Network capable parametric speaker array with interferometer and distributed coherence system
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsScott J. Henderson, Ryan J. Dowd, Corey A. M Bergsrud
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Abstract
Disclosed are systems and methods utilize networked speaker arrays and audio waveform shaping using interferometric feedback of sound transmitted by the speaker arrays. In further aspects, the systems and method employ an intelligently controlled acoustic device that can focus sound at specific locations and record the acoustic environment/reflected sound to self-calibrate for improved performance. Moreover, the device is modular and scalable with the ability to network distributed speakers to enhance the audio performance.
Claims18
A system for providing coherent acoustic energy, the system comprising:
- a distributed speaker array system including a plurality of speakers communicatively coupled to at least one controller and where at least one of the plurality of speakers is configured to be mobile and two or more of the plurality of speakers of the distributed speaker array system are respectively located separate and apart from each other and are communicatively coupled to the at least one controller via a communication network and at least two or more of the plurality of speakers are communicatively coupled with each other via the communication network;
- and
- at least one interferometric device configured for measuring at least acoustic sound energy from the distributed speaker array system that causes vibration and/or is reflected off one or more objects;
- wherein the at least one controller is configured to:
- receive the measured acoustic sound energy from the at least one interferometric device;
- and
- control characteristics of the acoustic sound energy being transmitted from one or more of the plurality of speakers based on the measured acoustic sound energy from the at least one interferometric device;
- wherein the at least one controller is further configured to determine the control characteristics of the acoustic sound energy being transmitted by adjusting the sound energy output from one or more of the plurality of speakers to achieve sound wave coherence to form at least one air coherent sound beam generated by the distributed speaker array system and direct the at least one air coherent sound beam toward at least one object of the one or more objects.
A method comprising:
- directing acoustic energy toward one or more objects with a distributed acoustic array system having a plurality of sound output devices that are respectively located separate and apart from each other and in communication with each other via a communication network;
- recording, detecting, and/or measuring acoustic sound energy emanating from a location of at least one object of the one or more objects with an interferometer;
- determining one or more adjustment parameters for sound output from the plurality of sound output devices in the distributed acoustic array based on the recorded, detected and/or measured acoustic sound energy;
- and
- communicating the determined one or more adjustment parameters to the plurality of sound output devices in the distributed acoustic array system via a network communicatively coupling the plurality of sound output devices;
- wherein determining the one or more adjustment parameters includes determining the control characteristics of the acoustic sound energy being transmitted by adjusting the sound energy output from one or more of the plurality of the sound output devices to achieve sound wave coherence to form at least one air coherent sound beam generated by the distributed speaker array system and direct the at least one air coherent sound beam toward at least one object of the one or more objects.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.