Local Synthesis of an Acoustic Field by Means of a Virtual Diffusion Body

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

This patent describes a method for accurately reproducing a desired sound field within a specific local area using multiple loudspeakers positioned outside the listener zone. By virtually simulating how sound would scatter off an imaginary object matching the listener area's shape and then time-reversing the resulting sound field, the system calculates precise signals for the speakers. This allows for accurate spatial audio in a defined 'sweet spot' or even for creating zones of silence (quiet zones) within a larger sound field.

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

• Personalized audio zones in cars or public transportation where each seat has its own unique sound experience.
• Virtual reality or augmented reality systems needing precise 3D spatial audio for a user moving within a space.
• Conference rooms or auditoriums where different groups require distinct audio content simultaneously without interference.
• Noise-cancellation zones in open offices or industrial environments for focused work or meetings.
• Home theaters aiming for optimal surround sound in a specific listening area regardless of speaker placement.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows high-precision reproduction of a desired sound field in an arbitrarily shaped, limited listener area, overcoming traditional limitations of sweet spot location and shape.
• Enables dynamic adaptation—the zone of accurate audio can be moved in real-time, for example tracking a moving listener.
• Supports both immersive audio production and the creation of silence or reduced noise zones (acoustic 'quiet zones') using the same speaker array.
• Works with flexible loudspeaker arrangements (not limited to circles or spheres), increasing practical applicability.
• Reduces audio artifacts (such as aliasing and amplitude errors) in the target area compared to existing spatial audio techniques.

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Patent Abstract

The method involves determining a virtual sound field outside the listener area, which is created by scattering a desired sound field at a virtual scattering body with geometry equivalent to the geometry of the listener area. The signals of the scattered virtual sound field are determined at the positions of the speakers, where the time signals of the virtual sound field are reversed. The speakers are arranged in a circular, linear, rectangular, oval or spherical form, where the amplitudes of the speaker signals are corrected. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a method for reproducing a desired sound field inside a local area by multiple speakers at positions outside the listener area; and (2) a method for generating a quiet zone or a zone with reduced sound pressure in a sound field.