Audio Connection Testing via Signal Correlation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio evaluation systems rely on level-based measurements, which may not accurately detect defects in audio connections between an audio source and a loudspeaker, and often require recalibration when devices are replaced, necessitating an improved method for ensuring continuity and reliability in audio connections.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive filter and decision circuit system that processes a reference signal to minimize error signals, determining signal correlation between the audio source and loudspeaker, thereby detecting defects in the audio connection by analyzing the error and received signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If level-based measurements are used to test audio connections, then the testing process is simple, but the accuracy of defect detection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting process simplicityVSAvoiddefect detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the received signal is continuously compared with the reference signal through correlation analysis. The adaptive filter processes the reference signal to generate an error signal, which is fed back to the decision circuit for continuous monitoring of signal correlation, enabling accurate defect detection while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional level-based mechanical measurement systems with signal processing techniques. Instead of relying on simple amplitude measurements, the system uses digital signal processing including adaptive filtering and correlation analysis to detect defects, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the interface simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional audio evaluation systems are used, then the basic testing function is provided, but recalibration is required when devices are replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebasic testing functionVSAvoidconsistency across device replacements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic adaptation through the adaptive filter that automatically adjusts its parameters based on the actual signal characteristics. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different devices and connection conditions without requiring manual recalibration, maintaining reliability across device replacements while preserving basic testing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptive filter performs self-adjustment by automatically processing the reference signal and minimizing the error signal without external intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for recalibration when devices are replaced, ensuring consistent and reliable testing across different audio components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If tolerance range is adjusted to compensate for loudspeaker characteristics, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal quality assessment accuracyVSAvoidtolerance adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback through the adaptive filter that continuously adjusts its parameters based on the error signal between the reference and received signals. This feedback mechanism automatically compensates for loudspeaker characteristics and connection conditions without requiring manual tolerance range adjustments, improving measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of fixed tolerance configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptive filter dynamically changes its parameters in response to the signal characteristics and error signal. This parameter adaptation allows the system to automatically compensate for variations in loudspeaker performance and connection quality, achieving high measurement precision without the need for complex manual tolerance adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively detects defects in audio connections by correlating error and received signals, ensuring reliable audio transmission and reducing the need for frequent recalibration, thus enhancing the reliability and accuracy of audio evaluation.

Implementation Method 1

a loudspeaker that converts a reference signal into a sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

A decision circuit analyzes the error signal and the received signal to determine signal correlation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal correlation:

Data Source

PatentUS8718286B2Audio connection testing system
Publication Date: 2014.05.06 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH
  • US8718286B2 patent drawing
  • US8718286B2 patent drawing
  • US8718286B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A testing system tests an audio connection between an audio source and a loudspeaker. The system includes a loudspeaker that converts a reference signal into a sound. An adaptive filter processes the reference signal to minimize an error signal. A decision circuit analyzes the error signal and the received signal to determine signal correlation. When the signals are not correlated, a defect is detected.