Method for Determining a Sound Field

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention provides a method for determining or monitoring the sound field—the way sound behaves and propagates—in an enclosed space (like a room) or at any specific target position within such a space. It works by taking a limited set of acoustic measurements (possibly just one), then estimating properties of the room such as its geometry (sizes and shapes) and the sound-absorbing characteristics of its surfaces (surface impedance). Using these estimates, a computer model is built that can simulate or predict the sound field at any position within the room, eliminating the need for exhaustive physical measurements throughout the space.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Room equalization and calibration for audio playback systems (e.g., home theaters, studios, smart speakers) to provide optimal sound at various listener positions.
• Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) applications, where realistic and position-dependent sound simulations are needed for immersive experiences.
• Material characterization, e.g., testing and identifying the acoustic absorption properties of wall panels, furniture, or materials in an environment.
• Professional audio engineering environments (studios, concert halls, rehearsal spaces) for optimum speaker and furniture placement and acoustic treatment recommendations.
• Continuous monitoring and adaptive adjustment of audio systems in smart environments as furniture or listener locations change.
• Assisting in acoustic design and optimization of architectural spaces using simulated sound fields before construction or during renovations.
• Generating datasets for training artificial intelligence (AI) models focused on acoustic scene analysis, sound field prediction, or environmental monitoring.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces the number of physical measurements required to map or optimize the sound field in a space, thereby saving time and effort.
• Allows accurate prediction or simulation of sound characteristics at any location within a room, improving user experience with audio systems.
• Enables adaptive sound control—for example, automatically adjusting playback based on listener location or changes in the environment.
• Beneficial for environments where changing the physical space (e.g., adding treatments or moving walls) is impractical or undesirable.
• Supports a range of applications from entertainment (VR/AR, gaming) to professional (audio engineering, architectural acoustics) and scientific uses (material analysis).
• Can be integrated into smart devices (speakers, assistants) for automated, intelligent audio optimization.
• Enables creation of comprehensive digital acoustic models or databases without exhaustive manual measurements, useful for AI and simulation-driven industries.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Method for determining a sound field in an enclosed space or at a target position (TP) within the enclosed space, the method comprises the following steps: performing an acoustic measurement at at least one measurement position within the enclosed space or at a single one measurement position within the enclosed space to obtain an interim value set; estimating a surface impedance as first parameter describing the enclosed space based on the interim value set; determining a model of the enclosed space based on the first parameter; and estimating a sound field throughout the enclosed space based on the model of the enclosed space, the sound field describing a sound characteristic for a plurality of positions within the enclosed space.