Loudspeaker Equalization With Integrated Microphone Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic system calibration and loudspeaker equalization methods are inconvenient and often inadequate, especially when loudspeakers are relocated within the same environment or moved to different environments, due to the varying physical characteristics of each space which affect sound wave interference and frequency response.
Innovation Solution
An integrated audio reproduction unit comprising a loudspeaker and microphone, which measures the loudspeaker's response and creates a combined transfer function for real-time automatic adjustment, allowing for the calculation of a compensation filter to correct frequency responses based on environmental changes, enabling continuous monitoring and adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional room equalization techniques are used with external microphones, then frequency response can be corrected in a given environment, but the procedure becomes inconvenient and inadequate when the loudspeaker is relocated or the environment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the microphone and loudspeaker into a single integrated audio reproduction unit. The microphone is positioned within the loudspeaker enclosure to measure the acoustic response at the loudspeaker's output location, eliminating the need for external microphones and manual setup procedures. This integration enables automatic real-time equalization that adapts to different environments and relocation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement and self-correction by using the integrated microphone to measure its own loudspeaker's acoustic response in real-time. The processor automatically generates and applies equalization filters based on the measured frequency response, eliminating the need for user intervention or external calibration equipment.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-tuned systems are used during design phase, then initial frequency response can be optimized, but the system becomes inadequate when environmental characteristics change or the loudspeaker is relocated
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static pre-tuned equalization to dynamic real-time equalization. The processor continuously measures the acoustic response using the integrated microphone and automatically adjusts the equalization filters based on current environmental conditions, enabling the system to adapt to different locations and environmental changes while maintaining optimal frequency response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the integrated microphone measures the actual acoustic output of the loudspeaker, the processor analyzes the frequency response deviations, and automatically generates corrective equalization filters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the system maintains accurate frequency response across varying environmental conditions.
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 solution simplifies and automates the acoustic tuning process, ensuring a consistent and desired acoustic response across different environments by dynamically adjusting the loudspeaker's output in real-time, improving sound quality and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a response of the loudspeaker using the microphone
Implementation Method 2
A difference in signal information can be calculated to identify a frequency response as changed or influenced by the environment
Data Source
AI summary
A loudspeaker system can include a first loudspeaker driver provided in a substantially fixed spatial relationship relative to a microphone. The loudspeaker driver can be tuned, for example automatically and without user input. In an example, the tuning can include receiving transfer function reference information about the first loudspeaker driver and the microphone, and receiving information about a desired acoustic response for the loudspeaker system. The tuning can include determining a simulated response for the loudspeaker system using a first input signal and the transfer function reference information, and can include providing the first input signal to the first loudspeaker driver. In response to the first input signal, an actual response for the loudspeaker driver can be received using the microphone. A compensation filter can be determined for the loudspeaker system based on the determined simulated response and the received actual response for the loudspeaker system.