Modular system of loudspeakers for reproduction of multichannel sound, which compose a furniture, according to the listening room The discovery refers to a multichannel system for reproduction of sound composed of independent modules which form a composite furniture with shelves (2, 7, 8), cabinets (9), drawers and loudspeakers (3, 4, 5,6). The loudspeakers can reproduce different parts of the acoustical spectrum (low, middle, or high frequencies) and the various channels of a multichannel audio system. The modules are prefabricated in different shapes and sizes, in a way such that their combination matches geometrically and aesthetically a given listening room. The selection of the modules and their composition to an integral functional furniture can be achieved with the use of a simple computer program, based on the shape and the dimensions of the listening room. The modules can be connected in a conductive fashion for the transfer of audio signals, video signals and electric power supply.
Up to date there have been propositions (EP0677979, EP0162008) of arrangements where loudspeakers are integrated in various furniture (bed, table) and the internal volume of the furniture is used as an enclosure of the loudspeaker. There does not exist however a modular structure for the composition of an integrated furniture of independent modules, some of which function as loudspeakers.
The advantage of the system presented in this discovery is its composition of independent modules so that it matches the listening room and the needs of the user. In such a way space is saved and the system is tastefully matched with the rest of the listening room. Furthermore, a simple software program for computers, with an input of the shape and dimensions of the modules and the space for the furniture can automatically suggest one or more furniture compositions. An additional distinctive advantage of the discovered system is its upgradeability : the modules are added or removed so that the furniture is modified geometrically, acoustically and technically. Therefore the addition of modules of cabinets, shelves or drawers increase the capacity and utility of the system while the addition of loudspeaker modules improves the acoustic behavior and the technical characteristics of the system. For example the addition of one or two subwoofer modules increases the low frequency response of the system, the addition of a center channel can improve performance, while the replacement of some loudspeaker modules may increase the power handling of the system.
In Figure 1 we see a possible initial condition of the system. The TV (1) is supported on a module with shelves (2). In Figure 2 two modules with loudspeakers (3 and 4) have been added. These are the main loudspeakers of a multichannel system. In Figure 3 a center loudspeaker (5) is added underneath the TV (1), while in Figure 4 there is an addition of a subwoofer module (6). Finally in Figure 5 the furniture composition is supplemented with shelves (7, 8), cabinet (9) and drawers (10).
The modular character of the discovered system, permits not only the best matching with the listening room but the upgradeability and modification of the system (expansion, diminution) in its size, its acoustic behavior and its technical characteristics. The minimal use of cables is also possible due to the conductive connections of the modules for audio signals, video signals and electric power supply.
