Location-Based Audio Processing for Automatic Sound Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio reproduction devices require manual adjustment of settings based on the user's immediate environment, leading to an overwhelming and intrusive experience due to varying user preferences and environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determines a user's location within an environment and dynamically applies audio processing parameters to audio reproduction devices using adaptive audio components, which can include sensors and machine learning models to adjust settings automatically based on the user's location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment of audio settings is provided to accommodate varying user preferences and environmental conditions, then audio reproduction quality can be optimized, but the user experience becomes overwhelming and intrusive due to the complexity of controlling multiple functionalities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio reproduction qualityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines user location using sensors (GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope) and applies appropriate audio processing parameters without user intervention. The device serves itself by autonomously selecting and applying location-based audio settings, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining optimized audio reproduction quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes audio processing parameters (equalization, noise cancellation, spatial audio) based on determined location parameters. Different parameter sets are automatically applied depending on whether the user is in a vehicle, at home, outdoors, or in other environments, allowing audio quality optimization without user complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio processing functionalities are provided to adapt to different environments, then audio reproduction can be optimized for specific conditions, but the device complexity increases requiring frequent user attention and technical competence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptationVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts audio processing functionalities based on real-time location determination. The multi-functional audio processing system automatically activates or deactivates specific functionalities (noise cancellation, equalization, spatial audio) according to the user's current environment, making the complexity adaptive rather than static and reducing the need for user attention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple sets of audio processing parameters corresponding to different locations (vehicle, home, outdoors, etc.). When a location is determined, the corresponding pre-prepared parameter set is automatically applied, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex settings menus and making technical competence unnecessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If location-based automatic audio processing is implemented, then ease of operation improves without manual intervention, but device complexity increases due to integration of sensors and processing systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control requirementVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a multi-functional approach where a single integrated module handles location determination (using existing smartphone sensors like GPS, accelerometer, gyroscope), parameter selection, and audio processing application. This universal module consolidates multiple functions into one system, reducing overall device complexity while enabling automatic location-based audio processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4651522A1Location based audio processing
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 BANG & OLUFSEN AS
  • EP4651522A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4651522A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4651522A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques, computing devices, and systems for location based audio processing are described. An example technique includes determining, at a point in time, a location of a user within an environment including one or more audio reproduction devices. A set of audio processing parameters is determined based on the location of the user. The set of audio processing parameters is applied to at least one audio reproduction device of the one or more audio reproduction devices while audio content is output from the at least one audio reproduction device.