Method and Apparatus for Driving an Array of Loudspeakers with Drive Signals

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

This invention provides a method and apparatus for adaptive multi-zone audio playback using an array of loudspeakers, where the system can identify the precise position and orientation (pose) of a listener or listeners in a space, and dynamically adjusts the sound field accordingly. Using video-based tracking or similar means, it can follow the movement and orientation of one or more listeners and personalize the audio each receives, including adjusting the zones and reducing unwanted sound leakage (cross-talk) between different listeners. The technology can provide individualized or group listening experiences, adapt to moving listeners, and optimize the performance of loudspeaker arrays in real time.

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

• Personalized audio in museums, where visitors automatically receive location-based information without headphones or manual activation.
• Multi-user TV or home cinema environments, enabling each viewer to experience personalized audio content (e.g., different languages or programs) even when moving around the room.
• Teleconferencing and meeting rooms, delivering separate audio streams to each participant (such as translation channels or private conversations) simultaneously in the same physical space.
• Immersive VR or AR environments for multiple users in the same area, enabling spatialized and individual sound experiences without individual audio devices.
• Shared workspaces or offices, allowing private audio notifications or calls directed to specific users without bothering others nearby.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly personalized sound experiences for one or multiple moving listeners without the need for wearable audio devices.
• Improved sound quality and reduced cross-talk between different listening zones, even in close proximity.
• Real-time adaptation to user movements and the number/location/orientation of listeners.
• Efficient use of loudspeaker arrays, dynamically activating or deactivating speakers for optimal performance and minimal interference.
• Supports both group and individual auditory experiences within the same environment.
• Enhances accessibility, such as for visually impaired users, by providing targeted audio feedback.
• Lower infrastructure demands compared to distributing headphones or other wearable devices.

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Patent Abstract

There is provided a wave field synthesis apparatus for driving an array of loudspeakers with drive signals. The apparatus comprises: - a listener pose identifying unit for identifying a pose of a listener, wherein the pose comprises a location and an orientation of a listener, - a sound reproduction unit for generating the drive signals, the sound reproduction unit comprising a sound field synthesizer for generating sound field drive signals for causing the array of loudspeakers to generate a sound field at at least one audio zone and/or a binaural renderer for generating binaural drive signals for causing the array of loudspeakers to generate specified sound pressures at at least two locations, and - an adaptation unit for adapting one or more parameters of the sound reproduction unit based on the identified pose of the listener.