Audio Processing Configuration for Target Frequency Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumer electronics with small speakers face challenges in maintaining sonic performance due to resonances, poor bass response, limited processing capabilities, and difficulty in reproducing audio in noisy environments, requiring time-consuming tuning processes and limited audio processing resources.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for determining an audio processing configuration through convergent optimization, specifying audio processing sub-operations and target frequency/phase responses, adjusting control settings to minimize differences, and using four-coefficient second-order filter sections to reduce processing resources while achieving desired audio effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If small speakers are used in consumer electronics, then device size is reduced, but acoustic performance deteriorates due to resonances and poor bass response

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidacoustic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using digital signal processing to modify audio frequency parameters. The system adjusts equalization parameters, applies frequency-dependent gain adjustments, and uses parametric equalizers to compensate for the physical limitations of small speakers, thereby maintaining acoustic performance despite reduced device size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical acoustic solutions with digital processing solutions. Instead of relying on physical speaker design and acoustic enclosure geometry to achieve good sound quality, the system uses digital filters, equalization algorithms, and signal processing techniques to correct frequency response and compensate for resonances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual tuning processes are used for audio devices, then audio quality can be optimized, but time and skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoidtuning time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated measurement and tuning systems. The system automatically measures the frequency response using test signals and microphones, analyzes the measured data to identify resonances and frequency imbalances, and automatically calculates and applies correction parameters without requiring expert intervention. This enables ordinary consumers to achieve optimized audio quality instantly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback mechanisms by measuring the actual frequency response of the speaker-enclosure system and using this measurement information to automatically adjust equalization parameters. The system creates a closed-loop tuning process where the measured response guides the correction applied, enabling automated optimization without manual expertise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If limited processing resources are used, then power consumption and device size are reduced, but audio processing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidaudio processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the audio processing into distinct functional stages: measurement phase (collecting frequency response data), analysis phase (identifying resonances and frequency imbalances), and correction phase (applying parametric equalization). This segmented approach allows efficient use of processing resources by performing different types of computations at different times and using optimized algorithms for each stage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes efficiently by focusing computational effort on adjusting a limited set of critical parametric equalizer parameters (center frequency, bandwidth, gain) rather than processing all possible audio parameters. This targeted parameter adjustment achieves effective audio correction with minimal processing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2520102B1Determining a configuration for an audio processing operation
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 OXFORD DIGITAL
  • EP2520102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2520102B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2520102B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer-implemented method of determining a configuration for an audio processing operation, wherein the audio processing operation comprises a predetermined set of one or more audio processing sub-operations, each audio processing sub-operation being configurable with one or more respective configuration parameters, the method comprising: specifying the predetermined set of one or more audio processing sub-operations; specifying a target frequency response; and performing a convergent optimization process to determine a configuration for the audio processing operation that reduces a difference between the frequency response of the audio processing operation and the target frequency response, wherein the configuration comprises a respective value for each configuration parameter of each audio processing sub- operation.