Vertical Height Loudspeaker Signal Processing for Audio Reproduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multichannel audio systems fail to effectively enhance audio reproduction by not utilizing the vertical height loudspeakers above the conventional front loudspeakers, leading to incomplete sound distribution and potential cancellation of out-of-phase signals at specific listening positions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves extracting out-of-phase sound information from side or rear audio channels and applying it to vertical height loudspeakers positioned above the front loudspeakers, using either passive or active matrices to derive and weight signals for left and right vertical height loudspeakers, ensuring in-phase signals to minimize cancellation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If out-of-phase sound information is extracted and applied to vertical height loudspeakers, then audio reproduction quality is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio reproduction qualityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts out-of-phase sound information from existing surround channels and applies it to vertical height loudspeakers. This extraction principle allows the system to utilize unused audio components without adding new sound sources, thereby enhancing audio reproduction quality while avoiding the need for additional complex hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes existing surround channels serve multiple functions: they provide both traditional surround sound and contribute to vertical height audio reproduction. By processing the same channel signals to extract out-of-phase information, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring dedicated vertical channels, thus reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If out-of-phase signals are applied to vertical height loudspeakers, then immersive audio experience is improved, but signal cancellation occurs at specific listening positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio reproduction qualityVSAvoidsignal consistency across listening area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies out-of-phase information to vertical height loudspeakers positioned above front speakers. By inverting the phase relationship and utilizing the vertical dimension, the system creates a different spatial distribution pattern that reduces cancellation issues at specific listening positions while maintaining immersive audio experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Area of stationary object

If vertical height loudspeakers are added to the system, then sound distribution is enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound distribution coverageVSAvoidloudspeaker system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds vertical height loudspeakers positioned above the front loudspeakers, introducing a vertical dimension to the audio system. This dimensional change expands sound distribution coverage without requiring proportional increases in system complexity, as the vertical speakers utilize processed signals from existing surround channels rather than requiring independent signal sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10356528B2Enhancing the reproduction of multiple audio channels
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

AI summary

This invention relates to the field of multichannel audio. More particularly, the invention relates to a method for the provision of audio channels suitable for application to loudspeakers located above conventional front loudspeakers.