Audio Signal Path Testing Using Virtual Transfer Function Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio testing methods require skilled personnel and are time-consuming and labor-intensive, as they rely on manual evaluation of audio systems in various settings, such as music venues, and cannot effectively identify failures in the signal path from the audio input/output apparatus to the speaker.
Innovation Solution
An audio testing system comprising a management server and audio client systems connected via a communication network, where the management server determines the condition of audio client systems by comparing measured transfer functions with simulated virtual transfer functions, allowing remote identification of signal path issues without physical presence or specialized expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual audio testing by skilled personnel is used, then audio system condition can be evaluated, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing by skilled personnel with an automated electronic testing system. The management server automatically generates test signals, collects audio data from multiple sources (audio input/output apparatus, mixer, amplifier, speaker, and terminal device microphone), and performs automated analysis to determine system condition, eliminating the need for manual testing while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the audio system signal path that replicates the physical system's characteristics. By comparing measured transfer functions with expected values from the virtual model, the system can automatically evaluate audio system condition without requiring skilled personnel to physically test each component, significantly reducing testing time while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If manual audio testing is performed, then audio system parameters can be measured, but the process requires specialized expertise and experience
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system performs self-diagnosis by automatically generating test signals, collecting audio data from multiple points in the signal path, analyzing the data to determine transfer functions, and comparing results against expected values. The management server autonomously identifies abnormal conditions and locates failures without requiring skilled personnel to interpret measurements, making the operation simple while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a management server as an intermediary between the audio system components and the evaluation process. The server coordinates signal generation, data collection from multiple sources, automated analysis, and failure localization, replacing the need for skilled personnel to manually perform these complex tasks while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used, then speaker characteristics can be estimated, but failures in the signal path cannot be located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio system into multiple segmented components (audio input/output apparatus, mixer, amplifier, speaker) and places measurement points at each segment. By collecting audio data from multiple sources including the terminal device microphone and comparing transfer functions at different points in the signal path, the system can identify which specific segment contains a failure while still estimating speaker characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The management server acts as an intermediary that coordinates multi-point measurements throughout the signal path. By analyzing transfer functions from the audio input/output apparatus through the mixer and amplifier to the speaker, and comparing them with expected values, the server can locate failures in specific segments while maintaining the ability to estimate speaker characteristics.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A management server 10 includes a memory 122, and at least one processor 110 configured to control an audio client system 20, by execution of instructions stored in the memory. The at least one processor 110 is configured to acquire a first transfer function fr(x) measured for a portion of or for all of the first signal path in the audio client system. The at least one processor 110 is also configured to generate a virtual second signal path for a portion of or for all of the first signal path in the audio client system, and calculate a second transfer function fv(x) for a portion of or for all of the generated virtual second signal path. The at least one processor 110 is also configured to determine a condition of the audio client system 20, based on a result of a comparison between the first transfer function fr(x) and the second transfer function fv(x).