Audio Equalizer Calibration for Channel and Ear Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio playing systems, such as earphones and loudspeakers, often have unbalanced channel characteristics due to manufacturing limitations and individual differences in human ear sensitivity, leading to suboptimal audio experiences.
Innovation Solution
An audio playing system comprising a first channel output device, a first equalizer, and a controller that adjusts frequency response parameters based on user-specific data collected during a test mode, ensuring balanced audio output by compensating for differences between channels and ears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If both channels of earphone are designed to have identical characteristics, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the audio experience deteriorates due to individual differences in ear sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the user's ear characteristics before normal audio playback. A test audio signal is played through both channels, and the user's ear sensitivity is measured by comparing the confirmation signals received at different frequencies. Based on these preliminary measurements, the controller pre-adjusts the equalizer parameters to compensate for individual ear differences, ensuring optimal audio experience from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the user's confirmation signals to measure ear sensitivity characteristics. The controller receives confirmation signals from the user in response to test audio signals at various frequencies, processes this feedback information, and automatically adjusts the equalizer parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to individual user characteristics and optimize audio output.
2Reliability
If equalizer parameters are adjusted to compensate for ear differences, then audio experience is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional measurement and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The test audio signal serves multiple functions: it acts as both the measurement stimulus for ear sensitivity testing and as a calibration signal for the equalizer. The confirmation signal from the user serves dual purposes as both a response indicator and a measurement data source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own confirmation signals as the measurement basis for determining ear characteristics. Rather than requiring external measurement equipment or complex sensors, the system leverages the user's active participation and responses to automatically generate the measurement data needed for equalizer adjustment. This self-service approach minimizes additional hardware requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio playing system has a first channel output device, a first equalizer, and a controller. The first equalizer is configured to adjust a received first channel audio signal with a set of first parameters of frequency response and output the adjusted first channel audio signal to the first channel output device in a first mode, and to adjust the received first channel audio signal with the a of second parameters of frequency response and output the adjusted first channel audio signal to the first channel output device in a second mode. In a test mode, the controller is configured to send a set of test audio signals to the first channel output device and to adjust the set of first parameters of frequency response and the set of second parameters of frequency response based on a plurality of pieces of received first confirmation signal.