Virtual Screen Sound Source Positioning for High-Resolution Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for spatially matching images with sound sources on displays, such as in theaters, are impractical for small-scale displays like household flat panel TVs due to spatial limitations and require multiple loudspeakers, which are difficult to install and maintain.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a controller and a multi-sound source processor that selects and combines sound from multiple loudspeaker sets to create a virtual screen sound source, improving spatial resolving power and sound pressure by generating individual sound sources corresponding to specific screen positions and outputting them through selected loudspeakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple loudspeakers are two-dimensionally disposed on or behind the screen to generate sound sources at accurate positions, then spatial matching resolution is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sound reproduction task into multiple loudspeaker sets, where each set includes at least three loudspeakers that work together to generate a virtual sound source. This segmentation allows accurate spatial positioning without requiring a dense two-dimensional array of loudspeakers across the entire screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the concept of a virtual sound source as an intermediary between the physical loudspeakers and the perceived sound location. By processing signals through a virtual sound source representation, the system achieves high-resolution spatial matching using fewer physical loudspeakers arranged along the periphery rather than requiring numerous loudspeakers distributed across the screen surface.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of loudspeakers are used to achieve high-resolution sound positioning, then sound source position accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple loudspeakers into functional sets, where each set operates together to produce a virtual sound source. This merging approach reduces the number of independently controlled loudspeakers from what would be required in a full two-dimensional array, simplifying control while maintaining position accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each loudspeaker set is designed to be multi-functional, capable of generating virtual sound sources at different positions on the screen by adjusting signal processing parameters rather than physically reconfiguring the loudspeaker arrangement. This universality simplifies operation compared to systems requiring separate control of many individual loudspeakers.
3Measurement precision
If loudspeakers are arranged for high-resolution sound positioning, then spatial matching quality is improved, but adaptability to small-scale displays deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging loudspeakers in a two-dimensional grid across the screen, the patent positions them along the periphery in a one-dimensional arrangement. Virtual sound sources are then synthesized by processing signals through combinations of these peripherally-located loudspeakers, achieving high-resolution spatial matching adaptable to various display sizes including small household TVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability to different display sizes by changing signal processing parameters rather than physical loudspeaker spacing. By adjusting the virtual sound source position and the relative signal levels sent to different loudspeaker sets, the system maintains high spatial matching quality across various display dimensions from large screens to small household TVs.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual screen sound source is spatially synchronized with a visual object displayed on a display. A plurality of loudspeaker sets, which each include at least three of a plurality of loudspeakers installed at the periphery of a display, are selected, individual sound sources corresponding to the respective selected loudspeaker sets are generated, and a multi-sound source is generated by overlapping the generated individual sound sources and output through loudspeakers included in the loudspeaker sets.