Multi-Channel Audio Display Phase Zone Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio production equipment lacks an effective visual representation of phase and amplitude information for multiple audio channels, particularly in surround sound systems, which can lead to phase errors and amplitude mismatch issues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel audio display system that includes an audio input to receive multiple audio channels, a phase calculator to determine relative phase between channels, and a display generator to create a visual representation of amplitude and phase information, with amplitude elements spaced to define phase zones and plot phase relationships over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional meters or readouts are used to display audio parameters, then signal amplitude information can be provided, but phase relationship information between multiple audio channels cannot be effectively visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional amplitude meter displays to a two-dimensional display system where the vertical axis represents amplitude levels and the horizontal axis represents phase relationships. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous visualization of both amplitude and phase information without requiring separate devices, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple display functions (amplitude measurement and phase relationship visualization) into a single integrated display system. By merging these previously separate measurement capabilities into one unified interface, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate meters while providing comprehensive audio parameter analysis.
2Loss of information
If separate displays are used for amplitude and phase information of multiple audio channels, then complete parameter information can be provided, but the display becomes complex and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing amplitude information on the vertical axis and phase relationships on the horizontal axis, the patent creates an intuitive two-dimensional mapping that allows operators to quickly assess both parameters simultaneously. This spatial organization makes it easy to identify phase errors and amplitude mismatches without requiring complex separate displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual characteristics to different regions of the display to enhance interpretability. Specific visual cues and positioning conventions are used to highlight phase relationship information in certain areas while maintaining amplitude information in others, allowing operators to quickly identify and prioritize specific issues without being overwhelmed by the entire display.
3Measurement precision
If detailed phase and amplitude measurements are provided for all audio channel pairs, then accurate phase error identification is possible, but the amount of information displayed becomes overwhelming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and highlights only the most critical phase relationship information from the complete set of possible channel pairs. By selectively displaying the most significant phase errors and amplitude mismatches rather than all possible measurements, the system maintains measurement precision for identifying phase errors while reducing the overall information quantity to manageable levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent displays a subset of the complete phase and amplitude measurement data that is most relevant for audio setup and troubleshooting. Rather than showing all possible channel pair relationships, the system focuses on the critical measurements needed for proper surround sound configuration, providing sufficient information for accurate phase error identification without overwhelming the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio display system (10) can include an audio input configured to receive a plurality of inputs corresponding different audio channels of a multi-channel audio signal. A phase calculator (20) is configured to determine a relative phase between at least a given pair of the audio channels. An amplitude calculator (18) is configured to determine an amplitude for at least the given pair of audio channels. A display generator (22) is configured to generate an audio display. The audio display can include an amplitude element representing the amplitude determined for each audio channel in the given pair of the audio channels, the amplitude elements being spaced apart from each other to define a phase zone between the respective pair of amplitude elements. The audio display can also include a phase output plotted in the phase zone between the respective pair of amplitude elements, the phase output representing a phase relationship between the given pair of the audio channels.