Loudspeaker Control via Spatial GUI and Sensory Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual configuration of identifiers for loudspeakers in a multi-loudspeaker system is slow, prone to errors, and can lead to confusion due to the potential for identical codes being assigned to different speakers, complicating messaging and control.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a graphical user interface allows for the assignment of names and audio channels to loudspeakers based on their location, using sensory signals to facilitate accurate identification and configuration, and includes features for calibration and equalization, such as phase calibration using maximal cancellation or Fourier analysis methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual configuration of identifiers is used for loudspeakers, then each loudspeaker can be individually identified, but the process becomes slow and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentifier assignment accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically assigns identifiers to loudspeakers by detecting their presence and characteristics, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The control device autonomously identifies each loudspeaker and assigns a unique identifier without user intervention, thereby reducing configuration time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical identifier configuration with an automated electronic detection and assignment system. The control device uses electronic signals and processing to automatically identify and name loudspeakers, substituting the manual mechanical process of physical switch configuration with automated digital identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual identifier assignment is performed, then users can configure loudspeakers, but confusion arises from identical codes being assigned to different speakers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloudspeaker configuration easeVSAvoididentifier uniqueness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously detects and monitors the identifiers assigned to loudspeakers, providing feedback to ensure uniqueness. The system verifies that each assigned identifier is distinct and corresponds to the correct loudspeaker, preventing duplicate assignments and resolving confusion through automated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual identifier assignment with automated electronic detection that inherently ensures uniqueness. The control device uses electronic processing to generate and assign unique identifiers based on detected loudspeaker characteristics, eliminating the human error that leads to duplicate codes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used, then users can assign identifiers, but the complexity of messaging and control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloudspeaker control flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically manages identifier assignment and messaging routing, reducing the complexity burden on users. The system self-configures the communication paths and identifier mappings, allowing users to simply interact with the graphical interface without managing underlying control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a graphical user interface dimension that simplifies control complexity. Instead of dealing with direct manual configuration of multiple identifiers and messaging paths, users interact with a visual representation that automatically handles the complexity of identifier assignment and communication routing in the background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2996354B1Loudspeaker control
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 GENELEC OY
  • EP2996354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2996354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2996354B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processing core and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the apparatus at least to present a graphical user interface comprising a spatial representation and at least one element, the element being associated with at least one specific physical loudspeaker, and receive input concerning moving of the at least one element within the spatial representation, activate a sensory signal in a physical loudspeaker associated with the first element, determine a location in the spatial representation where the first element is moved to, and based at least in part on the determined location, assign a name to at least the first element and the physical loudspeaker associated with the first element.