Audio Frequency-Dependent Delay for Temporal Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio systems often introduce inconsistent delays across different frequency ranges, leading to a perception of audio components being out of sync, which deviates from the intended listening experience.

Innovation Solution

Audio systems with adjustable frequency-dependent delays, implemented using all-pass filters or group delays, allow users to adjust the temporal alignment of audio components across different frequency ranges, ensuring synchronized playback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio signal processing and mixing are performed to support multiple input channels and spatial audio, then audio system functionality and versatility are improved, but temporal alignment of audio components deteriorates due to frequency-dependent delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio system functionalityVSAvoidtemporal alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts delay parameters for different frequency ranges based on user preferences and listening conditions. The delay compensation is not fixed but can be modified in real-time to optimize temporal alignment while maintaining the benefits of complex audio processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the delay parameter specifically for certain frequency ranges (typically lower frequencies) to compensate for the temporal misalignment caused by audio processing. By adjusting the delay parameter selectively across different frequency bands, the system restores temporal coherence without sacrificing processing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional audio systems delay certain frequency ranges during processing, then audio signal processing flexibility is improved, but perceptual synchronization of audio components deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing flexibilityVSAvoidperceptual synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow users to perceive and adjust the temporal alignment of audio components. By providing controls that enable users to fine-tune delay compensation, the system ensures perceptual synchronization while maintaining processing flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The delay compensation parameters are made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the system to adapt to different listening preferences and conditions, ensuring that perceptual synchronization is maintained while preserving the flexibility of audio signal processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If all audio signal components experience the same delay (tight alignment), then temporal coherence is improved, but compatibility with conventional audio systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporal coherenceVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic control over delay alignment, allowing users to switch between tight alignment mode (for temporal coherence) and conventional processing modes (for compatibility). This adaptability ensures both temporal coherence and compatibility with user expectations from conventional systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The audio system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in a tight alignment mode for optimal temporal coherence, or switch to conventional processing modes for compatibility with user expectations. This multi-functionality ensures both temporal coherence and broad adaptability to different listening preferences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 users to tailor the audio experience by aligning audio components temporally, enhancing the perceived quality and coherence of sound reproduction.

Implementation Method 1

filtering the audio signal to provide an adjusted audio signal having a delay in a first range of frequencies relative to a second range of frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAll-pass filter delay: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS12356159B2Audio system with adjustably delayed frequencies

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 BOSE CORP

AI summary

Systems, methods, and processing are provided for adjusting an audio playback signal to adjust a temporal alignment of content within an audio signal. The audio signal is received and filtered to provide an adjusted audio signal. The adjusted audio signal includes a delay in a first range of frequencies relative to a second range of frequencies, and the adjusted audio signal is provided to a sound reproduction system, such as an amplifier and at least one acoustic transducer.