Method for performing acoustic measurement

Abstract

To provide a method for performing suitable acoustic measurement.SOLUTION: A method includes: a step of outputting at least one test signal (Sn) to a listening environment (30) by using a loud speaker (10); a step of receiving at least one test signal (Sn) by using a microphone (22) arranged in the listening environment (30); a step of determining at least one of a position and a direction of the microphone (22) in the listening environment (30) for the loud speaker (10) when receiving at least one test signal (Sn); a step of evaluating the test signal (Sn) received by the microphone (22); and a step of determining at least one mode associated with at least one transmission function based on evaluation of the test signal (Sn) and at least one of the position and the direction of the microphone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for performing acoustic measurements, and in particular to a method for determining at least one transfer function. [Background technology]

[0002] When playing sounds (e.g., music) on an audio system, the played audio content is usually somewhat distorted. Distortion can occur at any point in the audio path, from the speakers to the user's ears. This can seriously impair the listening experience of the user of the audio system. The audio path or playback chain is made up of several different components, such as the room in which the audio system is installed and the loudspeakers of the audio system. Each component of the playback chain introduces an individual transfer function that contributes to the overall distortion. The transfer function of the room and the transfer function of the loudspeakers generally have a large impact on the overall distortion and therefore on the sound quality perceived by the user. To be able to equalize the temporal and spectral distortions during audio playback to provide a satisfying sound quality to the user, it is necessary to provide a method to perform an acoustic measurement of at least one transfer function. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The method includes outputting at least one test signal to a listening environment using a loudspeaker; receiving each of the at least one test signal using a microphone positioned in the listening environment; determining at least one of a position and an orientation of the microphone in the listening environment relative to the loudspeaker upon receipt of each of the at least one test signal; evaluating the test signal received by the microphone; and determining at least one aspect associated with the at least one transfer function based on the evaluation of the test signal and the position and / or orientation of the microphone.

[0004] Other systems, methods, features and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and figures. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are intended to be included herein, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. The present specification also provides, for example, the following items: (Item 1) outputting at least one test signal (Sn) into a listening environment (30) using a loudspeaker (10); receiving each of the at least one test signal (Sn) using a microphone (22) disposed in the listening environment (30); determining at least one of a position and an orientation of the microphone (22) in the listening environment (30) relative to the loudspeaker (10) upon said reception of each of the at least one test signal (Sn); evaluating the test signal (Sn) received by the microphone (22); determining at least one aspect related to at least one transfer function based on said evaluation of said test signal (Sn) and on at least one of said position and said orientation of said microphone (22); A method comprising: (Item 2) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one aspect related to at least one transfer function includes at least one of a frequency response, a phase response, an estimated spectral characteristic, an estimated temporal characteristic, and a statistical characteristic of the respective transfer function. (Item 3) 3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining at least one aspect associated with at least one transfer function comprises determining the at least one transfer function. (Item 4) 4. The method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein evaluating the test signal (Sn) comprises determining a change in at least one parameter of the at least one test signal (Sn) occurring on a transmission path between the loudspeaker (10) and the microphone (22). (Item 5) 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein evaluating the test signal (Sn) comprises determining a change in frequency response of at least one test signal (Sn) occurring on the transmission path between the loudspeaker (10) and the microphone (22). (Item 6) Outputting at least one test signal (Sn) outputting a plurality of subsequent test signals (Sn), each test signal (Sn) being received by the microphone (22) at a different test position (Pn) within the listening environment (30); or outputting a single continuous test signal (Sn) for a defined length of time, said single continuous test signal (Sn) being received by said microphone (22) at different test positions (Pn) within said listening environment (30); The method according to any one of items 1 to 5, comprising: (Item 7) The microphone (22) is disposed on a portable electronic device (20), the portable electronic device (20) having a user interface, and the method further comprises: 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: outputting at least one command via the user interface to provide instructions to a user of the portable electronic device regarding at least one of a position, an orientation, a speed of movement, and a line of movement of the microphone (22) at or between the different test positions (Pn). (Item 8) The user interface includes a display, and the method further comprises: capturing, with at least one camera of the electronic device (20), at least one image or video of the listening environment (30) and the loudspeaker (10) disposed in the listening environment (30); displaying, on the display of the electronic device (20), at least one image or video of the listening environment (30) and the loudspeaker (10); marking the location of the loudspeaker (10) in the displayed image or video; 8. The method according to item 7, comprising: (Item 9) 9. The method of claim 8, wherein marking the position of the loudspeaker (10) in the listening environment (30) on the display comprises presenting a graphical mark on the display at or adjacent to the position of the loudspeaker (10). (Item 10) - comparing the position and / or the orientation of the microphone (22) in the listening environment relative to the loudspeaker (10) upon reception of a test signal (Sn) with a desired position and / or orientation; generating an alert if the actual position and / or orientation does not correspond to the desired position and / or orientation; 2. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: (Item 11) Item 11. The method of item 10, wherein the warning comprises at least one of a visual, an audible, and a tactile warning. (Item 12) 12. The method according to any of items 7 to 11, wherein upon reception of the test signal (Sn), the position and / or the orientation of the microphone (22) in the listening environment relative to the loudspeaker (10) is determined by at least one sensor (24) of the portable electronic device (20). (Item 13) Item 13. The method of item 12, wherein the at least one sensor (24) includes at least one of a camera, an acceleration sensor, a motion sensor, a gyroscope, a rotation sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and a proximity sensor. (Item 14) The at least one transfer function is a transfer function (H M (jω)). (Item 15) Evaluating the test signal (Sn) received by the microphone (22) comprises: separately evaluating each of the received test signals (Sn) to result in a plurality of evaluation results; Averaging the evaluation results of each of the test signals (Sn); 2. The method of any of the preceding claims, comprising:

[0005] The method may be better understood by reference to the following description and drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary audio system; [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates diagrammatically various transfer functions of an exemplary audio system; [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of another exemplary audio system. [Figure 4] 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of another exemplary audio system. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an exemplary method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary audio system is shown in schematic form. The audio system includes a loudspeaker 10 and a microphone 22. The loudspeaker 10 is arranged in a listening environment 30 and configured to output an audio signal, such as music, speech, or any other type of audible sound or tone. The microphone 22 is arranged at a distance from the loudspeaker 10 and configured to receive the audio signal emanating from the loudspeaker 10. "At a distance" here means that there is a distance of at least a few centimeters between the loudspeaker 10 and the microphone 22. In a typical listening situation, the loudspeaker 10 is arranged at least 1 m, at least 2 m, or even further away from a user listening to the audio. The listening position or listening area 32 is defined by the position of the user during audio playback. That is, the listening area 32 (or location) is an area (or location) where the user can perceive the audio output from the loudspeaker 10. The listening area 32 (or location) is often an area smaller than the listening environment 30. The listening area 32 may include the position of the user's head, or more specifically, the position of the user's ears. While listening to the audio reproduced by the loudspeaker 10, the user is primarily within the listening area 32. That is, if the user remains stationary in one place, the listening area 32 is generally smaller compared to a situation in which the user moves through the listening environment 30. Thus, the listening environment 30 may include other areas in addition to the listening area 32, and the user is generally not located in an area outside the listening area 32. However, in some cases, if the user moves around frequently, the listening area 32 may include the entire listening environment 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the microphone 22 is located within the listening position or listening area 32, while the loudspeaker 10 is located outside the listening area 32.

[0008] The arrangement shown in Fig. 1 is configured to determine at least one aspect of at least one transfer function. The aspects related to the transfer function may include at least one of the frequency response, phase response, estimated spectral characteristics, estimated temporal characteristics, and statistical characteristics of the respective transfer function. According to one embodiment, only one aspect of the at least one transfer function is determined. According to another embodiment, two or more aspects of the at least one transfer function are determined. According to yet another embodiment, the one or more transfer functions are determined in their entirety. In the following, it is assumed that the one or more transfer functions are determined in their entirety. However, it should be understood that instead, only the aspects of the transfer functions mentioned below may be determined. It is also possible to determine at least one aspect of the at least one transfer function that is not specifically mentioned in this specification.

[0009] When a first audio signal x(t), e.g., music or speech, is output from the loudspeaker 10, this signal is typically distorted while traveling along the transmission path from the loudspeaker 10 to the listening area 32. This is because several components in the listening environment 30 introduce different transfer functions, which result in an overall distortion of the first audio signal x(t). For example, the first audio signal x(t) may be distorted due to the room or listening environment 30 in which the loudspeaker 10 is located. The room transfer function H R (jω) generally depends on, for example, the size of the room (listening environment 30), the furniture, plants, or other objects placed in the room. Such objects may include carpets, bookshelves, curtains, lamps, etc. However, the loudspeaker 10 and microphone 22 themselves also have a further transfer function H S (jω) (speaker transfer function), H M We may introduce (jω), the transfer function of the microphone.

[0010] Therefore, the overall transfer function H t (jω) is the individual transfer function H S (jω), H R (jω), HM (jω) (see, for example, FIG. 2). According to one embodiment, the following applies: H t (jω)=H S (jω)*H R (jω)*H M (jω) (1)

[0011] That is, the audio signal y(t) obtained at the listening position or listening area 32 is a distorted version of the original first audio signal x(t) output by the loudspeaker 10. Thus, a user listening to the audio output from the loudspeaker 10 may experience a distorted acoustic experience. Therefore, many audio systems are designed to use an overall transfer function H t (jω) is configured to determine the overall transfer function H t (jω), or the overall transfer function H t If at least an aspect of (jω) is known, transfer function compensation can be performed when outputting the audio. Transfer function compensation may include, for example, frequency compensation or equalization. A correction filter can be applied that takes into account at least one aspect of the transfer function. In general, any suitable method for compensating for distortion can be applied.

[0012] Since the transfer function or aspects of the transfer function in a particular situation are usually initially unknown, a measurement sequence may be performed to determine the relevant transfer function or aspects of the transfer function. Various methods for measuring the transfer function are generally known. Common to all such methods is the use of an excitation signal (stimulus) that includes all frequencies of interest to feed the device under test. The response of the device under test is obtained and compared in an appropriate manner with the original signal. A high-energy excitation signal may be used to achieve a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio over the entire frequency range of interest. Measurements (or estimates) of the distortion transfer function or aspects of the transfer function may be made to provide a corresponding compensation filter during subsequent audio playback.

[0013] However, determining the overall transfer function taking into account all the various components in the transmission path can be complicated. Many users do not have a dedicated measurement microphone. However, one possibility is to use a microphone 22 located on the portable electronic device 20 to determine the transfer function. The portable electronic device 20 may be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, a smart watch, or any other suitable electronic device. Most users today own at least one suitable electronic device 20. Such portable electronic devices 20 usually already incorporate microphones that are provided for the many different functions of the portable electronic device 20. A test signal Sn can be output from the loudspeaker 10 and received by the microphone 22 of the portable electronic device 20. The portable electronic device 20 or an external computing unit may then evaluate the received signal y(t). Knowing the original signal x(t), the system can determine the overall transfer function resulting from the individual transfer functions of the various components of the transmission path.

[0014] However, as noted above, microphone 22 generally has an overall transfer function H t (jω) plus a further transfer function H M (jω). However, when the user is listening to the audio, the microphone 22 is no longer part of the transmission path. The microphone 22 is only involved during the measurement procedure. Therefore, the microphone transfer function H M The overall transfer function H including (jω) t Compensating for (jω) may not provide a satisfactory listening experience. M Considering (jω) may result in a more unsatisfactory listening experience compared to the situation where no compensation is performed. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the microphone transfer function H M (jω) is the overall transfer function H t It is determined so that it can be subtracted from (jω).

[0015] It is generally difficult to determine the transfer function of the microphone 22 of the portable electronic device 20. The microphone 22 of the portable electronic device 20 is usually directional. That is, the transfer function of the microphone 22 is strongly dependent on the orientation of the portable electronic device 20, specifically the orientation of the microphone 22 of the portable electronic device 20. The orientation of the electronic device 20, and thus the microphone 22 of the electronic device 20, during the measurement procedure may introduce unpredictable effects into the measurement results due to the directivity of the microphone 22 and the diffraction and shadowing effects of the electronic device 20 itself (e.g., smartphone housing).

[0016] On the other hand, the transfer function H M (jω) is unknown, and this transfer function H M (jω) is the overall transfer function H t If not excluded from (jω), the sound perception for the user may be degraded.

[0017] Thus, while performing the test sequence, the position and / or orientation of the portable electronic device 20 relative to the loudspeaker 10 is determined, in particular the position and / or orientation of the microphone 22. If the position and / or orientation of the microphone 22 is known, then the microphone transfer function H M (jω) can be determined with sufficient accuracy. That is, the overall transfer function H t (jω) or the individual microphone transfer function H M In determining each (jω), information regarding the position and / or orientation of the microphone 22 relative to the loudspeaker 10 may be taken into account.

[0018] Many portable electronic devices 20 typically include at least one sensor 24 (see FIG. 4). The at least one sensor 24 may include, for example, at least one of a camera, an acceleration sensor, a motion sensor, a gyroscope, a rotation sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and a proximity sensor. The position and / or orientation of the electronic device 20 may be determined by the at least one sensor 24 of the electronic device 20. For example, a camera may take one or more images or videos of the listening environment 30 in which the loudspeaker 10 is placed. The position and / or orientation of the microphone 22 relative to the loudspeaker 10 may then be determined by suitable image processing methods. For example, the captured image or video may be analyzed and object recognition or computer vision techniques may be used to identify the loudspeaker 10 in the image or video. In general, various techniques are known that allow performing edge detection, gradient matching, or similar techniques that may identify objects in an image or video. An acceleration sensor or a motion sensor may, for example, provide information regarding the orientation of the microphone 22. The proximity sensor can determine the distance of the portable electronic device 20 relative to any object in the listening environment 30. Any other suitable sensor 24 can be used to determine the position and / or orientation of the microphone 22 relative to the speaker 10.

[0019] The transfer function H of microphone 22 M (jω) may be completely different if the microphone 22 is pointed away from the loudspeaker 10 compared to the situation where the microphone 22 is pointed towards the loudspeaker 10. Thus, knowledge of the orientation of the microphone 22 with respect to the loudspeaker 10 is essential for the microphone transfer function H M (jω) and helps improve the user's listening experience.

[0020] Before actually listening to the desired audio output by the loudspeaker 10, a measurement process may be performed by a user. The user may place himself in the desired listening area 32. The user may hold the portable electronic device 20 in his hand while at least one test signal Sn is generated by the loudspeaker 10. An exemplary test sequence is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3. According to one embodiment, a single test signal S1 may be output by the loudspeaker 10 and captured by the microphone 22 at a single test position P1. According to another embodiment, multiple test signals Sn may be output in succession. Between different test signals Sn, the user may move the electronic device 20 with the microphone 22 to different test positions Pn. In this way, the test signals Sn may be received at different test positions Pn in the listening area 32. The measurement results determined from each of the multiple test positions Pn may then be averaged. This average value is later calculated as the transfer function H of the microphone. M (jω) and can be taken into account when equalizing distortions in audio playback accordingly. This results in a satisfactory listening experience for the user throughout the listening area 32. If the user remains stationary at a single listening position 32, a single test measurement (test signal S1 at test position P1, which corresponds to the listening position 32) may be sufficient. However, if the user intends to move around the listening area 32, multiple test measurements can be taken to improve the listening experience throughout the listening area 32.

[0021] The different test signals Sn of a test sequence may be identical. For example, each test signal may be output for a certain period of time, for example one test signal Sn may be output for 0.5 s to several seconds. In general, the test signal Sn must be long enough to allow the user to hear it and position the electronic device 20 accordingly. Between the different test signals Sn there may be pauses that allow the user to reposition the electronic device 20. Each pause may last for example one second or more. According to an embodiment, the user moves the electronic device 20 to the next test position Pn and remains stationary during the period of the corresponding test signal Sn. However, according to another embodiment, it is also possible for the user to perform a single continuous movement. That is, the user can move the electronic device 20 in a single continuous movement, thereby moving the electronic device 20 without actually pausing at the different test positions Pn, but past all of the required test positions Pn. According to an embodiment, the user moves the electronic device once around the head. It is also possible that only a single test signal S1 is output. This single test signal S1 may have a length of, for example, several seconds. While this single test signal S1 is being output, the user can move the electronic device 20 to different measurement positions Pn. The test signal Sn can be any type of suitable signal, for example a noise signal or a sweep signal. The type of test signal Sn is generally independent of the measurement to be performed.

[0022] For example, the number of test signals Sn and test positions Pn may depend on the size of the listening area 32. That is, if the user remains substantially stationary while listening to the audio, it may be sufficient to perform test sequences with fewer test signals Sn at fewer test positions Pn to determine the corresponding transfer functions. If the user intends to move around a comparable large listening area 32, the number of test signals Sn and test positions Pn may be greater.

[0023] Difficulties arise if the electronic device 20 does not move from one measurement position Pn to the other measurement position Pn at a constant speed. Variations in speed may adversely affect the measurement results. If the electronic device 20 needs to remain stationary at the test position Pn during the output of the corresponding test signal Sn, it is also possible for the user to continue to move the electronic device 20.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 20 is installed with a suitable application (app). This app can be used to start a test sequence. A user can start the test sequence by opening the app and pressing a corresponding button. The electronic device 20 can communicate with the loudspeaker 10, for example, via a wired or wireless communication link. The loudspeaker 10 can be an external loudspeaker of the electronic device 20. The portable electronic device 20 can cause the loudspeaker 10 to output at least one test signal Sn, for example by sending a suitable signal to the loudspeaker 10. Alternatively, it is also possible to involve another external device in the process, which communicates with both the electronic device 20 and the loudspeaker 10 and instructs the loudspeaker 10 to output at least one test signal Sn. Once the test sequence is started, the app can provide instructions to the user on how to move the electronic device 20. For example, the instructions may be output visually via a display of the electronic device 20 or as audio instructions via a loudspeaker. The app may instruct the user on the speed at which to move the electronic device. For example, an arrow may be shown on the display indicating the direction in which to move the electronic device 20. Such an arrow may be shown, for example, in various colors. Green may be an indication that the user is moving the electronic device at a desired speed. Red may indicate, for example, that the movement is too slow or too fast. The length, thickness, or brightness of the arrow may indicate whether the electronic device is moving too slowly or too fast. However, this is merely one example. Any other visual, auditory, or tactile indicators may be used to instruct the user on how to move the electronic device 20.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the camera of the electronic device 20 may be configured to record the surroundings of the electronic device 20. The captured images or videos of the surroundings may be shown on the display of the electronic device 20. For example, the user may be requested to move the electronic device 20 during the test sequence so that the loudspeaker 10 is always captured by the camera. The loudspeakers 10 may for example be highlighted on the display. That is, a graphic mark (for example a circle, an arrow or a cross) may be shown on the display at or adjacent to the position of at least one loudspeaker 10. If the loudspeaker 10 is no longer captured by the camera and no mark appears on the display, the user knows that the orientation of the electronic device 20 is incorrect. It is also possible for the electronic device to output a warning if the orientation of the electronic device 20 is incorrect. This may be for example a visual, audible or tactile warning. In this way, it can be ensured that the orientation and position of the loudspeaker 22 is correct during the course of the test sequence.

[0026] According to another embodiment, no warnings are generated during the test sequence, and it is also possible that after the test sequence has been completed the user is informed that the test sequence has not been executed correctly, in which case the user may be asked, for example, to repeat the test sequence.

[0027] The at least one sensor 24 may be configured to monitor the position and / or orientation of the electronic device 20 throughout the complete test sequence. The position and / or orientation may be monitored continuously throughout the test sequence. It is also possible to monitor the position and / or orientation at defined time intervals throughout the test sequence. In this way, it can be determined whether the microphone 22 is misoriented during the test sequence. This may occur, for example, if the user tilts the electronic device 20 too far in one direction, causing the microphone 22 to no longer be pointed sufficiently towards the loudspeaker 10.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the orientation of the microphone 22 is determined throughout the complete test sequence, and the microphone transfer function H M To compensate for (jω), information about the orientation of the microphone 22 during the test sequence can be used. In this case, the orientation-dependent microphone transfer function H M (jω) may be required, i.e., for a particular orientation of the microphone 22 relative to the loudspeaker 10, knowledge of the corresponding microphone transfer function H M (jω) may be known. Information about different transfer functions for different directions may be stored, for example, in the electronic device 20. For example, one transfer function may be associated with different orientations of the microphone 22 that fall within a defined angular range (e.g. the angle between the main radiation direction of the loudspeaker 10 and the main reception direction of a directional microphone). The smaller the angular range, the more accurate the compensation.

[0029] Often, multiple loudspeakers 10 of an audio system may be visible in the image captured by the camera of the electronic device 20. In this case, it may be that the system is not aware which loudspeaker 10 is generating the test signal Sn. In such a case, the app may prompt the user to indicate which loudspeaker 10 is to be used in the test sequence. If multiple loudspeakers 10 are arranged in the listening environment 30, separate test sequences may be performed for each of the different loudspeakers 10 that will later be used to output audio.

[0030] If the position and orientation of the microphone 22 is substantially constant throughout the test sequence, the transfer function H M (jω) is deterministic. This allows the microphone transfer function H M (jω) appropriately and use the determined microphone transfer function H M(jω). In general, it is also possible for the manufacturer of the electronic device 20 or the audio system to perform a test sequence in advance, for example in an anechoic chamber, and provide information on the transfer function of the electronic device 20 or the microphone 22, which can be taken into account during the subsequent audio processing. During the subsequent audio processing, it is also possible to take into account information on the directivity of the microphone 22. Such directivity information may for example be provided by the manufacturer of the microphone 22 and may be stored in the electronic device 20. In the signal processing during audio playback, it is then possible to compensate for the directivity of the microphone at this particular time during the measurement, given a certain orientation of the microphone 22.

[0031] 5, an exemplary method is illustrated in a schematic sequence diagram. The method includes outputting at least one test signal to a listening environment using a loudspeaker (step 501), receiving each of the at least one test signal using a microphone disposed in the listening environment (step 502), determining at least one of a position and an orientation of the microphone in the listening environment relative to the loudspeaker upon receiving each of the at least one test signal (step 503), evaluating the test signal received by the microphone (step 504), and determining at least one aspect related to at least one transfer function based on the evaluation of the test signal and the position and / or orientation of the microphone (step 505).

[0032] The at least one aspect related to the at least one transfer function may include at least one of a frequency response, a phase response, an estimated spectral characteristic, an estimated temporal characteristic, and a statistical characteristic of the respective transfer function.

[0033] Determining at least one aspect associated with the at least one transfer function may include determining the at least one transfer function.

[0034] Evaluating the test signal may include determining a change in at least one parameter of the at least one test signal occurring on a transmission path between the loudspeaker and the microphone.

[0035] Evaluating the test signal may include determining a change in frequency response of the at least one test signal that occurs on a transmission path between the loudspeaker and the microphone.

[0036] Outputting at least one test signal may include outputting a plurality of subsequent test signals, each test signal being received by a microphone at a different test position within the listening environment, or outputting a single continuous test signal for a defined length of time, the single continuous test signal being received by a microphone at a different test position within the listening environment.

[0037] The microphone may be located on a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device having a user interface, and the method may further include outputting at least one command via the user interface to provide instructions to a user of the portable electronic device regarding at least one of a position, orientation, speed of movement, and line of movement of the microphone at or between the different test positions.

[0038] The user interface may include a display, and the method may further include capturing at least one image or video of the listening environment and loudspeakers positioned in the listening environment using at least one camera of the electronic device, displaying at least one image or video of the listening environment and the loudspeakers on a display of the electronic device, and marking the positions of the loudspeakers in the displayed image or video.

[0039] Marking the locations of the loudspeakers in the listening environment on the display may include presenting graphical markings on the display at or adjacent to the locations of the loudspeakers.

[0040] The method may further include, upon receiving the test signal, comparing a position and / or orientation of the microphone in the listening environment relative to the loudspeaker with a desired position and / or orientation, and generating an alert if the actual position and / or orientation does not correspond to the desired position and / or orientation.

[0041] The alert may include at least one of a visual, an audio, and a tactile alert.

[0042] Upon receiving the test signal, the position and / or orientation of the microphone in the listening environment relative to the loudspeaker may be determined by at least one sensor of the portable electronic device.

[0043] The at least one sensor may include at least one of a camera, an acceleration sensor, a motion sensor, a gyroscope, a rotation sensor, a magnetic field sensor, and a proximity sensor.

[0044] At least one transfer function may be a transfer function of a microphone.

[0045] Evaluating the test signals received by the at least one microphone may include evaluating each of the received test signals separately to result in a plurality of evaluation results and averaging the evaluation results of the individual test signals.

[0046] It should be understood that the illustrated methods and systems are merely examples. While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. In particular, those skilled in the art will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments. Although these techniques and systems have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood that these techniques and systems may extend beyond the scope of the specifically disclosed embodiments to other embodiments and / or applications and obvious modifications thereof. Thus, the invention should not be restricted except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0047] The description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Suitable modifications and variations to the embodiments may be implemented in light of the above description or may result from practicing the method. The described arrangements are exemplary in nature and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. As used in this application, an element described in the singular and followed by the word "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude a plurality of such elements, unless such exclusion is stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" or "one example" of the disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects. The described systems are exemplary in nature and may include additional elements and / or omit elements. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all new and unobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions, and / or properties that are disclosed. The following claims particularly point out the subject matter from the above disclosure that is regarded as new and unobvious.

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described in this specification.

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