Sound reproducing array processor system

• US 5,812,675 A
• Filed: 09/13/1996
• Issued: 09/22/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Taylor Group Incorporated
• Original Assignee: The Taylor Group Incorporated
• Inventors: Taylor, Stephen Francis
• Primary Examiner(s): Chang, Vivian
• Application Number:
  US08/713,794
• Time in Patent Office: 739 Days
• Field of Search: 381/77, 381/17, 381/18, 381/23, 381/24, 381/63, 381/90, 381/182
• US Class Current: 381/18
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/00 Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions gaming systems which provide a financial reward G07F17/32
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/54 involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/6063 for sound processing
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/6081 generating an output signal, e.g. under timing constraints, for spatialization
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/00 Three dimensional [3D] modelling, e.g. data description of 3D objects
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/0091 Means for obtaining special acoustic effects combined with modulation G10H1/043
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 1/32 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2210/295 Spatial effects, musical uses of multiple audio channels, e.g. stereo Helmholtz resonance effects G10H2210/275; reverberation or echo G10H2210/281
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2240/311 MIDI transmission G10H2240/056 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G10H 2250/531 Room models, i.e. acoustic physical modelling of a room, e.g. concert hall reverberation or echo G10H2210/281; soundscape or sound field simulation G10H2210/301
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00 Signal processing not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Circuits therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/00992 Circuits for stereophonic or quadraphonic recording or reproducing
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/00 Arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus with cameras or projectors G03B31/00 ; recording/reproducing of music for electrophonic musical instruments G10H1/0033; automatic arrangements for answering calls or for recording messages for absent subscribers H04M1/64; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with dictation recording and playback systems H04M11/10; connection of TV recorder with other related apparatus, e.g. TV camera or receiver, in which the TV signal is significantly involved H04N, e.g. H04N23/00, H04N5/765; combination of radio or TV with other apparatus, e.g. with vehicles H05K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/006 with video camera or receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/602 for digital sound signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/642 Disposition of sound reproducers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/403 loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2430/20 Processing of the output signals of the acoustic transducers of an array for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic H04R2203/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 3/12 for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers specially adapted for hearing aids H04R25/407
• CPC Class Codes: H04S 3/008 in which the audio signals are in digital form, i.e. employing more than two discrete digital channels data reduction aspects thereof based on psychoacoustics G10L19/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04S 7/40 : Visual indication of stereophonic sound image

Abstract

A method and apparatus for dynamic, adaptive mapping of three-dimensional aural phenomenon to a two-dimensional sound reproducing surface. The surface is comprised of sound pixels that are discrete, addressable output locations. Actual or synthetic recorded audio material is decomposed into discrete sound sources which are then mapped to the sound pixels. This mapping occurs during the production phase by means of computer-aided design (CAD) system. The CAD system guides the sound designer in the implementation of complex acoustical designs by automating the most complex and computationally intensive functions. The mapping function can be extended to integrate real-time human interaction, ultimately creating a participatory, interactive virtual sound environment.

Claims

1. A sound reproducing system, comprising:

(a) a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface comprised of a plurality of sound pixels, wherein the sound pixels comprise addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, the sound pixels being arranged in a matrix having vertical and horizontal axes so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the vertical and horizontal axes of the matrix;

(b) a storage device for storing a plurality of data streams, wherein each data stream comprises one or more elements of an acoustical energy source; and

(c) processing means, coupled to the surface and the storage device, for retrieving at least one data stream from the storage device and for transmitting each of the data streams to a specific sound pixel, wherein the sound pixels are synchronized and interlinked by the data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the vertical and horizontal axes of the matrix.

2. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein the surface is defined by the acoustical energy generated by the sound pixels.

3. The invention as set forth in claim 1, wherein the surface is defined by outer edges of the transducers.

4. The invention as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein the surface is deformable into three dimensions.

5. The invention as set forth in claim 4 above, wherein the surface supports propagation and movement of the sound in three dimensions.

6. The invention as set forth in claim 1 above, further comprising means for accepting input from sensors.

7. The invention as set forth in claim 6 above, further comprising means for modifying the data streams in response to the input from the sensors.

8. The invention as set forth in claim 1 above, further comprising means for accepting audio input and for modifying the data streams in response thereto.

9. The invention as set forth in claim 1 above, further comprising a plurality of satellite sound pixels coupled to one of the sound pixels.

10. The invention as set forth in claim 9 above, wherein each satellite sound pixel further comprises means for receiving and processing the data streams for the coupled sound pixel to alter sound generating characteristics therein.

11. The invention as set forth in claim 10 above, wherein the altered sound generating characteristics are selected from a group comprising gain, delay, and frequency.

12. The invention as set forth in claim 1 above, further comprising means for interconnecting multiple sound reproducing surfaces to each other.