Real-Time Audio Equalization for User-Specific Frequency Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable sound systems do not effectively compensate for individual users' unique audio frequency response characteristics due to the use of preset equalizers that do not account for user-specific acoustic characteristics, resulting in suboptimal sound quality.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that compensate audio frequency response characteristics in real-time by generating an acoustic characteristics curve based on user measurements, using a sound system with a sound reproducing unit, acoustic characteristics processing unit, equalizer, and digital filter processing unit to adjust frequency response according to user-specific acoustic data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a preset equalizer is used for frequency response compensation, then the system structure remains simple and easy to operate, but the audio frequency response characteristics cannot be effectively compensated for individual users with unique acoustic profiles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio frequency response compensation adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the frequency response compensation based on real-time measurement of individual user's acoustic characteristics. The equalizer settings are not fixed but are adaptively modified according to the measured transfer function between the earphone and the user's eardrum, enabling the system to transition from static preset equalization to dynamic user-specific equalization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-measurement of the user's acoustic characteristics by playing test tones through the earphone and analyzing the returned signal. This automatic measurement and adjustment process eliminates the need for manual calibration or external measurement equipment, allowing the system to automatically adapt to each user's unique acoustic profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If real-time acoustic measurement and customization is implemented, then individual user acoustic characteristics are accurately compensated, but the system complexity and measurement time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic characteristics measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement and setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs acoustic characteristic measurement and equalizer configuration in advance, before the user actually uses the audio system. The measured acoustic profile is stored and automatically applied when the user connects their earphone, so that when music playback begins, the optimal equalization is already in place without requiring real-time adjustment during listening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex manual measurement procedures with automated electronic measurement using test tone signals and digital signal processing. Instead of requiring physical measurement equipment or manual calibration, the system uses embedded speakers, microphones, and DSP algorithms to automatically characterize the acoustic path and compute the appropriate equalization filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If user-specific acoustic measurement is performed, then accurate frequency response compensation is achieved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to additional measurement steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency response compensation accuracyVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-measurement of the user's acoustic characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The measurement process is initiated automatically when the earphone is connected, and the system autonomously plays test tones, captures the response, computes the transfer function, and configures the equalizer settings, making the entire process transparent and effortless for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic measurement and equalizer configuration are performed in advance during the earphone connection or initialization phase, before the user begins listening to music. This preliminary setup ensures that when the user wants to listen, the system is already optimized for their specific acoustic characteristics without requiring any additional steps during the listening session.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8059833B2Method of compensating audio frequency response characteristics in real-time and a sound system using the same

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of compensating audio frequency response characteristics of a portable sound system can be performed using acoustic characteristics of a user measured in real-time. The method of compensating the audio frequency response characteristics can be used by a portable sound system. The method includes generating an acoustic characteristics curve of a user based on a minimum perception level of a user with respect to audible audio frequency bandwidths, generating an acoustic compensation curve of the user based on the acoustic characteristics curve of the user and a predetermined frequency characteristics target curve, and compensating the audio frequency response characteristics of a sound based on the acoustic compensation curve of the user.