Sound reproducing array processor system
AssigneeTaylor Group of Companies, Inc.
InventorStephen Francis 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.
Claims21
A video game system, comprising:
- (a) a sound bubble comprising a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface configured as an enclosure, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of sound pixels, the sound pixels comprise addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, and the sound pixels are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array;
- and
- (b) a computer, coupled to the sound bubble, a monitor and a data storage means, for interacting with an operator under the control of a video game program, wherein the means for interacting comprises means for retrieving at least one audio data stream from the data storage means for each of the sound pixels, means for transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific sound pixel in the sound bubble, and means for modifying the audio data streams in response to the input from the operator, wherein the sound pixels are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
An audio system, comprising:
- (a) a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, and the transducers are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array;
- and
- (b) a computer, coupled to the sound reproducing surface and a data storage means, for interacting with an operator under the control of a computer program, wherein the means for interacting comprises means for retrieving at least one audio data stream from the data storage means for each of the transducers, and means for transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific transducer, wherein the transducers are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
A method of generating audio, comprising the steps of:
- (a) retrieving at least one audio data stream from a data storage device coupled to a computer,
- (b) transmitting each of the audio data streams to a specific transducer of a deformable two-dimensional sound reproducing surface coupled to the computer, wherein the surface is comprised of a plurality of addressable transducers for generating acoustical energy, the transducers are arranged in an array having rows and columns so as to support propagation and movement of the acoustical energy along the rows and columns of the array, and the transducers are synchronized and interlinked by the audio data streams to reproduce a time line for the acoustical energy source radiating and moving through the rows and columns of the array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.