Method and apparatus for masking sound
First Claim
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1. A method for masking sound in particular zones of an interior space comprising the steps of:
- (a) monitoring the ambient noise of said space;
(b) measuring the characteristic frequencies and amplitudes of said noise;
(c) establishing zones defined by areas contiguous of similar ambient noise characteristics;
(d) mounting a first device for producing a sound masking output centrally within each of said zones;
(e) mounting second devices for producing a sound masking output which is driven by the first device adjacent each of said first devices; and
(f) adjusting the output frequency and amplitude characteristics of each of said first and second devices to produce a composite masking signal which results in a voice frequency shaped masking spectrum at a fixed height from the ground throughout the zone.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for masking sound is disclosed. A master sound masking unit (14) having a sound masking generator (20), an amplifier (22), a ten-octave equalizer (24) and a dual voice coil speaker (26) therewithin. Slave sound masking units (16) are connected to master unit (14) by detachable cables (18). Master unit (14) may also be used alone without slave units (16). If used with slave unit (16), master and slave units are arranged into zones and connected and adjusted in accordance with the method for producing optimum sound masking results described herewithin.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method for masking sound in particular zones of an interior space comprising the steps of:
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(a) monitoring the ambient noise of said space; (b) measuring the characteristic frequencies and amplitudes of said noise; (c) establishing zones defined by areas contiguous of similar ambient noise characteristics; (d) mounting a first device for producing a sound masking output centrally within each of said zones; (e) mounting second devices for producing a sound masking output which is driven by the first device adjacent each of said first devices; and (f) adjusting the output frequency and amplitude characteristics of each of said first and second devices to produce a composite masking signal which results in a voice frequency shaped masking spectrum at a fixed height from the ground throughout the zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 6)
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5. A method for masking sound in particular zones of an interior space comprising the steps of:
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(a) monitoring the ambient noise of said space; (b) measuring the characteristic frequencies and amplitudes of said noise; (c) establishing zones defined by areas contiguous of similar ambient noise characteristics; (d) mapping zones defined by contiguous areas of similar frequency and amplitude spectra; (e) locating a first device for producing a sound masking output within each of the zones; (f) locating second devices for producing a sound masking output which is derived from the first device, throughout the zone adjacent the first device; (g) adjusting the frequency and amplitude spectrum of the first device to achieve a composite of ambient noise and sound masking output which falls within a voice frequency shaped masking spectrum measured at a fixed height from the ground adjacent said first device; and (h) adjusting the amplitude of each of the second devices to produce said composite spectrum as measured in a plane located a fixed height from the floor of the interior space. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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Specification