BG104072A - Sound emitting device (systems) - Google Patents

Abstract

The device generates and emits a sound as a reaction of electric signals from devices processing electronic audiosignals, in particular to new forms of loudspeakers. It includes a hard or inelastic panel (11) having multiple acoustic converters (12) fitted in it in the form of a matrix, each of which has individual supplied excitation means. The acoustic converters (12) can be of electrostatic, piezoelectric or any other known type, The excitation signal generation device introduces phase difference as a result of which phase shifted sound emissions are produced from the converters (12). In order to achieve general diffusion or any other specific sound emission, the distribution of the generated phase-shifted sound emission of the converters (12) participating in the matrix is arbitrary selected. 18 claims, 10 figures

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to acoustic devices, in particular to devices for generating and transmitting sound, usually in response to electrical signals from suitable means that process electronic audio signals, and in particular to new forms of loudspeakers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional speakers rely on the piston action of transmitted sound in ambient air, using mainly reciprocally excited electromagnetic means, usually cones acting for 15 purposes on the air in and in front of them. Such conventional loudspeakers are characterized in many ways by box-like enclosures, often with sophisticated rear-attenuation equipment for otherwise at least partially canceling audio components, which are 20 phase-opposite to the desired forward-facing sound components; by directing the desired forward sound into angles for effectively listening signals that are narrower to the higher frequencies of the respective sound being played; and by reducing the intensity of the sound generated with the distance at such 25 angles of the quadratic signal as if from a substantially point source close to which the sound intensity could be very large for powerful speakers. Composite cone-type speaker assembly is widely known for varying sizes of 30 cones operating at the low, mid, and upper audio frequency bands with violet. 'Requirement, .for electronic intersection (transverse) networks for signals of such elements.

Recently, we have developed forms of acoustic devices incorporating radically new loudspeakers, 5 in particular with acoustic action and resultant sound output, see PCT application N GB96 / 02145. The acoustic action related to these speakers is expressed in bending waves excited in special predefined locations in suitably designed and configured panels, 10 for which the resulting surface vibrations are acoustically coupled to the air in a manner completely distinct from the piston type. The resulting sound output can be effective from the entire surface of the panel and over a very wide angular range, creating highly diffuse effects over a large distance of 15, extracting from the aforementioned interior close to the previous sound level and with close targeting characteristics in remarkably wide frequency ranges for the individual panel elements. The geometry and densities of the characteristics of such panels, together with the careful placement of the excitation means, contribute to such propagation of the resonant types of frequencies of surface vibration effects as to assist a wide range of direct diffuse sound emission, with high purity and precision that contrasts 25 strongly and predominantly with prior piston-based loudspeakers and their often difficult constraints on good listening positions (ve specifically noted for stereo sound reproduction), an inevitable consequence of the narrowed 30-angle signal orientation, and often uncomfortably close proximity

J to the loudness that is an inevitable gOsleDitsala.L> s quadratic law to reduce the effects. In addition, the preference for different midrange and treble aggregates and related cross-sectional networks can be greatly offset by the need for complex rear absorption of sound components in box-like spaces.

This invention follows

closed detailed assessment and review of the acoustically advantageous features of successfully distributed types of panel devices. The advantages of the resulting diffusely radiated sound are further revealed in the further extension of the superb merging of the radiated sound, both with respect to a plurality of such panel speakers in the same space (and wavelength in terms of interference), and in terms of reflection effects. from the boundaries of such space, such as walls and / or ceiling and / or bottom (and standing 20 wave interference). It also benefits from poorly perceived sound localization and / or intrusive effects, thus resulting in better balance and / or lack of mutual interference and alignment of multiple channels, as for the center, front stereo and 25 rear surround sound units such applications as for home use or more generally in public places. The first and most natural care and focus for such consideration was to determine whether it would be likely to achieve even better propagation of resonant type 30 vibrations in panels withstand bending vibration and / or for .4

• ·

the excitement of such panbles * in the Foyer Mjcera many of the aims and aspects underlying it have been taken on a completely different basis, by way of a fundamental reassessment, in particular with regard to the mainstreaming 5 of the aforementioned diffuse nature of sound broadcasting and how otherwise it is advantageous to obtain advantageous various sound effects of broadcasting, effective or not similar to those of loudspeakers with distortion type. The results, which are further shown in the various aspects of the present invention, are considered to represent more fundamentally different approaches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One such approach stems from the remarkable 15 characteristic effective phase coherence of the piston action sound, characteristic of cone-type speakers and the characteristic relative phase incoherence of sound from panel speakers with non-deleterious action, non-deleterious type speakers is the action of oscillation.

According to one aspect of this invention, the sound emitter comprises a surface-distributed array of multiple acoustic transducers with individually powered actuators or 25 excitation means and the excitation signals are therefore such as a consequence of sound emitted from respectively different phases, more precisely tuning directly the phase of said excitation signals suitable for such integration of the individual outputs of the elements, 30 as for generating a useful diffusion and / or desired. 5 • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·: на на на ^: на:::: A suitably agitated or incoherent coupling of said phases is predictable for the rows of transform elements distributed as little as 20 or less to as much as 750 or more.

It is thought to be useful at this point to mention known electrostatic speakers, which are, relative to cone-type speakers, relatively large sound-emitting areas filled with individual secondary surfaces that work with precisely arranged phase shifts so that the speakers show the perceived coherence and focus of a point source of the transmitted sound, thus being significantly different from the ones offered here.

Going back to the above inventive aspect, the desired phase incoherence (incompatibility) of a plurality of elements creating a diffuse perception of the generally emitted sound coming out, against the directionality and approximate loudness of conventional speakers, is not relevant to the similar nature of what is similar receives bending vibration distribution panels in the comments above. Indeed, the search for such a similar nature in terms of the surface distribution of resonant frequency oscillations of such a pen could more naturally lead to an appropriate distribution of the aggregate and effective frequency correlation of the transducers. But for the panels in the above PCT request, based on the action of bending wave, the surface distribution of the 'resonance' vibration type is complicated and not even correct, and we consider the necessary measures for a wide-pass filter for complete audio signals and / or different tuning blocks, default 5 according to the principle determination of the frequencies for the elements, individually and in groups, as unattractive, at least in comparison with the preferred equipment of this invention, permitting the use of the correct series of transformations secutive aggregates and mostly, if not completely, the ability of the frequency response 10 of each of the aggregates. Such a preferred equipment approach may furthermore avoid the inevitable limitations of the bending oscillator panels as well as offset the surface distribution of their active resonant oscillations, i.

achieving even more even distribution, as well as independence from the geometry and strength requirements for such panels.

For at least the preferred diffusely emitted sound, the appropriate distribution of the different phases with respect to the 20 individual transducer elements of the common grid therefore exhibits a stirring over the conventional coherent diaphragm type of conventional speakers, including the electrostatic type described above. In the same sense as the actual pseudorandom number 25, the generators and / or random number tables seek to exclude high constancy and / or cluster accumulation, with appropriate phase distributions being considered randomly selected. With respect to phase differences, the individual and / or cumulative 30 (cumulative) cancellation effects are easily avoided,

7.

* • · · · · · · · · · · φ • · · · · ···· such as easy to achieve. through such. coercion r the total number should not be an integer multiple of 180 °. It should be appreciated, however, that for the many possibilities inherent in each particular distribution of 5 the individual different phases, which is considered satisfactory for each private lattice of transformers, can be, and usually will be, for simplification, made or regarded as fixed or prescribed for the respective equipment. Also, the number of different phases may not 10 • be the same as the number of transducer elements, some may currently be the same, while the number of different phases distributing generates an acceptable perceived diffuse total sound, and in the corresponding lattice there is a position which is more suitable for most elements. 15 Developmental work currently shows that such equipment can provide an audio frequency range generally comparable to panel speakers with bending vibration and excellence in terms of the uniformity of the emitted sound frequencies and φ 20 perceived diffuse sound effects. In addition, lower audio frequencies can also be easily processed, despite the differences to some extent. In this way, the lower boundary frequencies, practically the size of the grid, can be effectively distributed, 25 similarly to prior art piston loudspeakers, simply by releasing the corresponding excitation signals to each of the transducers in a single-phase, more precisely coherent manner. The resulting orientation, of course, is no longer a problem as well 30 for the preceding large bass, in principle by

cone type, reproducing · low-frequency speakers, perceived as actually non-directional. Such low-frequency common-mode excitation oscillation is therefore not applicable to each of the conversion elements of the 5 grid, i. only for the elements of the sub-region (s) of the lattice, namely the middle, usually the central sub-region, which can be progressively narrowed, usually stepped, by raising the frequency through the lower band, which is easily controlled by the above, 10 randomly selected mode of action with different phase.

It should be noted that the control of the phases of the excitation signals to the individual lattice transducers is therefore a mechanism with great flexibility and convenience in synthesizing the desired 15 radiated sound effects and forming another aspect of this invention which need not be limited to combine substantially coherent and non-coherent modes of operation for different audio frequency bands, or for conversion elements belonging respectively to 20 sub-domains or sections of the lattice lattice, i. where possible in accordance with templates found to be advantageous, in particular in rings or at corners.

In addition, it has been found that controlling the amplitudes of the excitation signals to the individual 25 lattice transducers can therefore have beneficial effects in terms of the perceived total sound emitted by the lattice and the surface distribution of different excitation amplitudes for such transducers. another 30 aspect of this invention, and in either case the accompanying upper phase distribution is preferred thereto.

Returning to the action of the acoustic transducers in the grid for them in the correct 5 phase way, it is also possible to simulate the above alternative, in whole or in part, in a common-mode manner, in particular for each desired direction (s) of the extended string vibration or prolonged membrane vibration, for which a multiple delay line 10 may be used to feed the individual elements, and / or a bending wave vibration, for which a separate second-order recursive leak filter may be used for each element ment, feasible with different frequencies on passing the type conversion in each cell. Such other mode (s) of 15 operation may, of course, be further accomplished and the availability of two or more modes of substantially correct and / or incorrect phasing and / or amplitude action is an additional aspect of this invention.

Considering the physical construction, it is preferable for the lattice (s) of the individual transformers to have a conventional sheet or panel support, be it of an elastic or rigid nature and an available surface (s), not necessarily 25 planar, ie could be curved in one or more directions and / or faceted (beveled). Also, to facilitate the production of the grid (as such) from small transformer elements, the preferred carrier may further assist in the desirable delivery of 30 excitation signals individually to such • .1.0 ·· * ·· «« ······· Convertible element (substrate) for bonding conductive templates, termed according to the widespread PCB method. In fact, such a carrier may also be useful for mounting a local excitation circuit, such as a modular semiconductor integrated circuit. An additional effect of such a carrier may, of course, be to assist in the effective implementation of an idealized total sound emitting surface 10 substantially randomly vibrating with the desired low or minimum in-phase content in the received audio output signal. This may be such a spatial perception in which the sound output will be of such phase incoherence that it has a lower 15 (or wider) directivity, regardless of frequency, than for conventional plunger speakers, which is characteristic that results in a much more even distribution of sound power in terms of frequency.

In this way, the beneficial advantages are obtained without the search for alignment that is actually obtained in successful panel speakers, including the specific use now of the really small size of desired piston-action diaphragm elements of high-performance conical type 25. Suitable elements can be in the order of only about ten millimeters in diameter and have a low movable mass of as much as 5% - 10% (compared to the conventional cone-type loudspeaker design), say about 50 milligrams for 30 transducers that has so far not run away as being of interest to the gambling kylmeshv ©, except for low quality audio playback, but they currently have a significant advantage for these purposes because they are already as small as they are have sound emission patterns 5 which are more spherically multidirectional than axially oriented.

The design of even smaller elements, whether electrodynamic, incorporating a moving coil of electromagnetic type (s) or other types, such as 10 crystalline or polymer piezoelectric or electret or whatever, involving the use of so-called micro or nano-engineering machine technologies, is expected from the natural development of the technology as soon as it provokes a relevant interest, whether with the present or not, and it can be expected to dramatically extend the useful application of the invention. Indeed, it is already obvious and essential that the smallest elements and the large number of them can be of great advantage because of this, in particular as the parallel development of cheap means in the form of an integrated 20 excitation signal and signal processing means with high capacity and performance, including the type of digital data processing or computer type, believed to represent little if nothing more than the straightforward development of semiconductor and 25 computer technology.

Special conversion elements will be selected or constructed in accordance with power management characteristics, bandwidth and maximum pressure level and requirements. For bars for this purpose, fewer transformative elements are possible

1.2 • The excitatory line is slipping. Semiconductor integrated circuits for modular amplifiers called CMOS-type and digital-to-analog converters for digital signal processing. Resistive summation from a 5-bit decoder is possible. For rows with a larger number of transducers, more than about 750 elements in particular, it is envisaged to naturally turn to other technology such as the inclusion of directly digitally excited speakers relying at least in part on the 10 integral properties of the human ear.

The use of digital signal processing as it is available and continuously evolving with greater computational power can easily control the synthesis of sound radiation of any desired nature, 15 including imposing the desired directionality more than the diffuse nature of the first part above here. The resulting signal encoding can easily include audio content along with any and every phase and / or amplitude function desired for the conversion 20 lattice elements therefor, and unwanted transitions such as between each null and each single sequence can be avoided .

Turning further to the conversion elements, the local excitation equipment for this and the carrier 25 of the lattice, the local exciters can be addressable by rows and columns for the digital control signals, and the carrier may have print lanes for addressing, etc. if necessary or required in multiple layers of metallization. In addition, the transducer 30 may also be formed in or on • 4 V ·· ·. ..

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · За но· но или или или или или или но или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или или високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо високо. As noted above, the elements may be electrostatic, thin or thick piezoelectric type film (s) or based on microengineered machine technology to produce very small devices with moving parts, thus being applicable to a moving coil or an auxiliary lever for electrodynamic elements, typically using high efficiency neodymium permanent magnets and actuated in an external polarizing field (s). Suitable piezoelectric materials include crystalline types, for example barium titanate or high polymer electrets. Multilayer conversion elements are easily fabricated at the same time as the layer used, giving a common place for semiconductor processing. Preferred dimensions of the conversion elements are less than 20 millimeters each. The aforementioned progressive lithographic technologies can also be applied as a carrier, such as flexible films, which have acoustic transformative action on their own and have multicellular excitation positions, suitably conductively connected in a matrix array.

EXPLANATIONS OF THE FIGURES Attached

Specific equipment (s) embodying the above aspects of this invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, to which:

Figures 1A and 1B are schematic views of .14 • · • · front and edge of the first, “similar” .ViaLivieftpMua, a rectangular grid of panel mounted coil-type converters;

Figures 2A and 2B are similar images of a second, generally circular grille, of panel mounted coil-type converters;

Figures 3A and 3B are similar images of a larger, matrix-like rectangular grid of panel mounted coil-type transformers;

Figures 4A and 4B are similar images of a 10x10 grid of sheet-mounted or membrane-mounted piezoelectric transducers;

Figures 5A and 5B similarly show the locations of the transducer by selective mechalization of a piezoelectric sheet or membrane;

Figures 6A-D show an embodiment of an electromechanical film type;

Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a multi-channel audio system using the invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a phase-less and low-frequency common-mode operation of a grid speaker;

Figure 9 similarly shows an additional low frequency variant; and Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of an equipment for digitally controlled signaling in a computer controlled computer system.

EXAMPLES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1,2 and 3 show suitable solid or ίΜίίέόνι »

inelastic panels 11, 21 · * · π ^: · 31 s-Ltr ^ ture, other than the preferred distributed resonant type loudspeaker discussed with bending waves (from our PCT application N GB96 / 02145), 5 showing in these figures also transducers 12, 22 and 32 which are movable coils and which are mounted with their cones so as to extend through the rows of openings in a manner which is considered to be impoverished by itself. The transducers 12 and 32 10 are arranged in the form of a matrix 5 x 5 and 20 x 20, in rectangular gratings, and the transducers 22 are arranged in circular gratings having 6 or 12 inner or intermediate and other rings around the central element. If desired or preferable, in principle rectangular lattices could have 15 more or less rows / or columns, with equal or unequal conversion elements, which may include binary powers, and these elements may be adjacent, staggered rows or columns, say half a step and partially inserted into each other to increase the population density of such elements in the panel; in principle, concentric rows may have different numbers of transformers in the first or second ring, or in a larger number of rings of transformers, which may in practice have different interrelations between populations, or may have a partial overlap of progressively increasing in outward-facing elements; other gratings are possible, for example, simple or staggered, sequentially triangular or polygonal in nature, or of a composite type including 30 combinations of such distributions or even with

misallocation; ·· * · which •• * mo5k £ ^: ..To satisfy requirements when variable element density is desired.

Each of Figures 4 and 5 shows supporting sheets or membranes 41 and 51 with 10 x 10 matrix-like rectangular 5 grids of transducer elements 42 and 52 in rows a -j and columns 1-10 indicating the corresponding elements a1-j10. The transducers 42 may be of the individual piezoelectric type attached to the sheet or membrane 41, and the transducers 52 10 may also be of the piezoelectric type, but in this case they must be formed and determined by the recording metal plates 52 a and 52B on opposite surfaces of the piezoelectric material for the membrane or sheet 51, say of a highly polymeric type. 15 Other variations of the distribution of what has been discussed so far are possible. However, addressing by columns and rows is provided in accordance with the marking of the elements, that is, corresponding to one of each of the groups of the following rows and subsequent columns supplying 20 wires (not shown), see below for digital signal processing.

Figures 6A-6D show an embodiment using a dielectric film 63 as a movable acoustic diaphragm between the front and rear porous stator plates 64F B. Such 25 electromechanical film devices that act acoustically are known in the art, which include the use of internally conductive or with conductive coating stator plates and multilayer films having oppositely charged layers selectively metallized for 30 s or to each side of a layer carrying conductive electrode equipment. Cavities, 65C, B recording grooves in the face surfaces of the stator plates allow acoustically active localized bending of the film (shallower than an alternative to magneto-structural variation in density over time, usually less effective for speakers). The bends 65F, B are shown rounded or dome-shaped in Figure 6C, but on the other hand, specifically as the top pyramidal points of Figures 6A, B.

Localized, plate-like formations 62F, B are shown on the opposite sides of a common electret sheet 63, locally to each cavity, with individual conductive tracks 66F,

In for individual power supply for the respective purpose.

Figures 1-6 also omit the intended 15 excitation amplifiers (see notation A in the last figures), individually for each transducer T, and which can be integral type semiconductors that were suitably mounted on the supports (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 63), flowing from the undersides, or to the main PCB, 20 exactly with connecting pins gripped by the openings in the circuit board connected to the amplifiers themselves, fed through conductive runs in one or more layers of metallization as appropriate .

Figure 7 shows the equipment of an audio system in a multi-channel environment comprising an electronic source 100 used for transmitting electrical audio signals to channel outputs 101 - 105, such as home cinema or other stereo audio applications, including the now known left and right, plus central, front, speakers and a pair of rear speakers, in this case with all five speakers 111 -115, each recognizing a lattice type and making this invention, see the special and typical lattice speakers Electrically 113 by a plurality of transmitter elements T1 - Tn as above and individually associated amplifiers for excitation A1 - An.

Audio S1 - Sn power lines for A1 amplifiers

- An on each of the lattice speakers 111-115 is shown powered by phase and / or amplitude adjusting and guiding means 121 - 125. It must be appreciated that 10 lattice loudspeakers 111-115 need not be of the same type, not everyone has the same number of transducers T1 - Tn, more precisely "n" can be different for everyone, though the left and right front stereo speakers will be usually the same as the 15 usually rear speakers, and that in any application of this invention where high speakers would receiving substantially the same signals lattice speakers engaged in this invention would be supplied from common phase and / or amplitude adjustment means 20.

Figure 8 shows a simple equipment of suitable phase regulation through clone 131 shown by channel audio signal line 103, delay line 132 including multiple branches D1 - Dn for effecting phase 25 changes between 0 ° and 360 ° having interconnections, as shown above for the desired resultant diffuse sound of the T1 - Tp transducer elements, when properly used therefor, shown here through a "random selection" circuit 133 for connecting different phase 30 audio signals along lines D1 - Dn in suitable eposledovatelen> 1-9 • · · '· • 9 9 • · »· ·« ·· • · · · * 9 9 9 line to the lines S1 - Sn for excitation · ήβ Tsreybrazovatelnite elements. It is understood that each and every one of the conversion elements T1 - Tn has a single phase in itself sold on it, which may not necessarily be the case, i. the number of terminals for delayed lines where these lines D1 - Dn could be less than the number of transducers, thus making the S1 - Sn excitation lines even a subset. If any of the conversion elements receive the same

phase of the audio signal, it is generally preferable that not all of them are adjacent, in fact being favorably distributed (or at least non-destructively) to achieve acceptable diffuse sound results, however, they may nevertheless be well arranged symmetrically in the lattice. For a link in a 15 subset, the number used is preferably sufficient if it is applied to a subregion or region of the lattice to obtain acceptable diffuse sound results in its own right, and alignment in the common lattice may well be symmetry of such subregions in suitable close ones. ratios and / or transformations of the same patterns and / or different patterns, each effective as mentioned above and furthermore in actual combination.

Full or partial phase randomization can be represented by the following expression: φ (n, π ω) = random number of (0, 2π), where pit represents the populations of a transform element in rows and columns, either a rectangular lattice, such as a complete matrix, or a sub-domain thereof.

The signal line a 'a ^ dib ·' signal line 103 is also shown as going to the low pass filter 135 to generate such low frequency outputs as are appropriate from the feed to the entire 5-way common-mode grille simulating the effects of plunger speakers, such as described above, see filter output 136 connected directly to each of the S1 - Sn transducers. It should be appreciated, as described above, that it may be advantageous to transmit low frequency 10 signals along line 136 to less than to each of the transducer elements T1 - Tp of the corresponding lattice speaker, more specifically to the middle, usually preferably the central, window-like sub-area, Figure 8 includes such equipment, 15 as will now be described.

Figure 9 differs from Figure 8 first by the illustrated action of the T1 Tt transducers on part 113a of the lattice loudspeaker only, in particular a row or column of a common lattice similar to a 20 rectangular matrix with corresponding indication of excitation lines S1 - Sm for the transducer element and block 132a of the delay line equipment with the corresponding branching output lines D1 - Dm. It may be appropriate to consider the completeness of the 25 whole-grid equipment as complementary sub-domains of transducers above and / or below, or in front and / or rear of these (t1 - Tm) in row or column 113a, also with delay line 132a (more precisely, as parts, serially connected end-to-end) and with 30 random guides 133a.

• · · · ·

Turning to the * low frequency 'equipment, without the' random 'phase randomization, output 136 of the low pass filter 135 is shown branched into 137 to connect less than all output the R1 5 Rm lines of the "randomizing" guidance block 133, in particular to the average number in RX. If similarly submitted to the outputs of each of the other parts of the "randomizing" guides, the result would be only for a centralized sector of conversion elements, for the common-mode reception of 10 low frequency signals on the branch line 137, but such a sector could be reduced in its ends to create a comprehensive "window effect" if the exits of the outer portions of the guide means are not connected to the branch line 137. Line 136 is further shown as 15 pointing to another low pass filter 138 to provide the lowest frequency signals on line 139 connected to all other outputs of the guide means, see RY1 and RY2 of block 133a, thereby increasing the number of conversion 20 elements excited by such low frequencies to the whole speaker grille. If necessary, there may be more filter stages and / or other steps to increase the number of lattice transducers excited in common mode from a minimum band or window to a maximum of 25 which may be smaller than the entire lattice.

Additionally or alternatively there may be leaky bandpass filters and / or in-phase power supply to sub-areas of the lattice, in particular for frequencies that are above the lower or at least the lowest filtering, as just described, mainly in accordance with the pattern (and ) of the links for their outputs to the outputs of the directing mediums.

Figure 9 further shows another multiple branch line or block of the delay line 141a fed through a branch 142 from the output 136 of a pass-through 5-pass filter and having its outputs connected in order to the outputs of the guide means, see at M1 Mm and R1 - Rm for block 133a, appropriate for such phase differences and excitation of the lattice transducers as to simulate an audio output as from

stretched string or membrane. It should be noted that other additional delay line blocks and / or other branch output adjustments may serve as links to other outputs of the guide means in any way desired and desirable. Also, Figure 9 shows 15 another clone 145 derived from the audio channel signal line 103 to each of the plurality of filters 146, one for the transducer element from region (s) to the entire array, see filter outputs designated F1 - Fm, to the corresponding outputs of the guide means R1 - Rm. These filters 146 20 are preferably second order, recurrent, fully passable to a predetermined frequency type, which can serve as a pass rate only to diffuse the action of a transducer and be different for each or tunable for 25 and serve to deliver the desired end effects, in-stream, to simulate moving wave vibration as follows:

φ (n, t, m) = • 2 ^^ ·· · ·· ·; ·: Ί: · · · · ..

• ··· * ···· Figure 9 also shows. the amplitude-modifying means 151 for output signals from the guiding means, which will have no effect, unless it is enabled to participate in an operation for which several modes of execution are provided, see the outputs 152 of the modes of embodiment 153 shown with indications of outer or frame sections 153F or angles 153C or pieces 153P or bevelled 153T or other 153X effects, together with tuning at 153S level, easily accomplished by 10 series variable amplifiers and selective control links them, at least shortly after the connection method (but as required or appropriate) over the indication kits lines to guide outputs. One example of a useful external 153X effect is in accordance with the theory of 15 Fourier transforms and in relation to the appropriate determination of the phase to produce the reaction (s) of an arbitrary remote pressure field, which of course may also be required provides an external delay line and / or terminals for connection. The total Fourier equation for 20 transformations for the level p and phase o is as follows:

The phase control and amplitude manipulations of the 25 signals are objects easily accomplished by programmatically processing controlled digital data into digital versions of signals with great flexibility and security, including both equation and combination execution, and additional manipulation of complex results. Accordingly, 30 a special advantage is seen in the production of the above and additional useful features · prefects, more digitally than analogously in Figures 8 and 9. Thus, referring to Figure 10, the digital data processor 161 , which will include its own immediate 5 RAM / data memory and work program, is shown in a common block diagram of connecting through a parallel bus system 162A, B, with a large capacity memory 163, storing data and programs as appropriate lower phase control modes, including 10 randomization of 163R, simulation of a stretched membrane 163M and a passing wave 163T, and controlled by Fourier transform 163F. Amplitude control including the types: window and / or section 163W / P, frame and / or angle 163F / C and Fourier transform 163F. For general and 15 specific 163C control purposes, from which the aforementioned modes are selected and executed automatically in accordance with the installed software, see the schematic extension of the data processor block 161 with dashed lines and bidirectional dotted lines with arrows to and from 20 blocks with corresponding memory contents 163. The external designations of the various modes 163F, 163R, 163T, 163F, 163W / P, 163 F / C are indicated by the correspondingly designated inputs to the input / output equipment 165 and schematically dashed extensions through the processor block h and data 161. The input and 25 output data buses are indicated in 166A, B between the input / output equipment 165 and the data processor 161, although (as for the 162A, B buses) a separate multiplexed bus may also be used using the preferred very fast data processors.

Alternative input indications are also given for analog and digital EGUDYo signals, see sources and channels 100A, 101A - 105A and 100D, 101D - 105D, respectively, going to multiplexers 171 A, D. Analog multiplexer output 172 is shown branched in 173 for 5 low pass filter at 174 on line 175 with lines

172 and 175 reaching the Analog-to-Digital (ADC) converter stage 176, which feeds the parallel input buses 177 and 178.

Parallel digital channel outputs 101D-105D are assigned a parallel output relative to the input bus 177, although 10 can be serialized and converted to parallel outputs for multiplexing. In fact, whether digital audio signals are serial or parallel is entirely a matter of choice if the data processor 161 is fast enough to service the lattice speakers for that for every 15 channels of serial signals. In addition, the multiplexing shown and the ADC can be expected to be performed in the input / output equipment 165, possibly when controlling a microprocessor, in addition to the data processor 161, i.e. in this case with only a 20 pass filter (or more than above) connected externally (and possibly even for use in digital audio if conversion to analog form in block 165 is preferably in equivalent digital signal processing), even omitted if equivalent 25 digital signal processing is preferred, t .f . after such conversion as is necessary in any case.

Returning to the service of each of the lattice loudspeakers for this, such as the re-designated block 113a for the acoustic transducers T1 - Tp, with coupled local A1 - At amplifiers, individual DAC1 DACm digital to analog converters feeding the aforementioned A1 - At amplifiers are shown. . To the extent that parallel power bus branches B1 - Bm are shown from digital system output 181 to each of the 5 digital-to-analog converters, serial power can be provided with sufficiently fast digital processing systems, in particular with shifting plus locking registers for substantially continuous analog excitation signals for the acoustic transducers of the contents of 10 converting a lock register between reload register loads. At least then, and in the presence of a local end excitation signal activating the amplifiers (A1 - At), it may be preferable and practicable to incorporate all necessary DACs and equipment 15 from registers in or connected to the system input / output block 165, t .f. have analog signal outputs with a separate line to the local amplifiers for the conversion elements.

It will be noted that the A1-At amplifiers of Figure 10 are shown as of the control input (G) type, in particular 20 of the AND-action type with two inputs to facilitate individual addressing by rows and columns to the individual transducers required be active at all times, or even on a multiplexed basis, for different types of signals, if the resultant compulsory cycles are good enough for satisfactory sound output. The sets of address lines on rows (R) and columns (C) are shown by input / output equipment 165, including those specific to the control of the amplifiers A1 and At. In fact, the cost savings from the wiring would be beneficial for the • 999 99 ⁹ 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 system. 9 99 data processing and its input / output equipment producing serial binary messages defining, stream by character, and periodically modifying rows and columns to be addressed by a receiving circuit in the speaker array carrier.

Claims (18)

A sound emitter comprising a surface distributed array of plurality 5 acoustic transducers having an individually powered excitation means, a means for providing phase-excitation excitation signals resulting in acoustic transmissions with a phase difference from the acoustic transducers, 10 characterized in that the exciter means is operative for submitting to said excitatory signals a phase distribution on a portion of the lattice that is randomly selected (randomized) to achieve a diffuse total sound 15 radiated . Sound emitter according to claim 1, characterized in that the means providing the excitation signal is operative for applying a phase difference of said excitation signals to said 20 is an excitation means, with a phase distribution that is agitated on a portion of the lattice to achieve incoherent sound emission. Sound emitter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it provides an excitation signal 25 is a means for imposing a phase difference on substantially the same frequency content of an input signal. Sound emitter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase differences in question are different from an integer multiple of 180 ° or a multiple. 30 5. Sound radiator according to any preceding .29 • · · · ·· ·· • · ·· • · ·· • · ·· claim harakterizirasht'ob'c ^Tovag,:, che'vaprosnite phase differences rise one by one (in unit increments) in accordance with the converters, respectively. Sound emitter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means providing the excitation signal is acting as above for the acoustic frequency content above the lower frequencies, for which the excitation signal means is further influencing the induction of in-phase sound broadcasts. some of the acoustic converters. Sound emitter according to claim 6, characterized in that said some acoustic transducers are a sub-area (s) of the lattice. Sound emitter according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that said some acoustic transducers are substantially central to the grid. 9. Sound emitter according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that at least some of the acoustic transducers are larger in number and corresponding to said sub-region (s) of the grid are larger than the transducers in question for the lower ones acoustic frequencies. Sound emitter according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the exciter means has an associated filter means for said lower frequency acoustic content of the input signal or band. 11. A sound emitter according to any previous · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·. . A claim characterized by the fact that the grid has at least 20 of the aforementioned acoustic converters. Sound emitter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lattice has up to 750 or more of said acoustic transducers. Sound emitter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acoustic transducers are of the piston type. Sound emitter according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acoustic transducers are cone-driven. Sound emitter according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the acoustic transducers are of electrostatic type. Sound emitter according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the acoustic transducers are of the piezoelectric type. Sound emitter according to any one of claims 12 to 12, characterized in that the acoustic transducers are electromechanical film type. Sound emitter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acoustic transducers have a connected carrier, common to all or a group of them.