Optimization of Speaker Installation in a Monitoring Space

Abstract

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method for creating a report for optimizing the installation of a speaker system (100) having at least one speaker (101, 102, 103) in a monitoring space is provided. The method of the present disclosure includes providing audio data representing the performance of the speaker system (100), performing an analysis (1030) of analyzing and processing values of at least one audio parameter (1 to n) from the audio data to obtain a result, and outputting (1039) the collected result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to sound reproduction. In particular, the present disclosure relates to optimizing the installation of speakers calibrated for a particular monitoring space.

Background Art

[0002] Calibrating speakers to match a monitoring room is generally known in the art. Conventional calibration procedures typically include steps such as playing a test signal using a set of speakers, capturing the played test signal with a microphone, subsequently analyzing the signal, and equalizing the signal input to the speakers to balance the room deficiencies that cause peaks or dips in the frequency response curve. One such calibration method and system is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Methods and systems for statistically optimizing a speaker system to match one or more potential listening spots are disclosed in Patent Document 2. In this method, a test signal is generated by the speaker system, and a transfer function is deduced from the measurement results of the test signal. By modifying this transfer function as a calculation exercise for simulating different multiple speaker installation configurations such as positioning or adjustment, the influence of the different multiple configurations on the sound output is predicted. In other words, the core concept of Patent Document 2 is to analyze the variables that theoretically affect performance in a selected audio system.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a system for monitoring a listening room, which is devised to perform periodic verification measurements to confirm that the output of a speaker system remains unchanged since installation. The above system and method are based on generating a test signal using the speaker system and measuring the output. When it is concluded by the system of Patent Document 3 that the speaker system no longer generates its original output, the user is warned to inspect the listening room and investigate which component is malfunctioning.

[0005] From Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2, an automated room performance report is also known. These automated room performance reports feature an analysis of specific audio parameters of the room where the audio system test was conducted.

[0006] Finally, Patent Document 4 discloses a system for automatically fine-tuning an audio system to achieve a target acoustic response while maintaining a predetermined level of power efficiency. The above system features an engine executed by a processor, which is for: (a) performance-related data representing the cooperative operation of speakers; (b) a power efficiency weighting factor representing the target acoustic response and the desired degree of power efficiency; and (c) operating parameters based on the above target acoustic response, performance-related data, and impedance data. The above engine provides operating parameters for balancing the optimized acoustic performance and the optimized power efficiency of the speakers based on the above power efficiency weighting factor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] biamp - Launch report card (published on August 23, 2021, at https: / / downloads.biamp.com / assets / docs / default-source / content / ) [Non-Patent Document 2] Biamp Launch Report Card - Biamp Cornerstone (published on December 15, 2021, at https: / / support.biamp.com / Tesira / Programming / Biamp_Launch_Report_Card, biamp_launch_report_example_aug21.pdf) [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0009] The current calibration system is sophisticated and effective, but there remains a desire to further optimize the speaker system according to the listening room.

[0010] The present invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined by the dependent claims. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for creating a report for optimizing the installation of a speaker system including at least one speaker in a monitoring space is provided. The method of the present disclosure has the following steps: - providing audio data representing the performance of the speaker system; - performing an analysis, the steps being: · extracting the value of at least one audio parameter from the audio data; · comparing the extracted value with a reference database including the tolerance of the at least one audio parameter; · when the analyzed value is within the associated tolerance, saving an indication of compliance of the corresponding audio parameter; · when the analyzed value is not within the associated tolerance, querying a helper database for an installation proposal regarding the value, and saving an indication of non - compliance of the corresponding audio parameter and the associated installation proposal; and · collecting the saved results steps including; and - outputting the collected results.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for creating a report for optimizing the installation of a speaker system having at least one speaker in a monitoring space is provided. The method of the present disclosure involves the following steps: - providing a plurality of audio data sets representing the performance of the speaker system in a corresponding plurality of different installations; - performing an analysis, the steps being: · extracting the value of at least one audio parameter from the plurality of audio data sets; · comparing each of the values extracted from the plurality of audio data sets with each other and with a predetermined target value; · based on the comparison step, selecting the audio data set having the value of the at least one audio parameter closest to the predetermined target value as a recommended installation; and · A step of collecting the saved results including the step; and - A step of outputting the collected results.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a computing system is provided having a processor and a memory connected to the processor. The memory stores a set of computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the above-described processing steps. The computing system also includes a data communication interface connected to the processor for transmitting and receiving audio data to and from a sound reproduction system. The computing system further includes a reference database directly or indirectly connected to the processor. The reference database contains a library of tolerances for at least one audio parameter. The computing system further includes a helper database directly or indirectly connected to the processor. The helper database contains a library of installation change proposals for a plurality of predetermined non-conformances with the tolerances of the at least one audio parameter.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided storing a set of computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform the above-described processing steps.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided configured to perform the above-described method on a computing unit.

[0016] One or more embodiments may include one or more features from the following list of feature bullet points: - The analysis step includes performing an analysis of a plurality of audio parameters; - The analysis step is at least partially performed on a computing system external to the sound reproduction system; - The computing system is connected to the speaker system via a data communication interface between the computing system and a control system connected to the speaker system; - The method includes a calibration step; - The calibration step involves a test signal step that includes the step of playing an audio test signal using at least one speaker; - The calibration step involves a listening step that includes the step of capturing the played audio test signal with a microphone located within the monitoring space; - The calibration step involves the step of calibrating the speaker system based on the captured audio test signal; - The method includes a second such calibration step; - The audio parameters include or are selected from a list consisting of: · Frequency response, · -6dB point, · Time of flight, · Sum of the frequency responses of multiple speakers, · High cut-off frequency of the subwoofer, · Low frequency dip of the (full bandwidth) monitor, · Initial sound to late sound ratio, · Decay time of the room mode, · Total response dip of the subwoofer and the (full bandwidth) monitor, · Initial reflection sound level, and · Reverberation time (RT60); - The output step includes the step of displaying the conformity of each of the audio parameters to a predetermined reference set of these parameters; - The computing step is performed by an external computing system such as a cloud-based computing system, where the adjustment step is physically performed within the listening space.

[0017] The concept of the present invention provides a data-based and easy optimization of the physical installation of speakers in a listening room. Hitherto, by equalizing speakers using presets, it has been possible to mitigate the drawbacks caused by the physical constraints of the listening room. Although a skilled installation expert can surely improve the performance of the room and speakers as a whole, the concept of the present invention provides a well-founded improvement proposal for installation that does not require previous experience and is based on verifiable data. Optionally, compliance with a given audio standard can also be established.

[0018] Hereinafter, specific exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] In the context of this specification, the term "installation" includes, but is not limited to, the physical setup of speakers in a listening room. Physical parameters of the installation include the distance from the selected listening spot, the distance from the acoustic center axis, toe-in, the distance from the "back wall", the use of sound-absorbing materials between the speaker enclosure and the support surface, the type of stand or mount, and the like.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a system used to optimize the installation of a speaker system 100 within a listening room. A typical speaker system 100 comprises at least two speakers. Figure 1 shows the presence of a first speaker 101, a second speaker 102, and an nth speaker 103 to emphasize that the exact number of speakers within the speaker system 100 is immaterial.

[0022] The speaker system 100 is controlled by a control system 200 connected to the speaker system 100. The control system 200 may be configured as a unit or may be formed by an interconnected network of a plurality of dedicated devices. An exemplary control system 200 includes a controller 201, which can take the form of a tuner amplifier. The controller 201 may be connected to the speakers 101 - 103 directly by a cable or via a network such as a local area network. Such devices are known per se. The control system 200 has a user interface 203 for giving commands to the controller 201. The user interface 203 can take the form of a control panel on the tuner amplifier, or a graphical user interface included in the tuner amplifier, or a computer - based user interface connected to the controller via a network. Such devices are known per se. To access the controller, the control system 200 has a communication interface 202, which is understood in a broad sense to mean any galvanic and / or wired or wireless data interface for communicating with the controller 201 and ultimately with the speaker system 100.

[0023] To analyze the performance of the speaker system 100 within the listening room, a computing system 400 is also provided. The computing system 400 may be a separate cloud or local execution-type processing system connected to the control system 200 via a data network, as shown in FIG. 1, or may be incorporated into the control system 200, such as being embedded in the memory and executed by the associated processor of the controller (not shown). According to the illustrated embodiment, the computing system 400 is a cloud-driven processing unit having a communication interface 402 that can take the form of a communication port open to the Internet or other data network. The communication interface 402 is directly or indirectly connected to a corresponding communication interface 202 on the control system 200. The communication interface 402 is connected to a processor 401, and this processor 401 is functionally understood as either locally provided data processing resources or as what is understood as cloud computing. The processor 401 is connected to a memory 403 for storing software necessary for data analysis, which will be described in more detail below. The computing system 400 also includes a first database 404 containing a library of audio parameter acceptance criteria. The above library may include one or more criteria according to a list of one or two or more standards or other requirements. An example of an audio quality standard is ITU-R BS.1116, which is a quality recommendation for broadcast services that defines high-precision audio listening conditions for monitoring applications such as recording studios, post-production, and audio editing. The first database 404 may actually be included in the memory 403 or a remotely accessible memory. In the figure of FIG. 1, for illustrative purposes only, the first database 404 is depicted as a separate entity.The computing system 400 further includes a second database 405, which includes a library of pre-defined speaker setup instructions, and the library of pre-defined speaker setup instructions is similarly associated with non-conformances to the pre-defined acceptance criteria. In practice, the second database 405 may be stored in the same memory as the first database 404, or may form part of the first database 404, or vice versa. According to the example shown, the second database 405 is a locally stored or remotely accessible database separate from the first database 404.

[0024] The computing system 400 may be constructed as a separate unit or may be physically incorporated into the control system 200. When constructed as a separate unit, the computing system 400 may include a signal interface 406 such as a microphone jack or a wireless audio signal interface.

[0025] A microphone 300 is provided in the listening room to capture the sound signal generated by the speaker system 100. The microphone 300 may be connected to the controller 201 via the communication interface 202. This connection may be wired or wireless. Further, or alternatively, the microphone 300 may be connected to the computing system 400 via the signal interface 406.

[0026] With reference now to the flowchart of FIG. 2, which illustrates an exemplary analysis process implemented using, for example, the system of FIG. 1, the process of speaker installation will be considered.

[0027] As a first calibration step 1010, the controller 201 drives each speaker 101, 102, 103 of the speaker system 100, either separately or in cooperation, to reproduce 1011 a (first) predetermined audio test signal. The test signal file may be included in the memory of the control system 200 or may be remotely accessible. Alternatively, the speakers 101, 102, 103 may include such a test signal file stored locally therein. The controller 201 preferably instructs the speakers 101, 102, 103 to "test squawk" individually to avoid interference. After each has reproduced the test signal, the microphone 300 placed in the listening room, preferably at the desired listening spot, captures 1012 the speaker output. The captured test signal is stored in the memory (not shown) of the control system 200, or directly in the memory 403 of the computing system 400, or in an external memory connected to either system. All the speakers 101, 102, 103 within the speaker system 100, or some selected ones of these speakers, perform an analysis of the audio data after generating a sample. This analysis itself is known. Thereafter, the speaker system 100 is calibrated 1013 by the controller 201. This calibration itself is also known.

[0028] After the first calibration step 1010, it is also possible (i.e., this is optional) to perform a second such calibration step 1020, including actions similar to those of this first calibration step, namely, reproduction 1021 of a test signal using the speaker system 100, measurement 1022 of the response using a microphone, and calibration 1023 based on the test signal data.

[0029] Theoretically, more than three calibration steps are foreseeable.

[0030] By calibrating the speaker system 100 to the listening room it occupies, the speaker system 100 is optimized within the range where equalization is possible. To optimize the physical speaker installation, calibration at a single stage or multiple stages is performed before or after the installation analysis 1030, which, according to this exemplary embodiment, is performed by a remotely accessible cloud service separate from the control system 200 and the speaker system 100.

[0031] Calibrations 1010, 1020 generate an audio data file representing the performance of the speaker system 100 within the listening room. The audio data file may be pre-processed or may contain raw audio data. The audio data is transmitted by the communication interface 202 of the control system 200 and received by the cooperative communication interface 402 of the computing system 400, after which the analysis is started 1031. The audio data can be streamed between the control system 200 and the computing system 400 using conventional streaming methods, or a recorded audio file such as a.WAV file can be transmitted using conventional data transfer methods. First, the audio data file is processed to extract a set of audio parameters 1 to n from the raw data or identify them from the pre-processed data. Relevant audio parameters include conventional frequency response data sets including in particular peaks and dips, -6dB points, time of flight, early reflections, initial sound, late sound, reverberation time (RT60). The extraction of such parameters from the audio file itself is known. Preferably, at least these parameters are defined in ITU-R BS1116. According to ITU-R BS1116, the quality of the audio listening conditions is at least partially defined by: the early reflection level in dB; the reverberation time (RT60); the deepest notch in the frequency response below 300 Hz in dB; and the relationship between the early and late reflections in dB.

[0032] Once parameters 1 to n are established, the reference database 404 is queried to compare the values of the audio data file with the references regarding these parameters 1 to n stored in the reference database 404. The above references may be defined, for example, in ITU-R BS1116. Next, in the determination step 1034, the compliance of the values of the selected parameters 1 to n is established.

[0033] If a value is within the tolerance by the reference database 404, an index of compliance is stored for each compliant value 1035. The index of compliance preferably includes data regarding the value of a given parameter and an index of how well the above value meets the tolerance associated with the parameter. For example, in a speaker system, the initial reflection sound value of the first speaker 101 may be -10.3 dB, which is classified as "excellent" according to the tolerance, while the corresponding value of the second speaker 102 may be -6.5 dB, which is classified as "good".

[0034] If a value is not within the tolerance by the reference database 404, the process proceeds to the step of seeking assistance to improve the physical speaker installation so as to make the compliance between the speaker and the reference complete or improved. For each out-of-specification value, the helper database 405 is queried 1036. This query may be a single-stage one or may proceed through a complex series of composite conditions. The helper database 405 includes a library of predetermined installation change recommendations associated with the range of non-compliant values of the selected parameters. The above recommendations may relate to one or more of the following elements: the position of the speaker; the orientation of the speaker (tilt, toe); the arrangement of the listening position; room acoustics such as the use of damping materials, resonators, diffusers, etc.

[0035] Hereinafter, specific practical examples of the audio parameter references and the installation change recommendations associated with the above references are disclosed in more detail.

[0036] For example, when the allowable error of the early reflection sound is set to -5 dB, the library may include predetermined installation change recommendations for speakers that cannot generate a value smaller than the threshold of -5 dB. Assuming that the second speaker 102 generates an early reflection sound of -4.5 dB, the library can include the following installation change recommendations: "Monitor 102 shows a high early reflection sound level. This may change the timbre of the sound and the image formation. The time difference between the direct sound and the early reflection sound indicates the difference in the distances of these two acoustic paths. Recommendations: To reduce the early reflection sound level, there are multiple options as follows. Move the monitor further away from the reflecting surface and / or move, rotate, tilt, or remove the reflecting surface so that the early reflection sound is eliminated, and / or add sound-absorbing or diffusing materials to the reflecting surface to reduce the level of the early reflection sound."

[0037] As another example, when the allowable error of the sum of the sound pressures of multiple speakers is set to -2 dB, the library may include predetermined installation change recommendations for speakers that cannot generate a value larger than the threshold of -2 dB. The threshold in dB is related to the ideal total sound pressure which is 0 dB in theory. The sum of the sound pressures can be calculated for any number of speakers.

[0038] Assuming that the speaker system 100 generates an overall total value of -3dB, the library can include the following installation change recommendations: "The sound outputs from these monitors are not added in phase at all frequencies. This can cause the sound image within the sound stage to move or change, and the total sound level may not be correct at all frequencies, resulting in a change in sound color. The reason the total is incorrect is that the sound from the left monitor and the sound from the right monitor are not in phase. This may be caused by differences in the audio time of flight or the fact that the phase responses of the monitors do not match at all frequencies. Recommendation: Examine the acoustic image formation of the monitors. Are you satisfied with this image formation? To improve the situation, ensure that both the position and orientation of the monitors are symmetric with respect to the left-right symmetry axis of the room, and that the distances to acoustically hard surfaces are equal for the stereo pair of monitors on the left and right sides of the room. Are there any non-symmetric acoustic reflective surfaces in the room? If these surfaces cannot be moved by repositioning the monitors, try absorbing or diffusing the acoustic reflections. If you were using the 'individual calibration' mode in GLM AutoCal, try using the'symmetric' calibration mode."

[0039] As a further example, when the subwoofer's upper or high cut-off frequency is set to 90 Hz, the library may include certain installation change recommendations for subwoofers that cannot generate values higher than the threshold of 90 Hz. Assuming the subwoofer generates a cut-off frequency of 80 Hz, the library can include the following installation change recommendations: "The subwoofer's high corner frequency is too low. The audio level near the high corner frequency decreases, which may affect the subwoofer's crossover performance. The reflected sound from the nearest wall is a typical cause of such problems. Recommendation: Try moving the subwoofer closer to the nearest wall. Consider rotating the subwoofer so that the driver faces the wall. This way, the influence of cancellation by the nearest wall can be more effectively removed. Note that recalibration is required after moving the subwoofer. When doing this, leave a space of approximately 10 cm (4 inches) between the subwoofer and the wall. Acoustic reflections from the side walls of the room may also cause this problem. To correct this, try moving the subwoofer closer to the side wall or towards the corner."

[0040] The same recommendations can also be provided when the subwoofer shows dips in a specific frequency range.

[0041] As a further example, when the allowable error of the low-frequency notch level is set to -10 dB with respect to the average level of the frequency response, the library may include certain installation change recommendations for speakers with a low-frequency notch higher than -10 dB. Assuming that the full-bandwidth speaker exhibits a low-frequency notch of -15 dB below 200 Hz, the library can include the following installation change recommendations: "Below 200 Hz, a wide loss of sound level (also called a dip) has been observed. This typically causes a feeling that the bass response of the system is insufficient or poor. The dip may be caused by acoustic reflections from the nearest wall, typically behind the monitor. Recommendation: To solve this problem, try moving the monitor closer to the wall. This will increase the cancellation frequency up to the value of the main frequency of the sound emitted forward by the monitor, thus minimizing the effect of the rear wall. Alternatively, move the monitor further away from the wall. This will reduce the level of the reflected sound and make the acoustic effect less detectable. For this approach, the monitor needs to be placed at a position more than 1.1 meters (4 feet) from the nearest wall. Moving the listening position can also be considered. This may be useful if this acoustic problem is audible only at a specific location in the room. If the dip is caused by reflections of sound from the side walls, the level of the reflection can be reduced by adding sound-absorbing materials or diffusers to the reflecting surface. Note that when moving the monitor or the listening position, it is necessary to always perform recalibration of the monitor. For low frequencies with long sound wavelengths, a sound-absorbing layer of sufficient thickness is required. If the dip is caused by reflections from the ceiling and the floor, moving the monitor position up and down may be helpful. As a sound-absorbing method that is extremely effective only for specific frequencies, there is a sound-absorbing material using a Helmholtz resonator."

[0042] As a further example, the library may include predetermined installation change recommendations for speakers where the reverberation time (RT60) value is longer or shorter than a given time for a given frequency at a particular listening volume. The tolerance for RT60 can be derived from the latest recommendations or a list of recommendations such as ITU-R BS.1116. According to the ITU-R recommendations, the average reverberation value Tm measured over the frequency range of 200 Hz to 4 kHz is Tm = 0.25(V / V0)1 / 3, where V is the volume of the listening room and V0 is the reference volume of 100 m 3 3. The above tolerance varies across the frequency spectrum. For example, at 100 Hz, the positive RT60 tolerance is +0.3 seconds and the negative tolerance is -0.05 seconds. At 500 Hz, the RT60 tolerance is symmetric at 0.05 seconds. At 5000 Hz, the RT60 tolerance is symmetric at 0.1 seconds.

[0043] Assuming that a full-bandwidth speaker exhibits an RT60 value of 0.95 seconds at 400 Hz, the library can include the following installation change recommendations: "The reverberation time is long. A long reverberation time may prevent the correct perception of the sound's timbre and dynamics. Depending on the listening distance, the reverberant sound may be heard more than the direct sound. This can deteriorate the sound clarity and cause acoustic masking due to reflections. Recommendation: Check the early sound to late sound ratio in the following table (not shown). If the early sound is more than 3 dB louder than the late sound, the direct sound tends to be dominant at the monitoring position, and the value of the room's reverberation time may not be as important. Adding sound-absorbing materials to the room can shorten the reverberation time. When this is done, the reverberation time should be equal across multiple frequencies. Moving the monitor closer to the listening position can improve the early sound to late sound ratio and thereby reduce the importance of the room's reverberation time."

[0044] As a further example, when the allowable error of the initial sound to late sound ratio is set to 0 dB, i.e., the late sound level is equal to or higher than the initial sound level, the library may include predetermined installation change recommendations for speakers with an initial sound to late sound ratio value less than 0 dB. Assuming that the full bandwidth speaker shows an initial sound to late sound ratio value of -1 dB, the library can include the following installation change recommendations: "The level of the late sound in the room dominates the sound character. If the initial sound to late sound ratio is less than 3 dB, the initial sound, mainly including the direct sound, can no longer determine the sound character at your listening position. And the reverberation time in the room strongly affects the way the sound is heard. If the reverberation is not equal across multiple frequencies and the sound decays slowly at a specific frequency (referred to as room mode resonance), this can cause significant masking, thereby hiding the nuances of the audio and changing the way the dynamics of the recorded audio are heard. Recommendations: Solving this problem includes reducing the reverberation in the room and increasing the level of the direct sound. The reverberation can be reduced by adding sound-absorbing materials to the room. In some cases, active sound absorbers can also be used. After adding absorption, the sound decay time should be equal across multiple frequencies. To increase the level of the direct sound, try moving the monitor closer."

[0045] Other observable parameters include the decay time of room modes or resonances, the combined response of the subwoofer and full-range speakers, the -6 dB point, and the time of flight.

[0046] The analysis step can also involve the use of multiple parameters via AND and / or OR operators. More specifically, the analysis algorithm can use a primary parameter and a secondary parameter. For example, assuming that the initial sound to late sound ratio is selected as the primary parameter and RT60 is selected as the secondary parameter, the user can be notified of whether to improve the performance of the speaker system 100 by reducing the listening distance or adding damping materials to the listening room. The calculation algorithm can determine the following: - If the value of the primary parameter is less than the threshold and (AND) the value of the secondary parameter is greater than the threshold, the library can output the following statement: "The RT60 is high and the initial sound to late sound ratio is low. Please add more damping materials to the room to reduce the RT60." - (Otherwise) if the primary parameter value is less than the threshold and (AND) the value of the secondary parameter is less than the threshold, the library can output the following statement: "The RT60 is low and the initial sound to late sound ratio is also low. Please move the speaker or the listening position and shorten the listening distance. This should improve the initial sound to late sound ratio." - (Otherwise) the library can output the following statement "The initial sound to late sound ratio is within the acceptable range."

[0047] For each non-conforming value, save an indicator of non-conformance along with the associated installation change recommendations 1037.

[0048] Whether conforming or non-conforming to a predetermined tolerance, collect the results for each parameter 1 to n as one report 1038, send it to the control system 200 via the communication interfaces 402, 202 1039, and present it to the user via the user interface 203. The report can show the actually achieved results of the performance of the speaker system 100, or the results calculated based on mathematical approximations and / or predictions.

[0049] If all parameters are within the specification range, the user will receive data-based verification that the installation of the speakers conforms to the standards against which the speaker system 100 was tested. However, if the speaker system 100 does not meet the criteria for one or more parameters, the user will be notified of changes that can be made to the installation to improve performance. These suggestions are based on the measured audio data and well-founded solutions predefined within the helper database 405. By having free access to such tools, the user is more likely to quickly find a well-performing setup compared to the situation without such data-based assistance.

[0050] After the user changes the physical installation of the speaker system 100, such as by changing the position and / or orientation of one or more speakers within the speaker system, the user can verify the effect of the setup change by repeating the above process.

[0051] Instead of a predetermined threshold of a set of audio parameters, in an equivalent approach, a helper algorithm is constructed based on a set of historical values of the selected audio parameters. For example, the system and method can be modified to determine which of a plurality of alternative subwoofer positions, or which of the distances from the rear wall of the full-range speaker, results in the best outcome. The alternative analysis step can first include providing a plurality of audio data sets, each of the plurality of audio data sets representing the performance of the speaker system 100 in a corresponding plurality of different installations, such as the above-described subwoofer or full-range speaker arrangements. The analysis stage can include extracting a value of at least one audio parameter from the plurality of audio data sets; comparing each of the values extracted from the plurality of audio data sets with each other and with a predetermined target value; and based on the comparison step, selecting as a recommended installation an audio data set having a value of at least one audio parameter that is closest to the predetermined target value. The historical audio data can be stored locally on the speaker, in the control system, or in the computing system. Optional calibration stages, data transfer stages between systems, and output stages can be similar in embodiments using a reference database and embodiments using historical data.

[0052] The report, which is the output of the above process, is to be understood in a broad sense. The report can take the form of a conventional document such as a summary in PDF format that combines a plurality of results. Alternatively, the report can take the form of an iterative and continuous display of information using a graphical user interface that shows live or near-live information. Such functionality can be incorporated into the user interface 203 of the control system 200.

[0053] Prior to the analysis described in connection with the embodiment using the reference database and the embodiment using the history data, it should also be pointed out that one or more calibration stages may or may not be performed. This means that the analysis of the installation can be performed independently of the conventional speaker preset room calibration.

[0054] According to an alternative embodiment, a microphone is incorporated into one or more speakers of the speaker system.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, the database may be stored locally within the control system, and the control system may or may not perform the processing required for the analysis. Further, or alternatively, the speaker may include the processing and / or storage resources necessary to perform some or all of the analysis.

[0056] It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not limited to the specific structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but extend to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Also, the terminology employed herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting.

[0057] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0058] In this specification, for convenience, a plurality of items, structural elements, components, and / or materials may be presented in one common list. However, these lists shall be construed as if each member of the list is separately and uniquely identified as a distinct member. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, individual members of such lists shall not be construed as virtual equivalents of any other member of the same list based solely on the fact that they are presented as part of the same group. Further, various embodiments and examples of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for their various components. Such embodiments, examples, and alternatives shall not be construed as virtual equivalents of each other and shall be regarded as separate and autonomous expressions of the present invention.

[0059] Furthermore, the above-described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. In the above description, numerous specific details such as length, width, shape, etc. are provided to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be practiced without one or more of these specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention.

[0060] The above examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more specific applications, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications can be made to the implementation forms, usage methods, and details without exercising inventive faculty and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited except as defined by the claims set forth below.

[0061] The verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used in this document as open limitations that do not exclude the presence of features not described and do not require the presence of features not described. Features described in dependent claims can be freely combined with each other unless explicitly stated otherwise. Further, throughout this document, it should be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e., the singular form, does not exclude the plural.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 100 Speaker system 101 Speaker 102 Speaker 103 Speaker 200 Control unit 201 Controller 202 Communication interface 203 User interface 300 Microphone 400 Computing system 401 Processor 402 Communication interface 403 Memory 404 First database, e.g., reference database 405 Second database, e.g., helper database 406 Signal interface 1010 First calibration step 1011 Play test signal 1012 Measure response 1013 Calibrate 1020 Second calibration step 1021 Play test signal 1022 Measure response 1023 Calibrate 1030 Installation analysis step 1031 Start analysis 1032 Extract audio parameter values Compare the 1033 value with the reference database Check whether the 1034 value is within the allowable error range Generate an index of compliance Query the helper database Generate an index of non - compliance and recommended installation changes Collect the results and make a report Report

Claims

1. A method for creating a report for optimizing the installation of a speaker system (100) having at least one speaker (101, 102, 103) in a monitoring space, the method comprising: - providing audio data representing the performance of the speaker system (100); - performing an analysis (1030) comprising: · extracting values of at least one audio parameter (1 - n) from the audio data (step 1032); · comparing the extracted values with a reference database (404) including tolerances of the at least one audio parameter (1 - n) (step 1033); · saving an indication of compliance of the corresponding audio parameter (1 - n) if the analyzed values are within the associated tolerances (step 1035); · querying a helper database (405) for an installation proposal regarding the values if the analyzed values are not within the associated tolerances, and saving an indication of non - compliance of the corresponding audio parameter (1 - n) and the associated installation proposal (step 1037), and · collecting the saved results (step 1038) including steps; - outputting the collected results (step 1039) including a method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the analysis (1030) includes performing an analysis of a plurality of audio parameters (1 - n).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least part of the analysis (1030) is performed in a computing system (400) external to the speaker system (100).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the computing system (400) is connected to the speaker system (100) via a data communication interface (202, 402) between the computing system (400) and a control system (200) connected to the speaker system (100).

5. - playing back (1011) an audio test signal using at least one speaker (101, 102, 103) in a test signal step; - capturing (1012) the played - back audio test signal with a microphone (300) located in the monitoring space in a listening step, and - calibrating the speaker system (100) based on the captured audio test signal The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a calibration step (1010) including the above.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method includes a second such calibration step (1020).

7. The audio parameters (1 to n) include or consist of the following list: - Frequency response, - -6 dB point, - Time of flight, - Sum of frequency responses of multiple speakers, - High cut-off frequency of the subwoofer, - Low frequency dip of the (full bandwidth) monitor, - Early to late sound ratio, - Decay time of the room mode, - Total response dip between the subwoofer and the (full bandwidth) monitor, - Early reflection sound level, and - Reverberation time (RT60) The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, selected from the above.

8. The output step (1039) includes a step of displaying the conformity of each of the audio parameters (1 to n) to a predetermined reference set of these parameters. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method of creating a report for optimizing the installation of a speaker system (100) having at least one speaker (101, 102, 103) in a monitoring space, the method comprising: - providing a plurality of audio data sets representing the performance of the speaker system (100) at corresponding different installations; - performing an analysis, comprising: · extracting values of at least one audio parameter from the plurality of audio data sets; · comparing each of the values extracted from the plurality of audio data sets with each other and with a predetermined target value; · based on the comparison step, selecting, as a recommended installation, the audio data set having at least one value of the audio parameter closest to the predetermined target value; and · collecting the stored results (1038) including steps; and - outputting the collected results (1039) including a method.

10. The method according to claim 9, further characterized by the features according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

11. A method for optimizing the installation of a speaker system (100) comprising the at least one speaker (101, 102, 103) within a monitoring space, the method comprising: performing the steps defined in any one of claims 1 to 10; and when the report includes a proposed installation change, implementing the proposed physical installation change as an adjustment step.

12. The calculation steps according to any one of claims 1 to 10 are performed by an external calculation system such as a cloud-based calculation system, The adjustment step is physically performed within the listening space, the method according to claim 11.

13. - A processor (401), - A memory (403) connected to the processor (401), wherein the memory (403) stores a set of computer-readable instructions that cause the processor (401) to perform the processing steps according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when executed by the processor (401), - A data communication interface connected to the processor (401) and configured to receive audio data from the speaker system (100), - A reference database (404) directly or indirectly connected to the processor (401), the reference database (404) including a library of tolerance errors for at least one audio parameter (1 - n), and - A helper database (405) directly or indirectly connected to the processor (401), the helper database (405) including a library of proposed installation changes for a plurality of predetermined non-conformances with the tolerance errors of the at least one audio parameter (1 - n) A computing system (400) comprising.

14. The computing system (400) according to claim 13, further comprising an interface for outputting the report.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of computer-readable instructions that cause an apparatus to perform the processing steps according to any one of claims 1 to 10 when executed by at least one processor (401).

16. A computer program configured to cause a computing unit to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 10.

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