Electronically Controlled Mechanically Adjustable Acoustic Panel System

Abstract

An acoustic modulation system for a physical space, said system comprising: at least one acoustic panel, each of said at least one acoustic panel movably attached to a frame; a motor for moving said at least one panel relative to said frame, said motor mechanically connected to each of said at least one panels; a programmable controller, said controller operatively connected to said motor, said controller adapted to selectively engage said motor to move at least one panel of said at least one panel.

Claims

1. An acoustic modulation system for a physical space, said system comprising: at least one acoustic panel, each of said at least one acoustic panel movably attached to a frame; a motor for moving said at least one panel relative to said frame, said motor mechanically connected to each of said at least one panels; a programmable controller, said controller operatively connected to said motor, said controller adapted to selectively engage said motor to move at least one panel of said at least one panel.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensors, said sensors selected from the group consisting of microphones, position sensors, thermometers, and pressure sensors.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein each panel of said at least one panel is independently movable.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said panels is capable of movement selected from the group consisting of lateral translation, vertical translation, and rotation.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said panels comprises a unique material on each side.

6. An acoustic modulation system for a physical space, said system comprising: a plurality of baffles, each baffle comprising at least two acoustic panels disposed on sides of said baffle, each said baffle movably attached to a frame; a motor for moving at least one of said plurality of baffles relative to said frame, said motor mechanically connected to each of said plurality of baffles; a programmable controller, said controller operatively connected to said motor, said controller adapted to selectively engage said motor to move at least one of said baffles.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of sensors, said sensors selected from the group consisting of microphones, position sensors, thermometers, and pressure sensors.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein each of said plurality of baffles is independently movable.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein each baffle of said plurality of baffles is capable of movement selected from the group consisting of lateral translation, vertical translation, and rotation.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein each of said panels comprises a unique material on each side.

11. A method of modifying the acoustic characteristics of a predetermined physical space, said method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of selectively movable acoustic panels; providing a motor, said motor operatively connected to said panels; providing a controller, said controller functionally connected to said motor; providing a plurality of sensors, said sensors selected from the group consisting of microphones, position sensors, thermometers, and pressure sensors, said sensors communicatively connected to said controller; programing said controller to move at least one panel of said plurality of movable panels according to a predetermined algorithm and data inputted to said controller from said sensors.

12. A method of modifying the acoustic characteristics of a recording space, said method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of selectively movable acoustic panels; providing a motor, said motor operatively connected to said panels; providing a controller, said controller functionally connected to said motor; providing a plurality of sound profile data, said sound profile data matching the acoustic properties of a known physical space; providing a plurality of microphones in said recording space; inputting sound profile data from said microphones into a software program; using said program to compare the sound profile data for the recording space to the sound profile data of the known physical space; programing said controller to move at least one panel of said plurality of movable panels according to a predetermined algorithm to adapt said recording space to match the acoustic properties of said known physical space.

13. An acoustic modulation system for a physical space, said system comprising: at least one acoustic panel, each of said at least one acoustic panel movably attached to a frame; a mechanical crank for moving said at least one panel relative to said frame, said crank mechanically connected to each of said at least one panels.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each panel of said at least one panel is independently movable.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein each of said panels is capable of movement selected from the group consisting of lateral translation, vertical translation, and rotation.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein each of said panels comprises a unique material on each side.

17. An acoustic modulation system for a physical space, said system comprising: a plurality of baffles, each baffle comprising at least two acoustic panels disposed on sides of said baffle, each said baffle movably attached to a frame; a crank for moving at least one of said plurality of baffles relative to said frame, said crank mechanically connected to each of said plurality of baffles.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of sensors, said sensors selected from the group consisting of microphones, position sensors, thermometers, and pressure sensors.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein each of said plurality of baffles is independently movable.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein each baffle of said plurality of baffles is capable of movement selected from the group consisting of lateral translation, vertical translation, and rotation.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein each of said panels comprises a unique material on each side.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit'the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.

[0039] In the drawings:

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the apparatus in FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 3 a side view of the apparatus in FIG. 1 with the panels partially turned.

[0043] FIG. 4 a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 3.

[0044] FIG. 5 a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the panels turned 90.

[0045] FIG. 6 a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 with the panels partly turned.

[0049] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 9.

[0050] FIG. 11 shows the apparatus of FIG. 7 with the panels turned 90.

[0051] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 11.

[0052] FIG. 13 shows a side view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 14 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 13.

[0054] FIG. 15 shows the apparatus of FIG. 14 with the panels partly turned.

[0055] FIG. 16 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 15.

[0056] FIG. 17 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 13 with the panels turned 90.

[0057] FIG. 18 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 17.

[0058] FIG. 19 shows a side view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 20 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 19.

[0060] FIG. 21 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 19 with the panels party turned.

[0061] FIG. 22 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 21.

[0062] FIG. 23 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 19 with the panels turned 90.

[0063] FIG. 24 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 23.

[0064] FIG. 25 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with three sided baffles.

[0065] FIG. 26 shows a top view of the apparatus of the FIG. 25.

[0066] FIG. 27 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 25 with the baffles partly turned.

[0067] FIG. 28 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 27.

[0068] FIG. 29 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 25 with the baffles turned 90.

[0069] FIG. 30 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 29.

[0070] FIG. 31 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with three sided baffles.

[0071] FIG. 32 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 31.

[0072] FIG. 33 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 31 with the baffles partly turned.

[0073] FIG. 34 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 33.

[0074] FIG. 35 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 31 with the baffles turned 90.

[0075] FIG. 36 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 35.

[0076] FIG. 37 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with three sided baffles.

[0077] FIG. 38 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 37.

[0078] FIG. 39 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 37 with the baffles partly turned.

[0079] FIG. 40 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 39.

[0080] FIG. 41 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 37 with the baffles turned 90.

[0081] FIG. 42 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 41.

[0082] FIG. 43 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention with three sided baffles.

[0083] FIG. 44 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 43.

[0084] FIG. 45 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 43 with the baffles partly turned.

[0085] FIG. 46 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 45.

[0086] FIG. 47 shows a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 43 with the baffles turned 90.

[0087] FIG. 48 shows a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 47.

[0088] FIG. 49 shows a flow chart of a control method for use with the present invention.

[0089] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplary embodiments set forth herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0090] The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.

[0091] Thus, all of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

[0092] Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0093] Referring first to FIG. 1, system 1000 of the present invention generally comprises a frame 100 (shown in FIG. 1 only), a plurality of baffles 200 movably mounted to frame 100, a drive apparatus 300 functionally connected to baffles 200, and a control apparatus 400 functionally connected to the drive apparatus.

[0094] Referring again to FIG. 1, system 1000 of the present invention can be attached to any flat surface of a physical space, such as a room or sound studio. Frame 100 supports at least one movably mounted vertical or horizontal baffles 200. Each baffle 200 preferably comprises a multiple sides or panels 210. In a preferred embodiment, each panel 210 is comprises a unique material or is covered with a unique facing material. In either instance, each panel 210 of each baffle 200 may comprise a different acoustical absorption coefficient ranging from very acoustically absorbent to highly acoustically reflective. The facing materials for each panel 210 can be customized or modified to provide the widest ranging benefit to the end user. The number of baffles 200 or panels 210 in each baffle can be adjusted based on the dimension of the physical space or the desired acoustic properties for the space in which system 1000 is installed. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will appreciate that each baffle 200 may comprise one side panel 210 or multiple panels 210.

[0095] Moreover, baffles 200 and corresponding panels 210 can be manufactured and sold as a kit containing various sizes or material specifications for panels 210. The panels could also be manufactured and delivered as a custom project solution. In a large theater, for example, panels 210 can be custom manufactured in sizes and quantities that meet the specific needs and space of a unique venue.

[0096] Acoustical panels 210 can be manufactured from many different materials providing the end user with the opportunity to customize the appearance of the finished product. Different materials, stains, paints and fabrics can be applied to create a custom appearance that may highlight the mechanics of panel 210 or may hide the mechanics of the panel 210 completely.

[0097] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of system 1000 comprises a plurality of baffles 200 movable mounted on frame 100. In one exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, baffles 200 are rotatably mounted on frame 100.

[0098] Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in one exemplary embodiment of system 1000 of the present invention, each baffle 200 may function independently or in a group. The kit of panels will share a power supply but still be switched independently. This independent switching will allow the end user to optimize the performance of the venue but share in cost savings by sharing a power supply.

[0099] Referring again to FIG. 6, baffles 200 may be mounted on a rotating mount, spindle or axle within frame 100. The rotating mount, spindle or axle is operatively attached to a drive 300. Drive mechanism 300 comprises motor 310 and drive train 320. As shown generally in FIGS. 1-48, drive train 320 may comprise a variety of generally known configurations. For example, drive train 320 may comprise a rack and gear system, a belt and pulley system, a chain and sprocket system, or worm gears. The rack, drive shaft, worm gears, belts or chains will be turned or moved by an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor 310. However, it contemplated within the scope of the present invention that baffles 200 may also be translatably attached to frame 100 such that each baffle 200 or group of baffles 200 may move laterally or vertically relative to frame 100 in response to urged motion from drive apparatus 300.

[0100] Referring still to FIG. 5, when motor 310 is engaged, drive train 320 rotates baffles 200 to the desired position to expose the surface of panel 210 that is most desirable for the acoustic optimization of the venue or space in which a panel 210 is installed.

[0101] Referring now again to FIG. 1, drive assembly 300 is functionally attached to an electronic control apparatus 400. Control apparatus 400 is adapted to regulate the flow of electricity, hydraulic fluid or compressed gas to motor 310 to affect the motion of drive train 320 and baffles 200. There may be a unique control apparatus 400 for each baffle 200 within a venue or space so that each baffle 200 can be able to be adjusted independently to optimize the acoustical performance of the physical space. Alternatively, a plurality of baffles 200 may be adjusted as a unit.

[0102] Control apparatus 400 further comprises an electronic input device 410 such as a computer or other programmable CPU. Electronic CPU 410 comprises acoustical software adapted to move baffles 210 to a position predetermined by a user based on acquired acoustic measurement of the relevant space. Alternatively, the acoustical optimization software of electronic CPU 410 may be adapted to receive inputs from sensors including such as microphones, thermometers, motion detectors, etc. and programmed to achieve desired acoustic properties (outputs) based on information from said sensors.

[0103] The acoustical optimization software may control one or a network of mechanically adjustable baffles 200 or acoustical panels 210. The software may use pre-defined tolerances and limits along with user input to analyze the acoustical performance of a venue or performance space. The software may then utilize a network of microphones or other sensory input devices to measure the acoustical performance of a venue or performance space. The software may then compare the acoustical performance against pre-determined criteria set by the user. The software may then move acoustical panels 210 to optimize the acoustical performance of the space of venue using an algorithm that chooses which panel(s) to adjust and will adjust the panel until the optimal acoustical performance has been reached. The optimal acoustical performance can be measured using linear programming. Harnessing the computing power, statistical analysis and the infinite adjustments between the tolerances of the mechanically adjustable acoustical panels, the software will be capable of finding solutions that are not otherwise be apparent utilizing traditional sound engineering techniques.

[0104] In one illustrative embodiment of system 1000, a user of system 1000 first interacts with electronic cpu 410 using a known means, such a keyboard, microphone, touchscreen, mouse, or similar device to define a desired sound profile for an event or performance that is to take place and be recorded in a facility.

[0105] In the illustrative embodiment of a method of using system 1000, the software of system 1000 allows previously determined sound profiles to saved and reloaded by name. Examples may include: Speaker stage Center, Full Rock Concert, Acoustic Singer/Guitarist, Classical ensemble 4 pieces Stage Center, Classical ensemble 4 pieces room Center. Each sound profile can be customized by an end user after it has been loaded and saved anew.

[0106] The software may further be selectively adapted to adjust the location of baffles 200 in unison in conjuction with a master input device. By using system 1000, changes can be made to the physical structure of a recording space from one use (for example, a spoken word performance) to another (such as, a jazz ensemble).

[0107] In a second step, the illustrative embodiment of a method of using system 1000 further comprises using input devices to communicate data to electronic CPU 410 of control apparatus 400 of system 1000. Exemplary input devices include high fidelity microphones positioned throughout a given performance space. The input of these microphones will be channeled through the software. The input values will be utilized to determine current state of the room acoustics. The variance of input frequencies will be measured and totaled using a mathematical formula to bring the input to the same units of measure, where:

Calculated Variance=|[1(Inputmode/Target Value)]|Importance Factor

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, if the sum of Calculated Variance divided by the number of Variables is less than a previously set number, such as 10%, or a user defined number, no adjustments to baffles 200 will be made. One function of the software is to minimize the sum of the calculated variance which is the absolute value of the % difference between the Inputmode and the Target Value for each variable measured, where: [0109] The Inputmode is the most occurring value in a given data set; [0110] The data set will be created by measuring and temporarily recording the values of a given variable; and [0111] The interval of the recording to create the data set will be determined during software development and could be measured as often as several times per second to create a useful data set.

[0112] The software is adapted to normalize the Calculated Variance as a % of variance from target values. Once the % of variance from Target levels is established the formula will find the absolute value of this variance. The absolute value of the % of Variance from target will then be multiplied by an Importance factor. The importance factor will allow the end user to prioritize the variables. This optimization formula is not true linear programming because there are no true constraint formulas. The constraints are the infinite number of input results as influenced by each mechanically adjustable baffle as it rotates 360 degrees. Next, the control software will alter the physical orientation or location of baffles 200 to achieve the desired acoustic results using the process shown in FIG. 12, where:

[0113] In a first step, a user defines Target Values of a Scenario.

[0114] In a second step, a user starts program measuring input and analyzing audio.

[0115] In this step, a user will input data to define the desired sound profile for the event or use of the facility as shown in the following exemplary Table 1:

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Master Volume Target: X dB Reverberation: Seconds 0-20 Hz: X dB 20 Hz-25 Hz: x dB 25 Hz-31.5 Hz: x dB 31.5 Hz-40 Hz: x dB 40 Hz-50 Hz: x dB 50 Hz-63 Hz: x dB 63 Hz-80 Hz: x dB 80 Hz-100 Hz: x dB 100 Hz-125 Hz: x dB 125 Hz-160 Hz: x dB 160 Hz-200 Hz: x dB 200 Hz-250 Hz: x dB 250 Hz-315 Hz: x dB 315 Hz-400 Hz: x dB 400 Hz-500 Hz: x dB 500 Hz-630 Hz: x dB 630 Hz-800 Hz: x dB 1000 Hz-1,250 Hz: x dB 1,250 Hz-1600 Hz: x dB 1600 Hz-2000 Hz: x dB 2,000 Hz-2500 Hz: x dB 2500 Hz-3150 Hz: x dB 3150 Hz-4000 Hz: x dB 4000 Hz-5000 Hz: x dB 5000 Hz-6300 Hz: x dB 6300 Hz-8000 Hz: x dB 1000 Hz-1,250 Hz: x dB 10,000 Hz-12,500 Hz: x dB 16,000 Hz-20,000 Hz: x dB 20,000 Hz-40,000 Hz: x dB

[0116] Previously configured data sets can be saved as a Scenario and reloaded by the user. Examples of Scenarios include Speaker stage Center, Full Rock Concert, Acoustic Singer/Guitarist, Classical ensemble 4 pieces Stage Center, Classical ensemble 4 pieces room Center. These Scenarios will be nothing more than previous values that have been saved for future use. The Scenario can be customized by the end user after it has been loaded. The Scenario, after having been modified, can be saved as a new Scenario with a unique name.

[0117] The software may further comprise preset scenarios. These pre-set scenarios may be based upon the actual sound signatures of venues throughout the world. The sound signature of these famous venues will be recorded and translated into a set of scenario values that can then be utilized to allow any venue with electronically controlled acoustical baffles to obtain a similar acoustic signature as the venue from which the pre-set targets were obtained.

[0118] The sound signatures will be recorded using an array of input microphones placed at a pre-determined proportion to relative to the venues size. After the microphones are placed white noise encompassing all frequencies broadcast at the same volume will be played through a sound system. The signature or fingerprint of the facility will be recorded by the microphone array. These values of the recorded white noise will then be translated into a preset scenario.

[0119] Input microphones will then be placed within the facility equipped with the electronically controlled acoustical baffles. The input microphones will be placed at the same proportion as the recording microphones as it relates to the proportions of the performance space.

[0120] A combination of the control software and the mechanical baffles will allow the end user to accurately reproduce the acoustical signature of a famous venue by tuning the performance space.

[0121] In the preferred embodiment, the User Interface will be a series of tabs like a web browser. Multiple Scenarios can be open and ready for use. User can, change active scenario as needed to accommodate changes in program audio. For example, as a guest speaker ends a speech, the user may change a Scenario to accommodate a Full Rock Band as it starts playing. A button stating Next Scenario may be utilized.

[0122] For example, the present invention may comprise a method of modifying the acoustic characteristics of a recording space, said method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of selectively movable acoustic panels; providing a motor, said motor operatively connected to said panels; providing a controller, said controller functionally connected to said motor; providing a plurality of sound profile data, said sound profile data matching the acoustic properties of a known physical space; providing a plurality of microphones in said recording space; inputting sound profile data from said microphones into a software program; using said program to compare the sound profile data for the recording space to the sound profile data of the known physical space; programing said controller to move at least one panel of said plurality of movable panels according to a predetermined algorithm to adapt said recording space to match the acoustic properties of said known physical space.

[0123] The present invention next, calculates Variance from Target Values. High Fidelity microphones may be positioned throughout a given performance space. The input of these microphones will be channeled through the control software. The input values will be utilized to determine current state of the room acoustics. The variance of input frequencies will be measured and totaled using the following mathematical formula to bring the input to the same units of measure:

Calculated Variance=[1(Inputmode/Target Value)]|Importance Factor

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Master Volume Calculated Variance Target: Reverberation: Calculated Variance 0-20 Hz: Calculated Variance 20 Hz-25 Hz: Calculated Variance 25 Hz-31.5 Hz: Calculated Variance 31.5 Hz-40 Hz: Calculated Variance 40 Hz-50 Hz: Calculated Variance 50 Hz-63 Hz: Calculated Variance 63 Hz-80 Hz: Calculated Variance 80 Hz-100 Hz: Calculated Variance 100 Hz-125 Hz: Calculated Variance 125 Hz-160 Hz: Calculated Variance 160 Hz-200 Hz: Calculated Variance 200 Hz-250 Hz: Calculated Variance 250 Hz-315 Hz: Calculated Variance 315 Hz-400 Hz: Calculated Variance 400 Hz-500 Hz: Calculated Variance 500 Hz-630 Hz: Calculated Variance 630 Hz-800 Hz: Calculated Variance 1000 Hz-1,250 Hz: Calculated Variance 1,250 Hz-1600 Hz: Calculated Variance 1600 Hz-2000 Hz: Calculated Variance 2000 Hz-2500 Hz: Calculated Variance 2500 Hz-3150 Hz: Calculated Variance 3150 Hz-4000 Hz: Calculated Variance 4000 Hz-5000 Hz: Calculated Variance 5000 Hz-6300 Hz: Calculated Variance 6300 Hz-8000 Hz: Calculated Variance 1000 Hz-1,250 Hz: Calculated Variance 10,000 Hz-12,500 Hz: Calculated Variance 16,000 Hz-20,000 Hz: Calculated Variance 20,000 Hz-40,000 Hz: Calculated Variance SUM OF CALCULATED VARIANCE

[0124] In the exemplary embodiment, if the sum of calculated variance divided by the number of Variables is less than 10%, no adjustments to baffles will be made. The interval of the recording to create a data set will be determined during software development and could be measured as often as several times per second to create a useful data set.

[0125] The Calculated Variance will be a normalized value representing the % of variance from target values. Once the % of variance from Target levels is established the formula will find the absolute value of this variance. The absolute value of the % of Variance from target will then be multiplied by an Importance factor. The importance factor will allow the end user to prioritize the variables. This optimization formula is not true linear programming because there are no true constraint formulas. The constraints are the infinite number of input results as influenced by each mechanically adjustable baffle as it rotates 360 degrees. Control Software will call for Adjustment of Mechanically Adjustable Acoustical Panels. Panels/Baffles within a recording space may operate in predetermined groups, i.e. A, B, and C.

[0126] Next, if Average of Variance is greater than 10% Panels begin Rotation.

[0127] Once Group A Panels begin rotation. Input values are measured. When Average variance begins to increase, software calls for rotation to reverse. Rotation continues until Average variance begins to increase. Control software calls for panels to maintain position.

[0128] Next, once Group BPanels begin rotation. Input values are measured. When Average variance begins to increase, software calls for rotation to reverse. Rotation continues until Average variance begins to increase. Control software calls for panels to maintain position.

[0129] Next, once Group CPanels begin rotation. Input values are measured. When Average variance begins to increase, software calls for rotation to reverse. Rotation continues until Average variance begins to increase. Control software calls for panels to maintain position.

[0130] The software and its related feedback from input microphones will also be capable of finding optimal performance given variables that otherwise may be immeasurable such as crowd size, crowd positioning and composition of all elements and people within a given venue or performance space.

[0131] The software may utilize real time feedback from a network of microphones to measure acoustical performance. The software may determine whether the real time feedback is near the optimal ranges determined by the user. If the input levels are not optimal, the software will adjust acoustical panels 210 to so optimize. The acoustical inputs can then be re-measured to determine whether the result of the adjustments has brought the inputs closer to an optimal result. Real time feedback will be analyzed and linear programming determine when the variance from optimal has been minimized.

[0132] The real time analysis of data and the real time adjustment of panels 210 will provide sound engineers and sound technicians with the ability to optimize the acoustical performance of a room. These adjustments made with the real time input from microphones can call for acoustical adjustments based upon crowd size, crowd composition, positioning of stage implements, position of props and any other object that may enter a room, move about the room or otherwise change the sound profile of a venue or performance space.

[0133] As the software seeks optimal performance by adjusting panels 210 and measuring results, it will provide the sound technicians to find combinations of acoustical reflective, acoustical diffusion and acoustical absorption that may not be readily apparent or previously possible given today's technical environment and sound engineering tools and equipment. This nearly infinite adjustment will also allow for optimal acoustical performance within venues or spaces that may be temporary or poorly designed as it relates to acoustical performance.

[0134] The nature of the optimization software and the real time feedback will allow users to handle several contingencies. If one of the many panels 210 fails, other panels 210 will continue to adjust so as to bring the room as close to optimal as possible. This same scenario may involve failing sound equipment, microphones or other acoustical equipment.

[0135] Control apparatus 400 may be functionally connected to each panel 210 using cables, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other forms of wireless or wired communication. Control apparatus 400 will allow panels 210 to be adjusted from maximum sound reflectance to maximum sound absorption and an infinite number of variances in between. This adjustability and computerized control will provide the maximum amount of adjustability and performance options for the user acoustical engineer and sound technicians to physically change and optimize the physical characteristics of the venue or performance space.

[0136] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.