Virtual Audio Height Perception via Frequency Segmentation and Ceiling Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surround sound systems with height channels face challenges in home entertainment settings due to complex setup requirements and poor directivity of lower frequencies, leading to diminished audio experience as sounds from upward firing speakers are often drowned out by direct sounds from forward firing speakers.
Innovation Solution
An audio processing system with a rebalancing module that adjusts the amplitude of height signals based on comparisons with low layer signals, using high and low pass filters to direct higher frequencies towards the ceiling and lower frequencies directly, and path compensation and precedence effect delay modules to synchronize sound delivery, enhancing virtual audio height perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If upward firing speakers are used to generate height channel sounds, then virtual audio height perception is improved, but lower frequency sounds lack directivity and are drowned out by forward firing speakers
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is segmented into different frequency components using high-pass and low-pass filters. High frequency components (above 1kHz) are directed to upward firing speakers for height perception, while low frequency components (below 1kHz) are directed to forward firing speakers for clear reproduction, preventing frequency interference and masking effects
Solution Approach 2:
Different frequency ranges are assigned to different speaker types based on their acoustic characteristics. Upward firing speakers handle high frequencies that benefit from ceiling reflection for height perception, while forward firing speakers handle low frequencies that require direct sound delivery, optimizing the performance of each speaker type for its appropriate frequency range
2Illumination intensity
If roof-mounted speakers are installed for height channel, then audio height perception is improved, but setup complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically mounting speakers on the ceiling, the patent creates a virtual ceiling reflection effect by processing audio signals through high-pass filters and routing them to upward firing speakers that bounce sound off the actual ceiling. This replicates the acoustic effect of ceiling-mounted speakers without the installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical installation system (roof-mounted speakers requiring drilling, wiring, and structural support) is replaced with an acoustic signal processing system that achieves the same height perception effect through electronic filtering and speaker routing, eliminating complex mechanical installation requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If upward firing speakers are used, then height channel coverage is improved, but frequency directivity is lost for lower frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency spectrum is segmented at 1kHz, with high frequencies directed to upward firing speakers for height channel coverage and low frequencies directed to forward firing speakers for maintained directivity. This segmentation allows each speaker type to operate in its optimal frequency range, achieving both height coverage and frequency directivity
Solution Approach 2:
Different directivity characteristics are applied to different frequency bands: high frequencies from upward firing speakers provide omnidirectional height coverage, while low frequencies from forward firing speakers provide directional sound delivery, optimizing the local acoustic quality for each frequency range
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 system improves the clarity and perception of sounds from upward firing speakers by increasing the amplitude of height signals and optimizing frequency distribution, ensuring a more immersive audio experience by balancing direct and reflected sounds.
Implementation Method 1
using high and low pass filters to direct higher frequencies towards the ceiling and lower frequencies directly
Implementation Method 2
sounds for transmission towards the user by reflecting off a predetermined location above the user
Data Source
AI summary
An audio processing system for enhancing a user's virtual audio height perception, comprising: a rebalancing module for receiving audio signals from a source, the audio signals including a low layer signal representing sounds for transmission directly towards a user, and a height signal representing sounds for transmission towards the user by reflecting off a predetermined location above the user; the rebalancing module for comparing the height signal and the lower layer signal, and adjusting an amplitude of the height signal based on said comparison; the low layer signal being transmitted to one or more speakers of a first speaker arrangement for transmitting sound represented by the lower layer signal directly towards the user; and the adjusted height signal being transmitted to one or more speakers of a second speaker arrangement for transmitting sound represented by the height signal towards the user by reflecting off the predetermined location above the user.