Abstract: A parametric loudspeaker system using improved modulators to compensate for the non-linearity of the parametric process in air when driving the air at saturation levels and below saturation levels. The parametric loudspeaker uses a pre-processed single sideband modulator that offers ideal linearity as characterized by square root pre-processed double sideband modulators but with a lower carrier frequency and without the wide bandwidth requirements. By eliminating some or all of the lower sideband the carrier frequency can be reduced without producing sideband frequencies in the audible range. Lower operational frequencies result in greater translation efficiency and greater output capability before reaching the saturation limit of air. A pre-processor minimizes the effects of saturation limits for double sideband, truncated double sideband or single sideband processing to achieve superior output.

Abstract: A virtual headset for enabling isolated listening to audio material by a listener without need for earphones or other physical audio producing devices attached to the listener. The virtual headset includes a parametric ultrasonic signal source 504 supplying at least a first parametric ultrasonic channel signal comprised of an ultrasonic carrier signal and at least one sideband, and configured to be emitted and directed substantially exclusively at a first ear 506 of the listener 502. The parametric ultrasonic signal source is coupled to an electro-acoustical emitter structure, which is configured to emit and direct a first parametric ultrasonic wave corresponding to the first parametric ultrasonic channel signal at the listener such that a first resultant decoupled audio wave will be heard substantially exclusively at the first ear of the listener, with minimal audible sound at a second ear 514 of the listener.

Abstract: A substantially single-ended planar-magnetic transducer comprises a thin film, diaphragm having a first surface side and a second surface side and including a conductive surface area for converting an input electrical signal into a corresponding acoustic output, said at least one diaphragm including a predetermined active region. A high energy magnetic structure has sufficient magnetic field strength and is configured with respect to the diaphragm to drive the diaphragm as a substantially single-ended audio transducer. Mounting structure is coupled to the diaphragm to hold the diaphragm in a predetermined state of tension and at a predetermined distance from the high energy magnetic structure over an extended period of time including periods of use and nonuse. The diaphragm provides improved performance characteristics by using a polyethylenenaphthalate film as a base material for the diaphragm.

Abstract: A bandpass loudspeaker enclosure having three sub chambers, a first subchamber being a Helmholtz-reflex chamber with a passive acoustic radiator operating in parallel with the transducer, and the remaining two chambers utilizing two passive acoustic radiators to achieve three Helmholtz-reflex vent tunings and a multiple of low pass acoustic filters that provide an acoustic bandpass with reduced diaphragm displacement and substantially reduced distortion and pipe resonances above the pass band. A further embodiment provides a reduced lowest frequency vent size for a given low frequency subchamber size and tuning frequency.

Abstract: A system for providing audio information to persons in an approach path (12) includes an interaction point (14), and an approach path (12) leading to the interaction point. A parametric sound system (18) is provided, which includes a parametric speaker (20) disposed adjacent to the interaction point. The parametric sound system is configured for limited delivery of sound in a spatially limited audio zone (24) along the approach path (12), within a decibel level above ambient noise levels in the area of the interaction point (14), and sufficiently high to be heard primarily by a person progressing along the approach path (12). The interaction point can be a cashier station, and the system can also include a video display (16) configured to provide video information to persons in the approach path along with the audio information.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for a parametric emitter array with enhanced emitter-to-air acoustic coupling. The system comprises a plate support member having opposing first and second faces separated by an intermediate plate body. The plate body can have a plurality of conduits configured as an array of acoustic horns. Each horn can have a small throat opening at the first face and an intermediate horn section which diverges to a broad mouth opening at the second face. An emitter membrane can be positioned in direct contact with the first face and extending across the small throat openings. The emitter membrane can be biased by (i) applying tension to the emitter membrane extending across the throat openings, (ii) displacing the emitter membrane into a non-planar configuration, and (iii) capturing the emitter membrane at the first face using an adhesive substance.

Abstract: A planar magnetic transducer having enhanced magnetic structures which increases performance over a signal-ended device but mitigates some of the drawback of double ended devices, including a supporting structure, a diaphragm incorporating a coil conductor at least primary magnetic structure, and a secondary magnetic structure can be added, including mitigation of high frequency resonance and attenuation by providing a more open architecture, including spacing the magnets wider apart, configuring the inter-magnet spaces to provide better acoustic performance, using high-energy magnets, which magnets can be shaped to form at least a part of the shaped inter-magnet space.

Abstract: A compact lightweight electro-acoustic transducer system for generating high intensity, highly directional audio output. The transducer system can generate acoustic intensity levels that can drive the transmission medium to non-linearity such that highly directional secondary sound also can appear in the audible range allowing direct and parametric sound generation from a single acoustic emission system. The device can be used for both distant and/or high intensity communications to convey information, provide high intensity acoustical targeting and/or disrupt or mask other communications.

Abstract: A parametric loudspeaker system and method for reducing distortion in a decoupled audio wave by creating a double sideband parametric ultrasonic signal that substantially approximates a non-square-rooted modulation envelope and emitting a parametric ultrasonic wave that corresponds to the double sideband parametric ultrasonic signal from a parametric loudspeaker at a sufficient amplitude to drive the surrounding air into saturation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating parametric audio output based on the interaction of multiple ultrasonic outputs within air as a nonlinear medium. The method includes the step of generating an electronic signal comprising at least two ultrasonic signals having a difference in value which falls within an audio frequency range. The electronic signal can be transferred to an electrostatic emitter diaphragm which couples directly with the air as part of a single stage energy conversion process. The electronic signal can be converted at the diaphragm directly to a mechanical displacement as a driver member of a parametric speaker. The ultrasonic signals can be mechanically emitted from the diaphragm into the air as ultrasonic compression waves which interact within the air to generate the parametric audio output.

Abstract: A sound emitting device (10) for providing at least one new sonic or subsonic frequency as a by-product of emitting a waveform of at least two ultrasonic frequencies whose difference in value corresponds to the desired new sonic or subsonic frequency. The device includes a parametric emitting perimeter or plurality of emitter segments (13) positioned around a central open section (15). This open section (15) is structured with a diagonal width greater than a cross-sectional diagonal of the parametric emitting perimeter. An ultrasonic frequency source (60) and sonic/subsonic frequency generator (62) arc coupled together to a modulating circuit (61) for mixing an ultrasonic frequency signal with an electrical signal corresponding to the at least one new sonic or subsonic frequency.

Abstract: A parametric sound system for creating an acoustical column along an axis of propagation having a quiet zone an audible zone is disclosed. The system comprises a parametric electro-acoustic emitter configured for emitting a plurality of focalized parametric ultrasonic waves. A plurality of decoupled acoustic waves are maximized at a focalizing area within the audible zone. The system also includes a signal source for applying a parametric ultrasonic signal to the parametric electroacoustic emitter. The signal includes an ultrasonic carrier signal and one or more sideband signals corresponding to an audio input signal. The system further comprises a signal processor for controlling phases of the parametric ultrasonic signal so that the plurality of focalized parametric ultrasonic waves emitted by the parametric electro-acoustic emitter will create a quiet zone along the same direction of propagation as the audible zone.

Abstract: This invention provides a parametric loudspeaker system, with a carrier frequency generator to produce a carrier frequency. A modulator receives an audio signal and modulates it onto the carrier frequency, producing a modulated signal. This modulation creates at least one sideband signal that is divergent from the carrier frequency by the frequency value of the audio signal. Additionally, the sideband signal is created such that its frequency value is lower than the frequency of the carrier.

Abstract: A parametric transducer which includes a support member extending along an x-axis and a y-axis and having opposing front and back surfaces. The support member includes an array of parallel ridges extending along the x-axis and spaced apart along the y-axis at predetermined separation distances. The ridges have forward, film contacting faces to support an emitter film in a desired film configuration for emitting parametric output. An electrically sensitive and mechanically responsive (ESMR) film is disposed over the support member with one side of the ESMR film being captured by the film contacting faces, and with arcuate sections aligned with and positioned between the parallel ridges. The film contacting faces mechanically isolate each of the arcuate sections of ESMR film from adjacent arcuate sections.

Abstract: A parametric loudspeaker which uses multiple piezoelectric bimorph transducers. These multiple piezoelectric bimorphs have a resonant frequency which varies from unit to unit. The phase response at and near the resonant frequency changes at a very high rate with slight changes in frequency. The associated modulator electronics have a primary carrier frequency that is optimized for maximum parametric output. This is achieved by aligning the carrier frequency with the flattest portions of the phase curve for maximum phase coordination among the multiple devices.

Abstract: A method for constructing a parametric transducer. The method includes preparing a support member having opposing front and back surfaces, the support member extending along an x-axis and a y-axis. The support member is structured to retain an array of parallel ridges extending along the x-axis and spaced apart along the y-axis at predetermined separation distances. The ridges have forward, film contacting faces to support an emitter film in a desired film configuration for emitting parametric output. An electrically sensitive and mechanically responsive (ESMR) film is applied to the support member with one side of the ESMR film being captured at the film contacting faces, and with arcuate sections disposed between the parallel ridges. The film contacting faces mechanically isolate each of the arcuate sections of ESMR film from adjacent arcuate sections.