Headphone Audio Control Using Ear-Specific Transfer Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headphones with active noise reduction (ANR) and transparency modes provide inconsistent sound profiles across different users due to variability in how headphones are worn and individual anatomy, leading to a mismatch between intended and actual sound delivery.
Innovation Solution
Headphone audio controllers are calculated in real-time based on measured audio transfer functions between the acoustic transducer and feedback microphones, incorporating feedback controllers to customize EQ and aware mode settings for individual users, using data from multiple fittings and populations to enhance consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional headphones use fixed EQ and transparency mode settings, then device complexity is reduced, but listening experience consistency across different users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headphone system automatically measures the audio transfer function and calculates customized EQ and transparency mode controllers without requiring external equipment or user intervention. The feedback microphone and processor work together to self-determine the optimal audio settings based on the measured transfer function between the acoustic transducer and the user's ear
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the audio transfer function during a calibration phase before normal use. This preliminary action captures the user-specific acoustic characteristics, which are then stored and used to apply customized controllers during subsequent listening sessions, ensuring consistent audio performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If headphones measure audio transfer function for each user, then audio controller customization is improved, but measurement time and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous measurement capability by using the feedback microphone to monitor audio transfer characteristics during normal operation. This allows the system to update and refine audio controllers dynamically without requiring repeated calibration sessions, ensuring adaptability while minimizing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement equipment with electronic signal processing. The feedback microphone and processor use digital signal processing techniques to measure and analyze the audio transfer function, substituting mechanical measurement systems with faster, more efficient electronic methods that reduce calibration time
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 solution provides a more uniform and consistent listening experience across users by tailoring EQ and aware mode settings to individual anatomies and wearing variations, aligning sound delivery with manufacturer-intended profiles.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer to develop sound that is delivered to an ear of a user
Implementation Method 2
a feedback microphone that is configured to sense sound developed by the acoustic transducer
Data Source
AI summary
Headphone audio controllers are disclosed. In one implementation, a headphone includes: an acoustic transducer that is configured to develop sound for delivery to an ear of a user; a microphone that is configured to sense sound from the acoustic transducer and develop an output; and a processor, responsive to the microphone output, and that is configured to: determine first and second audio transfer functions between the acoustic transducer and the microphone, and calculate an audio controller based on both the first audio transfer function and the second audio transfer function.