Vertical Audio Transducer Columns for On-Screen Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio reproduction systems, such as surround sound systems, fail to effectively localize sounds in specific directions and often require a fixed listener position for optimal performance, falling short of true realism and not accurately positioning sounds in proximity to visual cues on-screen.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple rows of audio transducers vertically disposed around a video display, with weight factors determined for panning to create the illusion of sound emanating from a specific plane, allowing for improved localization of audio signals relative to visual cues, regardless of listener position, using metadata to interpolate sound positions between frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surround sound systems use a fixed single listener position (sweet spot) for best performance, then audio localization accuracy is improved, but listener mobility is restricted and realism is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal surround sound arrangement to a vertical columnar arrangement of audio transducers. By stacking transducers vertically behind the display and using vertical panning with weight factors, the system creates audio images in the vertical dimension that correspond to on-screen visual cues, enabling accurate sound localization without requiring a fixed listener position.
2Measurement precision
If the number of presentation channels is increased to improve sound localization, then audio fidelity is improved, but content production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameter from horizontal distribution to vertical stacking of audio transducers. This columnar configuration with vertical panning capabilities provides improved sound localization using a manageable number of channels, avoiding the need for complex multi-channel systems while maintaining audio fidelity and reducing content production complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional systems use symmetrical loudspeaker arrangement, then system simplicity is maintained, but sound localization in specific directions fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetrical vertical columnar arrangement of audio transducers positioned behind the display, contrasting with conventional symmetrical horizontal arrangements. This asymmetric configuration enables precise localization of sounds in specific directions corresponding to visual cues on screen, while maintaining reasonable system simplicity through the structured columnar layout.
Data Source
AI summary
Audio perception in local proximity to visual cues is provided. A device includes a video display, first row of audio transducers, and second row of audio transducers. The first and second rows can be vertically disposed above and below the video display. An audio transducer of the first row and an audio transducer of the second row form a column to produce, in concert, an audible signal. The perceived emanation of the audible signal is from a plane of the video display (e.g., a location of a visual cue) by weighing outputs of the audio transducers of the column. In certain embodiments, the audio transducers are spaced farther apart at a periphery for increased fidelity in a center portion of the plane and less fidelity at the periphery.