Portable Playback EQ Calibration Without Network Dependence
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Portable playback devices face challenges in calibrating themselves to account for changing acoustic environments without access to network devices or remote databases, as they frequently change locations and encounter varying acoustic settings.
Innovation Solution
These devices utilize built-in microphones and a locally stored database of calibration settings and room responses, which are generated from previous multi-location calibration processes, to determine a localized acoustic response and apply appropriate calibration settings for optimal audio output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If portable playback devices rely on network devices or remote databases for calibration, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but the devices lose portability and independence
Solution Approach 1:
The portable playback device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standalone portable device and also function as a calibration reference device. The device includes both a speaker for audio output and a microphone for capturing acoustic responses, enabling it to self-calibrate and also calibrate other devices without needing external network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-calibration by using its own speaker to output test audio and its own microphone to capture the acoustic response. The processor analyzes the captured response and automatically adjusts calibration parameters, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or network-based calibration services.
2Ease of operation
If portable playback devices perform self-calibration without network access, then portability is maintained, but calibration reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements a feedback mechanism where the microphone captures the actual acoustic response of the environment, the processor analyzes this feedback signal to determine room acoustics characteristics, and then automatically adjusts the audio output parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable self-calibration without external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary calibration actions by storing multiple pre-configured calibration settings for different environments. When deployed, the device can quickly select and apply appropriate pre-prepared calibration parameters, reducing the time and complexity of on-site calibration while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device uses built-in microphones and local databases for calibration, then independence is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The built-in microphone and speaker serve dual purposes: they are used for normal audio playback and also for calibration operations. The processor handles both media playback tasks and calibration analysis functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated calibration hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration database is merged with the device's existing storage memory, and the calibration processing functions are integrated into the existing processor. This consolidation combines multiple functions into unified components, reducing the number of separate parts needed while achieving device independence.
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
Enables portable playback devices to self-calibrate effectively in diverse environments without relying on network devices or remote databases, ensuring consistent and high-quality audio performance across different locations.
Implementation Method 1
capturing, via the microphone, audio data representing reflections of the audio content within an area in which the playback device is located
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are example techniques to facilitate calibrating a portable playback device. An example implementation involves determining that a playback device is to perform an equalization calibration of the playback device and initiating the equalization calibration. Initiating the equalization calibration involves (i) outputting audio content, (ii) capturing audio data representing reflections of the audio content within an area in which the playback device is located, (iii) determining an acoustic response of the area in which the playback device is located, (iv) selecting a stored acoustic response from the acoustic response database that is most similar to the determined acoustic response of the area in which the playback device is located, and (v) applying to the audio content, via the playback device, a set of stored audio calibration settings associated with the selected stored acoustic area response.