Adaptive Audio Processing Algorithm for Zone Acoustic Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems struggle to maintain consistent audio quality across different playback zones due to varying acoustic characteristics, such as dimensions, furniture, and materials, which affect the audio amplification at different frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine an audio processing algorithm based on the acoustic characteristics of a playback zone, using a database of algorithms correlated with zone characteristics, to ensure consistent audio quality by adjusting amplifications at specific frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single audio processing algorithm is used across all playback zones, then device complexity is reduced, but audio quality consistency deteriorates due to varying acoustic characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting audio processing algorithm parameters based on playback zone acoustic characteristics. The system determines acoustic characteristics (such as dimensions, furniture, materials) and selects or adjusts processing parameters to compensate for zone-specific acoustic variations, thereby maintaining audio quality consistency without requiring completely different algorithms for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the audio processing algorithm adaptive and dynamic. Instead of using a fixed single algorithm, the system dynamically selects or adjusts processing algorithms based on real-time determination of playback zone acoustic characteristics, allowing the processing to adapt to different acoustic environments while maintaining system manageability.
2Reliability
If audio processing algorithms are customized for each playback zone, then audio quality consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages complexity by implementing parameter changes rather than completely separate algorithms. The system adjusts processing parameters based on acoustic characteristics determination, allowing customized processing for each zone while using a unified algorithm framework, thereby reducing the complexity increase that would result from fully custom algorithms for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining and storing audio processing algorithms for different playback zone acoustic characteristics. The system pre-processes and stores processing algorithms corresponding to various acoustic scenarios, so when a playback zone is identified, the appropriate pre-determined algorithm can be quickly selected without complex real-time computation, reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If acoustic characteristics of playback zones are not considered, then system operation is simpler, but audio quality uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine playback zone acoustic characteristics and select appropriate audio processing algorithms without requiring manual user input or configuration. The system autonomously performs acoustic characteristic determination and algorithm selection, maintaining ease of operation while achieving audio quality uniformity across different zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the determined acoustic characteristics of playback zones to adjust and optimize audio processing. The system receives feedback about the acoustic environment (through automatic determination of characteristics like dimensions, furniture, materials) and uses this feedback to select or adjust processing algorithms, ensuring audio quality uniformity while keeping the operation simple for users.
Data Source
AI summary
An example implementation involves a computing device transmitting, via a local area network, a command that instructs a playback device to play a particular audio signal. The example implementation also involves the computing device receiving data indicating a detected audio signal corresponding to playback of the particular audio signal by the playback device, where the detected audio signal includes a portion of the particular audio signal. The implementation further involves the computing device obtaining data indicating a predetermined audio characteristic and determining an audio processing algorithm based on the detected audio signal and the predetermined audio characteristic. The example implementation involves causing the playback device to apply the determined audio processing algorithm when playing audio via at least one speaker.