Virtual sound image control system, light fixture, kitchen system, ceiling member, and table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio reproduction systems require complex configurations with multiple pairs of loudspeakers to create stereophonic sound images perceivable by multiple users, which is not efficient.
Innovation Solution
A virtual sound image control system utilizing two-channel loudspeakers and a signal processor to generate and output acoustic signals, allowing multiple users to perceive sound images as stereophonic without the need for complex configurations, by arranging loudspeakers in line or symmetrically with respect to a virtual plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two or more pairs of loudspeakers are used to create stereophonic sound images for multiple users, then the sound image localization accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sound reproduction task into two independent functions: a transaural system for creating virtual sound images and conventional loudspeakers for general sound output. This segmentation allows the complex virtual sound image generation to be isolated to a specific two-channel system while other speakers handle standard audio, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sound image localization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the transaural system universal by designing it to work with any conventional loudspeaker system. The transaural headphones serve as a universal interface that can be combined with various speaker configurations (stereo, surround, etc.), allowing the system to create stereophonic sound images for multiple users regardless of the underlying speaker arrangement, thus reducing the need for complex dedicated multi-speaker configurations.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple pairs of loudspeakers are arranged to provide sound images for multiple users, then the sound field coverage is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sound field coverage function from the complex multi-speaker arrangement and relocates it to the transaural headphones. By taking out the virtual sound image generation task and placing it in the headphones, the system achieves wide sound field coverage for multiple users without requiring complex speaker arrangements, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex loudspeaker system is used to create stereophonic sound images, then the sound image quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses transaural headphones as a copying mechanism that replicates the effect of complex multi-speaker systems. Instead of manufacturing and deploying multiple physical loudspeaker pairs, the system copies the stereophonic sound image generation capability into the headphone transducers through signal processing, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining sound image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
In a virtual sound image control system according to the present invention, a signal processor generates an acoustic signal and outputs the acoustic signal to two-channel loudspeakers and so as to create a virtual sound image to be perceived by a user as a stereophonic sound image. The two-channel loudspeakers and have the same emission direction. The two-channel loudspeakers and are arranged in line in the emission direction.