Automated Acoustic Speaker Coordinate Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring multiple speakers in a room for spatial audio experiences are time-consuming and costly, and there is a need for efficient methods to determine the location of networked speakers in multi-speaker configurations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying each device in a user account, instructing them to perform an audio sequence, receiving transit times, determining distances, calculating sets of coordinates, and associating these coordinates with each device to enable spatial audio playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and placement of speakers is used, then speaker location accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated acoustic system. The system uses audio signals transmitted between devices to automatically calculate distances and determine coordinates, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and procedures while maintaining location accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to self-determine their locations through automated acoustic measurements. Each device in the plurality performs measurements and calculations independently or cooperatively without requiring user intervention, allowing the system to automatically establish spatial relationships between devices.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement and placement of speakers is used, then speaker location accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive manual measurement equipment and professional setup services with an automated software-based acoustic measurement system. The system uses standard audio capabilities of existing devices to perform measurements, eliminating the need for specialized measurement tools and reducing setup costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to automatically configure speaker locations without requiring professional installation services. By enabling devices to self-determine their positions through automated acoustic measurements, the system eliminates labor costs associated with manual setup while maintaining accurate location data.
3Productivity
If automated coordinate identification is implemented, then time efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional capabilities of smart devices (audio playback, timing, processing) to perform coordinate identification. By using functions already present in networked speakers and smart devices, the system achieves automated coordinate identification without adding significant hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that coordinates the acoustic measurements and coordinate calculations. This intermediary component manages the complexity by orchestrating the measurement process between devices and performing the mathematical calculations to determine coordinates from acoustic transit times.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for efficient and cost-effective identification of speaker coordinates, enabling improved spatial audio experiences without the need for manual measurement and placement of speakers.
Implementation Method 1
determining a plurality of distances based on the plurality of transit times
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and media for identifying a plurality of sets of coordinates for a plurality of devices are provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises: identifying each device in a plurality of devices associated with a user account; instructing the plurality of devices to perform an audio sequence; receiving a plurality of transit times from the plurality of devices; determining a plurality of distances based on the plurality of transit times; determining a plurality of sets of coordinates based on the plurality of distances; associating to each of the plurality of devices a corresponding unique one of the plurality of sets of coordinates; and causing at least one of the plurality of devices to play spatial audio determined from the plurality of sets of coordinates.