Audio Tuning System Bass Optimization via Diffuse Field Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal audio devices, such as headphones and hearing aids, struggle to produce high-quality sound due to the compromise in sound amplification caused by foreign structures surrounding the ear, and existing equalization techniques do not consistently achieve optimal frequency response, leading to subjective sound quality issues.
Innovation Solution
An audio system with a personal audio device featuring an electro-acoustic transducer mounted via a suspension system and an on-board or separate audio tuning system that includes an equalizer, configured to alter the frequency response of input audio signals to match a diffuse field frequency response, optimizing sound quality by adjusting frequency components and addressing mechanical vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If equalization techniques are used to adjust frequency response, then frequency balance is improved, but time domain response remains unaffected leading to subjective sound quality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from frequency domain equalization to time domain processing. Specifically, it uses impulse response measurement and time domain windowing to modify the transient behavior of the audio system, thereby addressing both frequency balance and time domain response characteristics that were previously neglected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical/electrical equalization approaches with digital signal processing in the time domain. By using impulse response analysis and time domain windowing functions, it replaces conventional frequency-domain equalization methods with a more sophisticated time-domain control mechanism that directly addresses transient response characteristics
2Ease of operation
If upper-bass volume is increased in personal audio devices, then bass response is improved, but frequency balance deviates from diffuse field target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual impulse response of the personal audio device and using this measured data to guide the equalization process. The system continuously refines the time domain windowing parameters based on measured frequency response deviations from the diffuse field target, creating a closed-loop optimization process that balances bass enhancement with overall frequency accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the equalization parameters adaptive rather than fixed. The time domain windowing function and its parameters are dynamically adjusted based on the measured impulse response characteristics of each specific device, allowing the system to optimize bass response while maintaining frequency balance according to the actual device behavior
3Stability of the object's composition
If transducer is rigidly mounted in housing, then mechanical stability is improved, but vibration transmission degrades sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element between the transducer and housing by using the measured impulse response to characterize and compensate for vibration transmission paths. The time domain windowing function acts as a mathematical intermediary that separates useful acoustic signal from harmful mechanical vibrations in the frequency domain, effectively filtering out vibration-induced artifacts while maintaining mechanical mounting stability
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
The system enhances subjective sound quality by aligning the frequency response with a diffuse field target, reducing treble reduction and improving bass and mid-level frequencies, resulting in a more balanced and clear audio output.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electro-acoustic transducer within the housing that is operable to convert an input audio signal into sound
Implementation Method 2
the suspension system flexibly mounts the electro-acoustic transducer relative to the housing to at least partially alleviate mechanical transmission of vibration between the electro-acoustic transducer and the housing during operation
Implementation Method 3
an audio tuning system configured to operatively couple the output audio channel(s) of the personal audio device and to optimise input audio signals for the output audio channel(s), the audio tuning system comprising an equaliser configured to receive input audio signals for the output channel(s) and alter a balance between frequency components of the input audio signals
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to audio transducer technology, including audio tuning systems to be utilised in personal audio devices, such as headphone, earphones, mobile phones and the like. The audio tuning system optimises the frequency response of the personal audio device by using Diffuse Field curve characteristics. The audio transducers of the personal audio device incorporate low resonance designs, including low resonance transducer and diaphragm suspensions to further optimise the sound quality of the device. The invention also relates to an audio transducer diaphragm construction that includes a three-dimensional lattice which may be utilised in any audio transducer application.