Mobile-Cluster Audio Adjusting System for Echo and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio systems face challenges in managing sound quality in dynamic environments, such as outdoor venues, where echo, crowd noise, and synchronization issues between audio and video are prevalent, often requiring manual intervention by audio engineers and relying on prescriptive or adaptive technologies that are not listener-centric.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cluster-based audio adjusting system that integrates omnidirectional, ultrasonic, infrasonic, and microwave transducers with computing devices and in-ear devices to autonomously sense and adjust audio outputs, using wireless communication to manage sound levels and frequencies, and provide user-centric sound management across various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If distributed sound systems are used to reduce echo in outdoor venues, then sound quality improves, but temperature gradients and wind can still steer sound in undesirable ways
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts audio output based on real-time environmental conditions detected by mobile devices. The audio control source receives data about temperature gradients and wind conditions, then automatically modifies sound distribution to compensate for these factors, transforming a static system into one that adapts to changing environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using mobile devices to continuously monitor environmental conditions and feed this information back to the audio control source. This closed-loop control enables the system to detect undesirable sound steering caused by temperature gradients and wind, and automatically correct these issues by adjusting audio output parameters.
2Measurement precision
If audio output is increased to overcome crowd noise at live events, then audio intelligibility improves, but sound levels exceed safe listening thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by delivering customized audio mixes to different listeners based on their individual environments and preferences. Mobile devices capture local acoustic conditions and crowd noise levels, then the audio control source adjusts audio output specifically for each listener's location, ensuring adequate intelligibility without requiring uniform high-volume broadcast to all areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes audio parameters dynamically based on detected crowd noise levels and individual listener conditions. Rather than maintaining fixed high output levels, the system adjusts frequency distribution, volume, and audio routing parameters in real-time to achieve intelligibility at safe listening levels for each listener.
3Ease of operation
If manual intervention by audio engineers is used to manage sound quality, then audio output control improves, but system complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling mobile devices to autonomously capture acoustic environment data and communicate with the audio control source without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically processes environmental feedback and adjusts audio outputs, replacing the need for audio engineers to manually operate mixing consoles and control units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical control systems (physical mixing consoles and audio control units) with electronic and software-based solutions. Mobile devices with microphones and processors substitute for manual audio equipment, using software algorithms to analyze acoustic conditions and automatically control audio outputs, thereby eliminating the need for physical intervention by audio engineers.
4Ease of manufacture
If prescriptive or adaptive audio technologies are used in vehicle or private room settings, then audio quality improves, but listener-centric customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by using mobile devices that already exist in consumers' possession for multiple purposes. These same devices serve audio sensing, environmental monitoring, and communication functions, eliminating the need for dedicated specialized audio equipment while enabling listener-centric customization across different settings including vehicles and private rooms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension of personalization by leveraging the mobility and individuality of personal devices. Rather than fixed installation systems, each listener carries their own sensing and control capability, enabling customization along the dimension of individual preference and portability, transforming audio systems from location-fixed to person-following.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems and methods described relate to the concept that smart devices can be used to: sense various types of phenomena like sound, blue light exposure, RF and microwave radiation, and, in real-time, analyze, report and/or control outputs (e.g., displays or speakers). The systems are configurable and use standard computing devices, such as wearable electronics (e.g., smart glasses), tablet computers, and mobile phones to measure various frequency bands across multiple points, allowing a single user to visualize and/or adjust environmental conditions.