Audio Installation Equalization Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio reproduction systems lack an efficient method to automatically apply different sets of equalization parameters to multiple audio devices playing the same audio stream, requiring user intervention and complex configuration.

Innovation Solution

A device separate from the audio reproduction equipment controls the application of equalization parameters, determining whether multiple devices should apply the same or different settings, and synchronizes the audio stream using timestamp information and reference clocks, allowing automatic parameter application without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user manually configures equalization parameters for each audio playback device, then the equalization settings can be customized per device, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequalization parameter customizationVSAvoidconfiguration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines whether audio playback devices are in the same group and applies appropriate equalization parameters without requiring manual user configuration. The control device autonomously manages the equalization setup process, eliminating the need for users to manually configure each device while still achieving customized equalization settings based on device grouping status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control device pre-determines the grouping status of audio playback devices before audio playback begins. By提前 identifying which devices are in the same group, the system can automatically apply the correct equalization parameters in advance, avoiding complex real-time configuration decisions and simplifying the user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If different equalization parameters are applied to each audio playback device, then the audio quality can be optimized for each device's characteristics, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio quality optimizationVSAvoidparameter management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different equalization parameters to audio playback devices based on their local characteristics and grouping status. Devices in the same group receive appropriate equalization settings tailored to their specific audio characteristics, while maintaining system-wide coherence. This allows optimized audio quality for each device without requiring complex centralized management of all parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the system automatically determines device grouping and applies equalization parameters, then user intervention is eliminated, but the automation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidparameter application automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

A control device acts as an intermediary between the audio playback devices and the equalization parameter management system. This intermediary automatically determines device grouping status and applies appropriate equalization parameters, eliminating the need for direct user intervention while centralizing the automation logic in a manageable component rather than distributing complexity across all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3890348B1Audio installation and method for applying a set of equalising parameters
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP3890348B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3890348B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3890348B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method comprising the steps of determining by a device in an installation whether an audio stream is being played in the installation by a single audio playback device or by a group of at least two audio playback devices (11a, 11b); if the device detects that the audio stream is being played by a single audio playback device then the device generates an order to apply a given set of equalization parameters to said device and if the device detects that the audio stream is being played by a group of at least two audio playback devices then the device determines the equalization parameters to be applied by each audio playback device in said group, and generates an order to apply a given set of equalization parameters to each audio playback device in said group.