Systems and methods for controlling plate loudspeakers using modal crossover networks
AssigneeUniversity of Rochester
InventorsDavid Allan Anderson, Mark Frederick Bocko, Michael Charles Heilemann
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Abstract
Systems and methods of driving plate loudspeakers with different parameters based on frequency region in a way similar to typical cone driver crossover networks are described. These systems and methods may be implemented using arrays of independently controlled drivers which allow a designer to emphasize or de-emphasize certain modes in certain frequency bands. Tuning the characteristics of the plate's motion can also affect the acoustical properties in a larger space rather than just at a single location. The systems and methods described herein can grant a designer a degree of control over the characteristics and performance of the plate.
Claims20
A method for controlling the performance of a plate loudspeaker, the method comprising:
- processing a signal into a plurality of sub-signals, wherein each sub-signal is associated with a frequency band;
- assigning each sub-signal to one or more of a plurality of drivers located on a plate and assigning a relative amplitude to each of the plurality of drivers, wherein the sub-signal and the relative amplitude assigned to each of the plurality of drivers is determined based at least on the location of the driver on the plate, and
- wherein the plate is driven to modes of motion by the plurality of drivers to generate the sound output of the plate loudspeaker, wherein each mode has a spatial shape function and a temporal function which modulates the spatial shape;
- routing each sub-signal to its assigned one or more plurality of drivers;
- and
- driving the plate with the plurality of drivers having received the routed sub-signals at the assigned relative amplitude, wherein the modes of motion of the plate generate the sound output of the plate loudspeaker.
A plate loudspeaker comprising:
- an electrical backend control system, wherein the electrical backend control system processes a signal into a plurality of sub-signals, each sub-signal associated with a frequency band;
- a spatial filter, wherein the spatial filter assigns each sub-signal to a plurality of drivers located on a plate and assigns a relative amplitude to each of the plurality of drivers, wherein the plate is driven to modes of motion by the plurality of drivers to generate the sound output of the plate loudspeaker, wherein each mode has a spatial shape function and a temporal function which modulates the spatial shape, and
- wherein the sub-signal and the relative amplitude assigned to each of the plurality of drivers is determined based at least on a location of each of the plurality of drivers on the plate, and wherein each sub-signal is routed to its assigned one or more plurality of drivers through the electrical backend control system and the plate loudspeaker is driven with the plurality of drivers having received the routed sub-signals at the assigned relative amplitude.
A system comprising:
- a plate loudspeaker;
- and
- a transmitter for transmitting a signal to the plate loudspeaker, wherein the plate loudspeaker comprises:
- an electrical backend control system, wherein the electrical backend control system is configured to process the signal into a plurality of sub-signals, each sub-signal associated with a frequency band;
- and
- a spatial filter, wherein the spatial filter is configured to assign each sub-signal to a plurality of drivers located on a plate and assigns a relative amplitude to each of the plurality of drivers, wherein the plate is driven to modes of motion by the plurality of drivers to generate the sound output of the plate loudspeaker, wherein each mode has a spatial shape function and a temporal function which modulates the spatial shape, and
- wherein the sub-signal and the relative amplitude assigned to each of the plurality of drivers are determined based at least on a location of each of the plurality of drivers on the plate, wherein each sub-signal is routed to its assigned one or more plurality of drivers through the electrical backend control system, and wherein the plate is driven with the plurality of drivers having received the routed sub-signals at the assigned relative amplitude.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.