Real-Time Audio Equalization Using Echo-Aware Room Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio equalization methods rely on manual adjustments and are location-specific, requiring reconfiguration when the microphone or environment changes, limiting their adaptability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a microphone integrated with a loudspeaker to separate direct and indirect audio signals, acquiring echo estimates and correction data to automatically equalize audio signals based on spatial acoustics, allowing for real-time matching to a desired frequency response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual equalization is used, then users can adjust audio settings according to their hearing ability, but the quality depends on user expertise and requires time-consuming manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs equalization by having the microphone capture audio signals, processing the signals through digital signal processing to generate correction data, and applying the correction automatically without requiring manual user adjustment. The device serves itself by autonomously measuring and correcting its own frequency response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of equalization controls with an automated digital signal processing system. The microphone, processor, and algorithm work together to automatically measure frequency response and apply corrections, substituting the manual mechanical tuning process with an electronic automated system.
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 merges the microphone with the loudspeaker system, integrating the measurement device directly into the playback device. This combination allows the system to continuously monitor and adapt to environmental changes without requiring external equipment or reconfiguration, as the integrated microphone and loudspeaker work together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to changing environmental conditions by continuously capturing audio signals through the integrated microphone and automatically adjusting equalization parameters in real-time. The equalization is not static but dynamically responds to changes in the acoustic environment, maintaining optimal performance as conditions vary.
3Ease of operation
If traditional automatic equalization is used, then setup is simplified, but it does not account for spatial acoustics and reflections affecting perceived frequency response
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by having the microphone capture the actual audio output including reflections and spatial acoustics, processing this feedback signal to determine correction data, and applying the corrections to achieve the desired frequency response. The captured signal serves as feedback about the actual acoustic environment, enabling precise compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach by capturing and analyzing the actual perceived audio signal including all spatial acoustics and reflections, rather than measuring only the direct sound. This parameter change in the measurement method enables accurate compensation for environmental factors by working with the complete acoustic picture including reflections.
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 automatic, real-time audio equalization that adapts to changing environments, ensuring accurate frequency response matching with consideration for spatial acoustics, thereby improving audio quality and eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone to be set up in the room at a distance from the loudspeaker... detects a second audio signal comprising a reflection of the first audio signal
Implementation Method 2
The playback device emits a first audio signal and detects a second audio signal comprising a reflection of the first audio signal
Data Source
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Figure 2a~2b
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AI summary
A method and a device for equalizing audio signals, where the method includes: obt-aining 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.