Adaptive Headphone Audio Control for User-Specific EQ Tuning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphones struggle to provide a consistent listening experience across different users due to variability in user anatomy and headphone fitting, leading to deviations from the intended audio response in equalization (EQ) and transparency modes.
Innovation Solution
Calculating audio controllers for headphones in real-time based on measured audio transfer functions between the acoustic transducer and feedback microphone, with and without the feedback controller applied, to customize EQ and aware mode settings for individual users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed audio controllers are used for headphones, then manufacturing and deployment are simple, but listening experience consistency across different users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The audio controller transitions from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic adaptive system. The controller automatically adjusts its parameters based on real-time measurements of the user's anatomy and headphone fitting characteristics, allowing it to adapt to each user's unique ear canal geometry and seal quality without requiring manual intervention or complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring its own acoustic environment using the feedback microphone and generated test signals. The audio controller independently determines the transfer function between the transducer and ear canal, then self-adjusts the equalization and awareness mode parameters without requiring external calibration equipment or user action, achieving customized performance through self-service measurement and adaptation.
2Reliability
If real-time audio controller calculation based on transfer function measurement is implemented, then listening experience consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback microphone, originally designed solely for active noise reduction feedback, is repurposed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the ANR feedback sensor and the measurement microphone for transfer function characterization. The existing transducer serves dual roles as both the audio output device and the stimulus source for measurements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement microphones and test signal generators, reducing overall device complexity while enabling real-time adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing feedback loop infrastructure of the active noise reduction system to enable real-time measurements and adjustments. By injecting test signals through the transducer and capturing the response through the feedback microphone, the system creates a measurement feedback path that leverages the already-present feedback hardware, avoiding the need for additional dedicated measurement components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If user-specific customization is implemented, then audio performance accuracy improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user action
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs complete self-characterization without requiring any user action. The audio controller automatically generates test signals, measures the transfer function using the feedback microphone, and calculates the optimal equalization and awareness mode parameters. The entire customization process occurs autonomously upon headphone insertion, eliminating the need for user participation in calibration procedures while achieving precise user-specific audio performance.
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
This approach ensures a more consistent listening experience across a wide range of users by tailoring the audio controllers to the specific user's anatomy and headphone fitting, aligning the actual sound delivery closer to the manufacturer's intended target profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a feedback microphone that is configured to sense sound developed by the acoustic transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining an audio controller for a headphone that is configured to use an acoustic transducer to develop sound that is delivered to an ear of a user and that includes a feedback microphone that is configured to sense sound developed by the acoustic transducer, and a related computer program product and system. A first audio transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the feedback microphone is measured. A second audio transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the feedback microphone with a feedback controller applied is determined. The audio controller is calculated based on both the first audio transfer function and the second audio transfer function.