Automatic Audio System Configuration via Acoustic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio reproduction systems require laborious manual configuration of loudspeakers, which is inefficient, especially in setups spanning multiple rooms, as current solutions are not suitable for configurations where all loudspeakers are not in the same room.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automatic configuration of audio reproduction systems that use a network-connected configuration unit to detect and localize loudspeakers, generate a virtual arrangement, and assign positions through user input, allowing for easy calibration of frequency response, volume, and lag across multiple rooms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration of loudspeakers is performed, then audio reproduction accuracy can be optimized, but the setup process becomes very laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic loudspeaker configuration by having each loudspeaker sequentially emit acoustic signals that are detected by the configuration unit. The system automatically determines positions, generates virtual loudspeaker arrangements, and configures audio signal processing without requiring manual measurement or correction for each loudspeaker, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with an automated acoustic field-based system. Instead of physically measuring and calculating positions manually, the system uses acoustic signal emission and detection to automatically determine loudspeaker positions and configure the audio system, substituting mechanical measurement with acoustic sensing
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing configuration systems are used, then loudspeakers in the same room can be configured, but they are not suitable for multi-room setups
Solution Approach 1:
The system handles multi-room configurations by processing each room's loudspeakers sequentially rather than attempting to configure all loudspeakers simultaneously. The configuration unit emits signals that propagate through the network to identify loudspeakers room-by-room, allowing reliable configuration across multiple rooms by dividing the complex multi-room problem into manageable single-room segments
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of all connected loudspeakers and determines which ones are disposed in the same room before proceeding with configuration. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt its configuration approach based on the spatial distribution of loudspeakers, enabling reliable multi-room setup by preparing the configuration strategy in advance
3Ease of operation
If graphical elements for all loudspeakers are displayed, then configuration can be visualized, but the system assumes all loudspeakers are in the same room
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional graphical display assumption (all loudspeakers in one room) to a multi-dimensional spatial representation by determining which loudspeakers are disposed in the same room versus different rooms. This dimensional extension allows the graphical interface to accurately represent multi-room configurations while maintaining ease of operation through visual feedback
Data Source
AI summary
Audio reproduction systems include a plurality of loudspeakers that are actuated in accordance with a multi-channel audio format. The loudspeakers can be configuratable by way of a network interface The loudspeakers are registered on the network. A method for automatic configuration of an audio reproduction system includes automatically determining that all loudspeakers are connected to the network, determining the number of loudspeakers which are disposed in the same room and which are part of the loudspeaker arrangement, automatically generating a representation of a virtual loudspeaker arrangement on a display according to the determined number, and sequentially, for each loudspeaker belonging to the loudspeaker arrangement, as an actual loudspeaker, generating a signal by the actual loudspeaker, receiving a user input characterizing a virtual loudspeaker, assigning the position of the characterized virtual loudspeaker to the actual loudspeakers and configuring audio signal processing for the actual loudspeaker according to its assigned position.