Portable Audio Equalization Using IR 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 location is changed or the environment around them alters, as existing equalization methods do not effectively adapt to new settings in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A dongle coupled to a portable computer device, equipped with a microphone to detect test sounds and an infrared transmitter, wirelessly transmits calculated audio parameters to the audio system to adjust its frequency response, ensuring optimal sound quality by correlating test audio signals and determining time delays for accurate acoustic profiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the audio system location is changed or environment changes, then sound quality deteriorates, but real-time equalization requires additional device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A portable computer device serves as an intermediary between the audio system and the equalization process. The portable device captures test sounds, calculates equalization parameters, and transmits control signals to the audio system, distributing system complexity across separate components rather than concentrating it all in the audio system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio system performs self-equalization by capturing test sounds from its own output through the portable device, automatically calculating the frequency response, and applying the computed equalization parameters without requiring manual intervention or external calibration equipment.
2Reliability
If equalization is performed manually or with fixed settings, then device complexity is reduced, but sound quality and adaptability to different locations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary equalization by capturing test sounds and calculating equalization parameters in advance before actual audio playback. The portable device determines the frequency response and computes correction parameters that are then applied to ensure optimal sound quality from the start in any given environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The equalization system transitions from static, fixed settings to dynamic adaptation. The portable computer device enables real-time measurement of the acoustic environment and automatic adjustment of equalization parameters, allowing the audio system to dynamically adapt to different locations and environmental conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the portable computer device moves to different positions, then adaptability increases, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to varying acoustic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures test sounds at multiple positions and performs multiple measurements to gather sufficient data for accurate equalization. By taking excessive measurements across different locations and averaging or selecting the best results, the system compensates for variations in acoustic conditions and achieves reliable equalization parameters.
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 portable audio systems, enhancing sound quality by adapting to new environments and locations, providing consistent and improved audio performance.
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.