Audio Frequency Compensation for Noise-Masked Listening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active noise control systems degrade lower frequency perception and require a special loudspeaker to be collocated with the sound source, failing to effectively mitigate external noise's masking effect on audio content, especially in noisy environments.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine an audio noise spectrum and an audio reference spectrum to calculate a compensation spectrum, which is used to dynamically adjust the frequency response of an electronic device, such as a music player, to enhance the perception of all frequencies, including bass, by subtracting the noise spectrum from the reference spectrum and integrating it over time to prevent abrupt changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If active noise control is used to reduce external noise, then noise masking effect is reduced, but lower frequency perception is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise masking effectVSAvoidlower frequency perception

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures the external noise spectrum and uses it to calculate a compensation spectrum that boosts the frequencies masked by noise. Instead of simply canceling noise, the system converts the harmful masking effect into beneficial frequency enhancement by adding compensation signals that restore the masked audio content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the frequency response parameters of the audio output based on the measured noise spectrum. By adjusting the compensation spectrum in real-time according to varying noise conditions, the system optimizes frequency balance without permanently degrading low-frequency response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If active noise control systems are implemented, then external noise is reduced, but a special loudspeaker must be collocated with the sound source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal noise reductionVSAvoidspecial loudspeaker collocation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the audio output device perform multiple functions: it not only plays audio content but also measures the noise spectrum and generates compensation signals. By integrating noise measurement and compensation generation into the existing audio device, the system eliminates the need for separate specialized noise control hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio device serves itself by measuring its own operating environment's noise and automatically generating compensation signals. The system uses its own resources (processing capability, output channel) to counteract noise masking, eliminating the need for external specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If noise cancellation is applied, then external noise is attenuated, but the listening experience is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal noise attenuationVSAvoidaudio content perception

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simply canceling noise which removes both noise and masked audio content, the system converts the masking problem into an opportunity for frequency enhancement. The compensation spectrum selectively boosts only the frequencies that were masked by noise, preserving the full audio content while counteracting the masking effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS9980043B2Method and device for adjusting balance between frequency components of an audio signal

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A method comprising determining an audio noise spectrum that represents external audio noise, determining an audio reference spectrum that represents audio content to be perceived by a listener, and determining a compensation spectrum based on the audio noise spectrum and based on the audio reference spectrum.