates audio indicative thereof.