Dynamical measurements on viscoelastic behaviors of spiders in electro-dynamic loudspeakers

Spiders in electro-dynamic loudspeakers are most commonly concentrically corrugated fabric disks, and their viscoelastic behaviors affect the loudspeaker reproductions. A noncontact dynamic measuring technology is presented by a subwoofer closed box to excite the tested spiders pneumatically with a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) to measure the velocity of the moving spiders. Correlation techniques were employed to get an accurate and reliable acoustical transfer function between the measured velocity and sound pressure. The Young’s moduli of the tested spider composite materials were derived from the measured vibration modes. The creep effect and the level dependent behaviors of tested spiders were investigated. The results indicate that, the Young’s moduli of the tested spiders are frequency dependent. The mechanical stiffness increases with a small slope in low frequency range while a large slope in high frequency range. The loss factor exhibits the maximum around the resonance frequency, and after that it decreases with increasing frequency. The effective stiffness has a monotonic decrease with input voltage levels and the harder the spider, the less stiffness changes with input levels.     

无内共振时的扬声器分谐波

研究了驱动频率低于扬声器辐射体薄壳轴对称模态最低固有频率的扬声器1/2分谐波失真。采用以位敏探测器作为光电传感器的激光三角法实验观测扬声器振膜的振动位移和模态,确定了参与的非轴对称模态的周向波数。采用多尺度法求解了扬声器的非线性模态方程。给出了扬声器分谐波的阈值电压公式。结果表明扬声器辐射体薄壳的分谐波失真源于直接激励的轴对称模态耦合激发了非轴对称模态的振动,这种耦合激励表现为参数激励。增大扬声器振膜材料的损耗因子、杨氏模量和厚度可提高产生分谐波的阈值电压。     

基于Volterra滤波器的参量阵扬声器互调失真补偿研究

针对单边带调制方法预处理的参量阵扬声器系统在复杂信号输入情况下存在明显互调失真的问题,引入Volterra滤波器模型和简化的一维Volterra滤波器模拟了其互调失真。设计了相应的逆滤波器,并对其抑制系统互调失真的性能进行了实验对比。结果表明,所设计的逆滤波器都能有效降低系统的互调失真,而后者具有较低的计算复杂度。     

Sound field control with a circular double-layer array of loudspeakers

This paper describes a method of generating a controlled sound field for listeners inside a circular array of loudspeakers without disturbing people outside the array appreciably. To achieve this objective, a double-layer array of loudspeakers is used. Several solution methods are suggested, and their performance is examined using computer simulations. Two performance indices are used in this work, (a) the level difference between the average sound energy density in the listening zone and that in the quiet zone (sometimes called "the acoustic contrast"), and (b) a normalized measure of the deviations between the desired and the generated sound field in the listening zone. It is concluded that the best compromise is obtained with a method that combines pure contrast maximization with a pressure matching technique.     

参量阵扬声器在管道噪声控制中的研究*

为了解决管道有源噪声控制中声反馈造成的系统复杂度和计算量的增加,文中引入参量阵扬声器作为次级声源,利用其强指向性减小控制系统的声反馈。为了验证该方法可行性,本文分别在直管和L管中,对600 Hz单频噪声和频率范围为500 Hz~1000 Hz的窄带噪声进行了管道有源噪声控制,同时测量了参量阵扬声器的管内声场和降噪范围。结果表明,参量阵扬声器声反馈小,在没有声反馈补偿的条件下对单频噪声的降噪效果基本达到了声反馈补偿条件下普通扬声器的降噪效果,对窄带噪声的降噪效果稍差。此外,通过测量管道声场和降噪量,确定了参量阵扬声器的降噪区域为误差传感器下游整个管道,降噪面积为管道整个截面。这说明参量阵扬声器作为次级声源降低了系统的复杂度和算法的计算量,并取得了较好的降噪效果。     

有内共振时的扬声器分谐波和混沌

研究了当轴对称模态由驱动力共振激发,并且轴对称模态和非轴对称模态存在2:1内共振时的扬声器辐射体薄壳的分谐波和昆沌。采用多尺度法分析了非线性模态方程的稳态解及其稳定性,由此进一步确定了驱动频率和驱动力平面上的分岔集。给出了所考虑情形下扬声器分谐波的阈值电压公式,该阈值电压低于无内共振时的阈值电压。除出现非轴对称模态的1/2分谐波振动外,2个模态的振幅经Hopf分岔后作极限环运动,并经倍周期分岔进入混沌运动。混沌出现是由于2个模态间能量的强烈交换。理论结果和实验结果基本吻合,该一致性表明了所建扬声器非线性薄壳模型的正确性。     

Efficient equalization of multi-exciter distributed mode loudspeakers

An efficient digital equalization method is applied successfully to the problem of spectral equalization of multi-exciter distributed mode loudspeakers (DML). It is based on a chain of second-order sections of infinite impulse response parametric filters with very low computational cost. The method compensates for the measured multi-exciter DML response in order to achieve a desired frequency response. The sound radiation of these flat loudspeakers is a complex superposition of excited modes that vary strongly with frequency. Therefore, the characteristic multi-exciter DML spectrum is very irregular and is equalized with the method presented here for a natural, uncolored response. In multichannel systems, such as wave field synthesis (WFS), the use of efficient filters to equalize a large amount of drivers is an advantageous approach. The equalization process has been applied to two multi-exciter DML prototypes, comprising three and five exciters per panel. Both panel and exciter equalization have been addressed, which consequences on the filtered responses are discussed. Finally, some subjective assessments are carried out to optimize the order of the filter while maintaining the perceived quality of the equalization.     

Time-varying non linear modeling of electrodynamic loudspeakers

This paper deals with the time-varying nonlinear analytical modeling of the electrodynamic loudspeaker. We propose a model which takes into account the variations of Small signal parameters. The six Small signal parameters (R_e, L_e, Bl, R_ms, M_ms, C_ms) depend on both time and input current. The electrodynamic loudspeaker is characterized by the electrical impedance which, precisely measured, allows us to construct polynomial functions for each Small signal parameter. By using this analytical model, we propose to compare two identical electrodynamic loudspeakers. One of them is supposed to be run in and the other one is not. The experimental methodology is based on a precise measurement. In all the paper, the time scale is assumed to be much longer than one period of the harmonic excitation.     

New hearing threshold measurements for pure tones under free-field listening conditions.

Hearing thresholds for pure tones were measured under free-field listening conditions in the frequency range of 40 Hz-15 kHz. Results are consistent with the standard threshold specified in ISO 226 for frequencies up to 250 Hz, but a few dB below the ISO curve at higher frequencies. Thresholds are distributed normally on a logarithmic level scale with a standard deviation of approximately 5 dB. No significant differences between thresholds of male and female subjects were observed.     

Analysis and calibration of system errors in steerable parametric loudspeakers

By adjusting a set of delay amounts and amplitudes of the ultrasonic transducer (primary source) array in parametric loudspeakers, the directional sound beam can be steered within a range of predefined angles. This beamsteering characteristic of parametric loudspeakers has been proposed in theory and validated by measurements. In particular, the locations of the mainlobe and grating lobes can be predicted within a certain degree of accuracy in theory. However, errors incur in different stages of implementation. Thus, mismatches are observed between theoretical and measured beampatterns. In this paper, four types of system errors are analyzed for the primary-frequency waves and the difference-frequency waves based on the phased array theory and the product directivity principle, respectively. The degraded beampatterns which are caused by system errors are analyzed and calibrated by using a combined optimization approach of Monte Carlo method and nonlinear least squares method. Experimental results are presented to show the advantage of the proposed calibration method that leads to significant reduction of mismatch between theoretical and measured beampatterns at both the primary frequency and the difference frequency.     

前方空间环绕声的四扬声器虚拟重放

考虑头部转动带来的动态因素对听觉垂直定位的贡献,提出了前方空间环绕声的四扬声器虚拟重放方法。4个扬声器分别布置在水平面左前、右前以及高仰角的左前上、右前上方向,并采用听觉传输信号处理的方法将多通路空间环绕声信号转换为4个扬声器的重放信号。以9.1通路空间环绕声虚拟重放为例,采用头相关传输函数对双耳声压及其包含的定位因素进行分析表明,该方法可以产生正确的双耳时间差及其随头部转动的变化,从而产生合适的侧向定位双耳因素和垂直定位的动态因素。而心理声学实验结果表明,该方法可以重放稳定的前方空间的水平和垂直虚拟源。因此,四扬声器布置结合听觉传输处理足以重放前方空间环绕声的垂直定位信息,实现多通路空间环绕声的向下混合与简化。     

有源头靠系统中次级声源和控制电路的参数优化研究

在有源头靠系统中,针对次级声源和控制电路两部分对模拟反馈有源控制系统(ANC)参数进行优化。为了达到更好的噪声抑制效果,次级声源的有效辐射频带应和待控制噪声的主要频谱相近,在使用电动扬声器作为次级声源时,其谐振频率应在要控制噪声频谱的下端。在优化控制电路参数时,根据经典控制理论提出合适的目标函数,通过差分演化算法进行优化。在有源头靠系统中,可通过适当调整两通道间距离,或将两通道间耦合纳入参数优化算法中,以保证系统稳定性和抑制"水床效应"的影响。模拟和实验表明两种方法各有利弊。在实际应用中需根据不同需要采用不同的优化方法。     

Sound localization of stereo reproduction with parametric loudspeakers

A parametric loudspeaker radiates an audible signal by the interaction of the primary wave that is amplitude modulated and is known as a super-directivity loudspeaker. The parametric loudspeaker is one of the prominent applications of nonlinear acoustics. So far, the applications have been limited monaural reproduction sound system for public address in museum, station, street etc. In this paper, we investigated sound localization of stereo reproduction using two parametric loudspeakers in comparison with that using two ordinary dynamic loudspeakers. In subjective tests, the binaural information ILD (Interaural Level Difference) or ITD (Interaural Time Delay) was focused on. To investigate the characteristics of sound localization in a wide listening area, three typical listening positions were picked up. Signals were 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz pure tones and pink noise. The used parametric loudspeaker was an equilateral hexagon. The subjective test led to the results that when the parametric loudspeakers were used, the listeners at the three typical listening positions perceived the correct sound localization of not only pure tone but also pink noise and when the ordinary dynamic loudspeakers were used, except for the case of pure tone with ITD, the tendency was almost similar to those using the parametric loudspeakers. The second subjective tests were conducted in order to investigate in details the difference between parametric loudspeakers and ordinary dynamic loudspeakers by increasing the number of subjects. In the case of ITD and 500 Hz using the ordinary dynamic loudspeakers, three types of sound localization were categorized, in which the reversed type was major and the normal and the other types were minor. The ILDs which were measured with a dummy head and were calculated with several formulas were almost the same and indicated the reasons of the reversed typed sound localization and a serious influence of the crosstalk. It was found that in the case of pure tone with ITD, the contradiction between the binaural information ILD and ITD is remarkable, because the directivity of the ordinary dynamic loudspeakers was so dull that the crosstalk components had a serious influence on sound localization. It was determined the parametric loudspeaker could transmit correct binaural information to the listener, because the directivity of the parametric loudspeakers was so sharp that it suppressed the cross talk components.     

Virtual reproduction of surround sound in frontal space using four loudspeakers

By considering the contribution of dynamic cue to auditory vertical localization,a method for virtual reproduction of surround sound in frontal space using four...     

Study of vertical sound image control with parametric loudspeakers

A parametric loudspeaker utilizes nonlinearity of a medium and is known as a super-directive loudspeaker. In this paper, the sound localization in the vertical direction using the upper and lower parametric loudspeakers is confirmed by listening tests and physical measurements. The differences in levels between the upper and lower parametric loudspeakers are varied as a parameter. The direction of sound localization in the vertical plane can be controlled not only when the acoustical axis is set to the right ear but also when it is set to at 5 deg to the right of the right ear. The effect of the level difference between the upper and lower loudspeakers is weaker than the differences observed when using ordinary loudspeakers. We obtained interesting characteristics of the left-right sound localization in the horizontal plane with the upper and lower parametric loudspeakers in the vertical plane. It is found that by setting the parametric loudspeaker at the right ear (that is, the horizontal angle of a listener to it is only 3 deg to the right), the direction of sound localization in the horizontal plane moved approximately 10 deg to the right. Moreover, by setting the parametric loudspeaker 5 deg to the right, the direction of sound localization moves approximately 20 deg to the right. The ILD (Interaural Level Difference) using a dummy head is calculated from the measured left and right sound signals. It is determined that ILDs of the parametric loudspeaker are larger than those of the ordinary loudspeaker. A simple geometrical acoustic model is introduced and analyzed. The analysis helps to explain the measured characteristics.     

Study of acoustic field modulation in the regenerator by double loudspeakers method

A model to modulate acoustic field in a regenerator of a thermoacoustic system by the double loudspeakers method is presented in this paper. The equations are derived for acoustic field modulation. They represent the relations among acoustic field (complex pressure p(0), complex velocity u(0), and acoustic impedance Z(0)), driving parameters of loudspeakers (voltage amplitude and its phase difference), and operating parameters involved in a matrix H (frequency, temperature of regenerator). The range of acoustic field is adjustable and limited by the maximal driving voltages of loudspeakers according to driving parameters. The range is simulated and analyzed in the amplitude-phase and complex coordinate planes for a given or variable H. The simulated results indicate that the range has its intrinsic characteristics. The expected acoustic field in a regenerator can be obtained feasibly by the modulation.     

Transient modal radiation of axisymmetric sources: Application to loudspeakers

The present study proposes a transient model of the acoustic radiation of axisymmetric structures. The pressure field is approximated by the Rayleigh integral corresponding to a monopole source distribution over the non-planar vibrating surface. The displacement field is expanded on the linear modes of the structure and a change of variables in the Rayleigh integral is then proposed in the case of a monotonic profile function to compute the Spatial Impulse Response associated to each mode of vibration efficiently. The results are compared to the formulation obtained in the case of planar and spherical sources. The method of calculation is then derived in the case of a typical loudspeaker profile (association of a truncated cone with a spherical cap). Finally, the present approach is used to estimate the nonlinear radiation pattern of a prototype loudspeaker and predictions are compared to measurements in anechoic room.     

Within-ear and across-ear interference in a cocktail-party listening task

Although many researchers have shown that listeners are able to selectively attend to a target speech signal when a masking talker is present in the same ear as the target speech or when a masking talker is present in a different ear than the target speech, little is known about selective auditory attention in tasks with a target talker in one ear and independent masking talkers in both ears at the same time. In this series of experiments, listeners were asked to respond to a target speech signal spoken by one of two competing talkers in their right (target) ear while ignoring a simultaneous masking sound in their left (unattended) ear. When the masking sound in the unattended ear was noise, listeners were able to segregate the competing talkers in the target ear nearly as well as they could with no sound in the unattended ear. When the masking sound in the unattended ear was speech, however, speech segregation in the target ear was substantially worse than with no sound in the unattended ear. When the masking sound in the unattended ear was time-reversed speech, speech segregation was degraded only when the target speech was presented at a lower level than the masking speech in the target ear. These results show that within-ear and across-ear speech segregation are closely related processes that cannot be performed simultaneously when the interfering sound in the unattended ear is qualitatively similar to speech.     

Improvements to a small free-field listening room

An inexpensive free-field listening room (7 ft 8 in × 5 ft 9 in × 6 ft in high) was designed and constructed with walls made of 5 inch high acoustical foam wedges backed by $\text{1}\text{1}\text{2}$ inch foam and a $\text{3}\text{1}\text{2}$ inch layer of building-grade Fiberglas. The composite wall construction creates a rugged, non-irritating surface that is highly absorbent and relatively inexpensive. Deviations from the inverse square law are less than 2·3 dB above 500 Hz. Reverberation from a 40 ms 1000 Hz pulse is 31 dB below the original pulse. Results of these two tests are compared with measurements by Marsh et al. [1] in a room of similar volume having flat 4 inch foam walls.