Wave Field Synthesis Loudspeaker Array for Uniform Sound Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sound systems for large spaces face issues with uneven sound levels and poor directional perception, as loudspeakers are typically perceived as point sources, leading to discomfort for audiences due to varying loudness and inability to accurately localize sound sources.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a wave field synthesis loudspeaker array with existing supply loudspeakers, which calculates and provides loudspeaker signals to create a sound field that localizes sound sources precisely, eliminating the perception of loudspeakers as point sources and improving directional perception by using the law of the first wave front.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If loudspeakers are arranged in the front of the audience space, then the sound level for front seats is sufficient, but the sound level for rear seats becomes too soft
Solution Approach 1:
The sound system is divided into multiple independent loudspeaker channels (front, rear, left, right, and height channels) that can be individually controlled. Each loudspeaker acts as an independent sound source that can be adjusted to provide uniform sound distribution across all audience positions, resolving the contradiction between front seat adequacy and rear seat sufficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple loudspeaker systems are merged into a unified sound field where front loudspeakers, rear loudspeakers, and height loudspeakers work together. The sound fields from all loudspeakers are combined to create a homogeneous sound distribution throughout the audience space, eliminating the position-dependent loudness variations.
2Illumination intensity
If loudspeakers are arranged above the audience, then the sound level for rear seats is improved, but directional perception is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The loudspeaker system is segmented into distinct spatial groups (front, rear, left, right, height) that can independently reproduce directional information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain directional perception by assigning specific directional roles to different loudspeaker groups while still providing uniform sound coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a vertical dimension (height channels) to the traditional horizontal loudspeaker arrangement. This three-dimensional loudspeaker configuration enables both improved sound distribution to rear seats and preserved directional perception by creating a spatial sound field that maintains source localization cues.
3Device complexity
If a single mono-loudspeaker is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but directional perception becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The single mono-loudspeaker is segmented into multiple independent loudspeaker channels positioned at different locations (front, rear, left, right, height). Each channel can independently reproduce audio signals with specific spatial characteristics, enabling directional perception while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular channel design.
4Measurement precision
If support loudspeakers are positioned close to the sound source, then natural audio localization is restored, but the sound level becomes too loud for front audience members
Solution Approach 1:
The sound reinforcement function is segmented between support loudspeakers (close to sound source for localization) and supply loudspeakers (distributed for even coverage). The support loudspeakers provide directional cues and natural localization, while the supply loudspeakers provide the main sound field at controlled levels, preventing excessive loudness for front audience members.
Solution Approach 2:
The support loudspeaker system and supply loudspeaker system are merged into a coordinated sound field. The support loudspeakers positioned near the sound source provide localization cues, while the distributed supply loudspeakers provide uniform sound coverage at balanced levels, combining the benefits of both approaches without their respective drawbacks.
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
This solution provides a more even sound level distribution and accurate directional perception, enhancing the auditory experience by making the sound system seem like a line source rather than a point source, while maintaining sufficient loudness for all audience members.
Implementation Method 1
a wave field synthesis unit for calculating loudspeaker signals for the loudspeakers of the wave field synthesis loudspeaker array based on the position of the audio signal, based on the audio signal and based on a position of the loudspeakers of the wave field synthesis loudspeaker array so that a sound field produced by the wave field synthesis loudspeaker array allows localizing the sound source
Data Source
AI summary
A driving device for a sound system by loudspeaker signals, wherein the sound system has a wave field synthesis loudspeaker array and one or several supply loudspeakers arranged separate from the wave field synthesis array includes an audio input for receiving at least one audio signal from at least one sound source, a position input for receiving information on a position of the sound source, a wave field synthesis unit for calculating loudspeaker signals for the loudspeakers of the wave field synthesis loudspeaker array, and a provider for providing the loudspeaker signal for the one or the several supply loudspeakers. The driving device enables a sound system by means of which sound localization becomes possible for the audience and at the same time pleasant levels can be achieved also in the first rows of the audience.