A k-space approach to modeling multi-channel parametric array loudspeaker systems

TL;DR

This paper introduces a k-space computational method for accurately and efficiently modeling multi-channel parametric array loudspeaker systems, significantly speeding up simulations and aiding system design.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel k-space approach that improves simulation speed and accuracy for MCPAL systems without relying on paraxial approximation.

Findings

Achieves over 10,000x speed-up compared to direct methods

Maintains high accuracy in sound field prediction

Enables efficient design of advanced MCPAL systems

Abstract

Multi-channel parametric array loudspeaker (MCPAL) systems offer enhanced flexibility and promise for generating highly directional audio beams in real-world applications. However, efficient and accurate prediction of their generated sound fields remains a major challenge due to the complex nonlinear behavior and multi-channel signal processing involved. To overcome this obstacle, we propose a k-space approach for modeling arbitrary MCPAL systems arranged on a baffled planar surface. In our method, the linear ultrasound field is first solved using the angular spectrum approach, and the quasilinear audio sound field is subsequently computed efficiently in k-space. By leveraging three-dimensional fast Fourier transforms, our approach not only achieves high computational and memory efficiency but also maintains accuracy without relying on the paraxial approximation. For typical configurations studied, the proposed method demonstrates a speed-up of more than four orders of magnitude compared to the direct integration method. Our proposed approach paved the way for simulating and designing advanced MCPAL systems.