Portable Audio Equalization Using Infrared Acoustic Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable audio systems, such as wireless speaker packages, face challenges in maintaining optimal sound quality when their environment changes, as existing equalization methods do not effectively adapt to new locations or shifting acoustic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dongle coupled to a portable computer device, equipped with a microphone and infrared transmitter, captures test sounds and calculates audio parameters to transmit infrared signals that adjust the audio system's frequency response, ensuring optimal sound quality by correlating test audio signals with microphone signals to determine time delays and adjust acoustic profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If portable audio systems use fixed equalization settings, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A remote device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) serves as an intermediary to perform the complex equalization measurements and calculations. The portable audio system only needs to play test tones and receive control signals, while the remote device handles microphone input, frequency response analysis, and equalization pattern generation through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/acoustic measurement systems with electronic/digital solutions. Instead of using physical measurement equipment, the system uses a microphone connected to a remote device with software that captures audio signals, processes them digitally, and generates equalization patterns through computational algorithms.
2Reliability
If real-time equalization is implemented in portable audio systems, then sound quality in changing environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs equalization measurements and generates equalization patterns in advance before actual audio playback. The remote device captures test tones, calculates frequency responses, and creates equalization patterns that are then stored and applied to the portable audio system, preparing it for optimal performance in the specific environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable audio system automatically applies the generated equalization patterns without requiring user intervention during normal operation. The system plays test tones automatically, receives equalization control signals from the remote device, and adjusts its frequency response autonomously based on the environmental characteristics.
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 solution allows for real-time equalization of audio systems, improving sound quality by adapting to changing environments and ensuring consistent frequency responses, enhancing the overall listening experience.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone adapted to detect test sounds radiated by an audio system
Implementation Method 2
an infrared transmitter adapted to transmit infrared signals to the audio system
Data Source
AI summary
Processes and devices for equalizing an audio system that is adapted to use a loudspeaker to transduce test audio signals into test sounds. The processes and devices can involve the use of infrared signals to convey information in one or both directions between the audio system and a portable computer device that captures test sounds, calculates audio parameters that can be used in the equalization process, and transmits these audio parameters back to the audio system for its use in equalizing audio signals that are played by the audio system.