Sound reproducing array processor system
AssigneeTaylor Group of Companies, Inc.
InventorStephen F. Taylor
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims15
A sound reproducing system, comprising:
- (a) a computer having data storage means attached thereto, wherein the computer comprises means for decomposing audio material into a plurality of discrete sound data streams and means for storing the sound data streams on the data storage means;
- and
- (b) an audio playback system, coupled to the data storage means, comprised of a plurality of acoustical energy generating elements, wherein the acoustical energy generating elements each comprise a discrete, addressable output location, the audio playback system further comprising means for retrieving the sound data streams from the data storage means and means for controlling the acoustical energy generating elements in response to the retrieved sound data streams.
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;
- (b) a storage device, coupled to the surface, 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 the data streams to specific sound pixels, wherein the sound pixels are synchronized and interlinked by the data streams to reproduce a time line of the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through space.
A sound design system, comprising a computer having a monitor and data storage coupled thereto, the computer comprising means for modeling acoustical properties of a three dimensional space, means for modeling acoustical characteristics of a propagating acoustical energy source in the three dimensional space, means for translating the modeled acoustical properties and the modeled acoustical characteristics into a plurality of data streams, wherein each of the data streams controls one of a plurality of transducers in a transducer array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.