Automatic Audio Enhancement System for Vehicle Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio systems fail to provide an optimal audio experience in vehicles by not accounting for the user's location relative to the speakers, leading to phase alignment issues and varying audio signal arrival times, which affect the perceived sound field.
Innovation Solution
An automatic audio enhancement system (AAES) that captures location information using sensors and cameras, processes audio signals based on this information, and adjusts parameters like delay, gain, and acoustic properties to phase align audio output and enhance the user's audio experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If audio signals are output from multiple speakers without location-based adjustment, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but phase alignment issues occur and audio signal arrival times vary affecting sound field perception
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting user location in advance and pre-calculating the required delay and gain adjustments for each speaker before audio playback begins. This ensures that audio signals are pre-aligned according to the user's position, eliminating phase alignment issues during actual playback without requiring complex real-time adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical audio alignment systems with an electronic solution using sensors, processors, and digital signal processing. Instead of physically adjusting speaker positions or using complex mechanical delay lines, the system uses electronic delay circuits and gain control to achieve precise phase alignment based on detected user location, simplifying the overall system while improving audio quality
2Reliability
If audio signals are adjusted based on user location information, then audio experience is enhanced and sound quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple capabilities into a single unified platform: location detection using existing sensors (cameras, GPS, accelerometers), audio signal processing with delay and gain adjustment, and adaptive optimization for different seating positions. This universal approach allows the system to handle various audio scenarios (music, calls, navigation) with a single integrated solution, reducing overall system complexity while improving audio experience
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting user location and autonomously adjusting audio parameters without requiring manual user configuration. The processor automatically calculates optimal delay and gain values based on detected position, and the system adapts to different users and scenarios without intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high audio quality
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is an automatic audio enhancement system (AAES) that may locate, via aspects of an electronic device, objects and/or people within a target environment, such as inside a vehicle. The AAES also may change one or more audio output signals based at least on information associated with the location of the objects and/or people. In one example of the AAES, the locating of the objects and/or people may occur in association with operation of a mobile device.