Adaptive Audio System with Dynamic Speaker Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio systems lack flexibility in speaker relocation within a room, as the functionality of speakers is typically fixed and does not adapt well to changes in user position or speaker placement, limiting the ability to maintain an optimal 'sweet spot' for audio reproduction.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that process audio data by determining the positions of multiple speaker devices relative to a user device, adjusting audio data to compensate for distance differences between speakers, and dynamically assigning speaker functionalities based on user position, using protocols like Bluetooth for position determination and WiFi for data transmission, allowing for adaptive reconfiguration of the speaker system without physical relocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If speakers are relocated in the room, then flexibility of speaker placement is improved, but the ability to maintain optimal sweet spot deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of speaker placementVSAvoidability to maintain optimal sweet spot
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts audio data based on real-time distance measurements between speakers and user device. The control module continuously monitors position data and modifies audio parameters (volume, phase, timing) to maintain optimal sound quality regardless of speaker relocation, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple audio parameters including volume level, phase alignment, and timing delays to compensate for varying speaker distances. By adjusting these parameters based on measured distances, the system maintains consistent audio performance even when speakers are relocated to different positions in the room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If audio data is adjusted to compensate for distance differences, then sweet spot consistency is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesweet spot consistencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where the control module receives position data from speakers and user device, calculates distance differences, and automatically adjusts audio parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control maintains sweet spot consistency without requiring complex manual configuration, as the system self-adjusts based on real-time measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control module autonomously performs distance calculations and audio parameter adjustments without user intervention. The system determines positions, computes required compensations, and applies corrections automatically, reducing the need for complex user setup procedures while maintaining consistent audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If position data is continuously monitored, then adaptability to user movement is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user movementVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs position data monitoring and audio adjustments at periodic intervals rather than continuously. The control module updates audio parameters when changes are detected or at scheduled intervals, reducing unnecessary processing and energy consumption while still maintaining adaptability to user movement and speaker relocation events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10349200B2Audio reproduction system comprising speaker modules and control module
Publication Date: 2019.07.09 OUBORG & GATIN IP
  • US10349200B2 patent drawing
  • US10349200B2 patent drawing
  • US10349200B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system comprises multiple speakers and a control unit. The speakers and the control unit are arranged to locate one another and to determine distances and preferably locations relative to one another, for example based on signal power measurements. Also a user position may be determined via a device close to the user, like a telephone or a watch. This information is used for processing audio data for rendering for optimal user experience. Based on locations of speakers relative to the user, dedicated functionality may be assigned to a speaker. The audio data to be reproduced may be processed and at least parts thereof may be assigned to a speaker, depending on the assigned functionality. Speaker modules may be added and assigned a functionality on the go. Capability for processing of audio and position data may be performed by any of a user device, speaker module or dedicated control module.