Vehicle Loudspeaker Array for Focused Sound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle audio systems face challenges in optimizing loudspeaker placement and sound wave obstruction, leading to imprecise stereo imaging due to reflective and absorptive surfaces, resulting in undesirable sound fields and comb filtering.
Innovation Solution
A loudspeaker array composed of wideband miniature speakers positioned at the intersection of a vehicle's windshield and dashboard, driven by multi-channel processor-controlled amplifiers, which creates a focused sound field with pin-point imaging and separate channel imaging, using signal delay and amplitude shading to minimize cross-talk and form privacy zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If loudspeakers are placed in conventional vehicle locations, then space constraints are satisfied, but sound imaging precision deteriorates due to obstructions and reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional distributed loudspeaker placement throughout the vehicle to a concentrated linear array configuration positioned specifically at the windshield-dash intersection. This dimensional repositioning exploits the angular relationship between the windshield and dashboard surfaces to create a focused sound projection path that bypasses traditional obstructions while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the typically harmful effects of vehicle interior reflections and obstructions into beneficial acoustic focusing. By positioning the array at the windshield-dash intersection, the reflective surfaces that normally cause comb filtering are repositioned to create a controlled acoustic path that enhances sound imaging precision rather than degrading it.
2Measurement precision
If loudspeakers are positioned to achieve optimal sound imaging, then sound field precision improves, but vehicle space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple loudspeakers into a tightly integrated linear array configuration, combining their acoustic output into a unified sound projection beam. This consolidation achieves optimal sound imaging precision while occupying minimal vehicle space at the windshield-dash intersection, rather than dispersing speakers throughout the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space at the windshield-dash intersection more effectively by orienting the array along the dash surface and projecting sound at an angle into the cabin. This spatial reconfiguration achieves precise sound field control without requiring additional vehicle interior space.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional loudspeaker arrays are used, then coverage is broad, but imaging sharpness deteriorates due to sound field dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a highly directional sound projection from the windshield-dash intersection that concentrates acoustic energy into a focused beam. This localized sound projection achieves sharp imaging precision in the target listening area while maintaining adequate coverage through the directed nature of the acoustic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the acoustic radiation parameters by positioning speakers in a linear array configuration with specific spacing and orientation at the windshield-dash intersection. This parameter modification transforms the sound dispersion pattern from omnidirectional to highly directional, achieving both imaging sharpness and controlled coverage area.
4Measurement precision
If multiple loudspeakers are distributed throughout the vehicle, then channel separation improves, but cross-talk increases due to reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the loudspeakers from their conventional distributed positions throughout the vehicle and consolidates them into a single linear array at the windshield-dash intersection. This extraction eliminates the multiple reflection paths that cause cross-talk between channels, while the linear array configuration maintains channel separation through its focused sound projection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the reflective surfaces that normally cause harmful cross-talk into beneficial acoustic elements by positioning the array at the windshield-dash intersection. The angled geometry of this location transforms reflections into controlled sound paths that enhance channel separation rather than creating cross-talk interference.
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
The solution enhances sound imaging clarity and separation by narrowing and focusing the sound field, reducing cross-talk and allowing for precise audio control, creating distinct and separate imaging of individual channels with minimal interference, and enabling privacy zones for passengers.
Implementation Method 1
the perceived vertically narrowed and focused coverage pattern created with the reflected acoustic sound
Implementation Method 2
the interaction of adjacent line-array transducers modifies the total acoustic radiation characteristics of the line array
Data Source
AI summary
An audio processing system for a vehicle includes a plurality of loudspeakers positioned to form a single line array. The loudspeaker line array is positionable in a vehicle on a dashboard of the vehicle substantially at the convergence of the dashboard and a window of the vehicle. When the loudspeaker line array is driven by an audio signal, a vertically and horizontally focused and narrowed sound pattern is perceived by a listener in the vehicle. The sound pattern is the result of the constructive combination of the direct sound impulses and the reflected sound impulses produced by each loudspeaker in the array. Using delay, attenuation and phase adjustment of the audio signal, the sound pattern may be controlled, limited, and directed to one or more locations in the vehicle.