Equalizer Coefficient Interpolation for Headphone Response Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for adjusting equalization filter coefficients in headphones are complex and difficult for end users to manage, especially those of lower technical expertise, leading to suboptimal audio quality due to varying frequency responses across different headphones.
Innovation Solution
An equalization filter coefficient determinator that continuously or quasi-continuously fades between multiple equalizer settings based on a smaller number of setting parameters, allowing inexperienced users to adjust filter settings intuitively and improving audio quality by compensating for headphone-specific frequency responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods for adjusting equalization filter coefficients are used, then audio quality can be improved by compensating for frequency response variations, but the complexity of adjustment becomes too high for end users to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the equalization adjustment process into two distinct parts: (1) An automated measurement phase where the system automatically measures the headphone's frequency response using a built-in microphone and test signals, and (2) A simplified user selection phase where users only need to select from pre-defined equalization presets rather than manually adjusting multiple coefficients. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by handling the complex precision-required tasks automatically while leaving only simple tasks for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically measuring the headphone characteristics and computing the optimal equalization coefficients without user intervention. The device uses its own built-in microphone and processing capabilities to characterize the headphone frequency response and generate appropriate equalization settings, eliminating the need for users to perform complex manual adjustments while maintaining high precision.
2Measurement precision
If professional measurement equipment and procedures are used to accurately measure frequency responses, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own built-in microphone and processing capabilities to measure and characterize the headphone frequency response, eliminating the need for external professional measurement equipment. The device performs self-measurement by playing test signals through the headphones and capturing the output with its built-in microphone, then automatically computing the frequency response and optimal equalization coefficients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital signal processing intermediary that acts as a mediator between the simple built-in microphone and the complex equalization task. This intermediary software layer handles the sophisticated frequency response analysis, coefficient optimization, and equalization generation, allowing the hardware to remain simple while achieving professional-grade measurement precision through software intelligence.
Data Source
AI summary
An equalization filter coefficient determinator for determining a current set of equalization filter target coefficients for use by an equalizer is configured to continuously or quasi-continuously fade between a plurality of different equalizer settings in dependence on one or more setting parameters, to obtain the current set of equalization filter target coefficients describing a current equalizer setting. A number of setting parameters is smaller than a number of equalization filter target coefficients of current set of equalization filter target coefficients. An equalization filter coefficient determinator is configured to linearly combine a plurality of equalization filter target coefficient set components in dependence on one or more setting parameters, to obtain the current set of equalization filter target coefficients. An equalization filter coefficient determinator is configured to obtain the current set of equalization filter target coefficients in dependence on a two-dimensional position information or a three-dimensional position information obtained using a two-dimensional or three-dimensional user input device. An apparatus comprises a user interface, an equalization filter coefficient determinator and an equalizer. An equalization filter coefficient processor may provide sets of basis equalization filter target coefficients. A system may use an equalization filter coefficient processor and an equalization filter coefficient determinator.