Ear Canal Audio Compensation Using Acoustic Transfer Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio processing devices with a uniform standard frequency-response curve fail to provide optimal listening experiences for users due to individual ear pattern differences, resulting in varying sound effects for different users.

Innovation Solution

A method and terminal device that determine the acoustic transmission function of an audio processing device in a user's ear canal by analyzing audio signals and acoustic echo signals, allowing for compensation of the audio signal to adapt to unique ear patterns by adjusting the frequency-response curve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a uniform standard frequency-response curve is used for audio processing devices, then manufacturing consistency and standardized calibration are improved, but listening effect optimization for individual users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency-response curve standardizationVSAvoidlistening effect for different ear patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency-response curve parameters dynamically based on measured ear canal characteristics. The system measures the user's specific ear canal transfer function and adjusts the audio output parameters (frequency response) in real-time to compensate for individual ear variations, thus resolving the contradiction between standardized manufacturing and personalized listening experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the audio output is measured through the user's ear canal, the transfer function is calculated, and this information is fed back to adjust the frequency-response curve. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous optimization of the listening experience while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If standardized tone calibration is applied to all devices, then production efficiency and calibration time are improved, but individual listening experience optimization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration process efficiencyVSAvoidpersonalized sound effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary measurement of the user's ear canal characteristics before actual audio playback. By pre-measuring the transfer function and pre-calculating the compensation curve, the system prepares the personalized settings in advance, minimizing real-time processing requirements and maintaining high productivity while achieving personalized sound optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10609483B2Method for sound effect compensation, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and terminal device

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for sound effect compensation, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a terminal device are provided. The method includes the following. An acoustic transmission function of an audio processing device in an ear canal of a user is determined according to an audio signal currently output from the audio processing device. Compensate for the audio signal according to the acoustic transmission function.