Audio Signal Equalization Using Integrated Echo Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio equalization methods rely on manual adjustments and are location-specific, requiring reconfiguration when the microphone or environment changes, leading to inconsistent audio quality.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a microphone integrated into a loudspeaker to separate direct and indirect audio signals, acquiring echo estimates and correction data to automatically equalize audio signals based on the acoustic environment, adjusting gains to match a desired frequency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual equalization is used, then audio quality can be adjusted according to user preference, but the process is time-consuming and requires professional hearing ability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic equalization by having the microphone capture audio signals and the processor automatically analyze and adjust frequency responses without requiring manual user intervention or professional hearing assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual equalization (mechanical adjustment by user) with an automated electronic system that uses signal processing algorithms to analyze audio signals and generate correction data for frequency response adjustment
2Extent of automation
If automatic equalization with external microphone is used, then equalization can be performed automatically, but the setup must be repeated when microphone position or environment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microphone and loudspeaker into a single integrated unit, allowing the system to simultaneously play audio and capture reflections from the same location, making the equalization inherently adaptive to the specific acoustic environment without requiring reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated microphone acts as an intermediary that captures the acoustic characteristics of the environment directly at the loudspeaker location, enabling the system to automatically adapt to environmental changes without manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If microphone is placed at listener position, then equalization is optimized for that location, but any movement requires reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-equalization by capturing audio signals through its own integrated microphone and automatically processing the reflections to generate correction data, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment and manual setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the direct audio signal from reflected audio signals through signal processing, allowing the system to specifically analyze and equalize based on environmental reflections while ignoring the direct sound path
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
Enables real-time, automatic audio equalization that adapts to spatial acoustics, ensuring consistent audio quality regardless of microphone placement or environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring an echo estimate that is caused by a sound reflection off one or more objects (e.g. a wall, a table, a door)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for equalizing audio signals, where the method includes: obtaining an audio signal (S401); acquiring an echo estimate that is caused by a sound reflection off one or more objects (S403); acquiring correction data based on the audio signal and the echo estimate (S405); and equalizing the audio signal based on the correction data (S407). Accordingly, by virtue of the method and the device for equalizing audio signals, equalization can be performed automatically in real time to match an audio signal to a desired reference frequency response with consideration of spatial acoustics, such as indirect echoes.