Variable Apparent Source Width Audio System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems struggle to dynamically adjust the apparent source width of sound to accommodate varying user positions and activities, such as in vehicles, where optimal speaker placement is often not possible, leading to suboptimal audio experiences.
Innovation Solution
An audio system comprising multiple sound generators and a controller with sensors that detect user or vehicle position and activity, converting audio signals into speaker signals to alter the apparent source width by adjusting processing parameters like delay, filtering, and gain, simulating a wider or narrower sound stage based on detected conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If speaker placement is fixed and optimal positioning is not possible, then the audio system structure is simple, but the audio experience quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the audio signal processing parameters variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts processing parameters (delay, filtering, gain) based on detected user position and activity, allowing the system to adapt to different speaker placements and listening conditions, thus maintaining high audio quality without requiring precise speaker positioning during installation
2Device complexity
If the audio system provides fixed sound characteristics, then the system complexity is low, but the adaptability to different user positions and activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts audio processing parameters based on real-time detection of user position and activity. The controller modifies delay, filtering, and gain parameters to adapt the sound characteristics to different listening conditions, enabling the same hardware system to provide optimized audio experiences across various scenarios without requiring multiple dedicated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect user position and activity levels, then feeding this information back to the controller to adjust audio processing parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to automatically adapt to changing listening conditions, improving versatility while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated adjustment
3Device complexity
If the apparent source width is fixed, then the audio processing is simple, but the user engagement and immersion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically varies the apparent source width by adjusting audio processing parameters such as delay and filtering based on detected user activity and position. This creates an immersive and engaging audio experience that adapts to user interaction, while the processing complexity is managed through automated parameter adjustment rather than requiring complex manual configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A system for and a method of outputting sound having a variable apparent source distance and/or width is provided. The system may be used in a vehicle and the apparent source distance may be varied depending on parameters of a driving style or a driver's behavior.