Optical Sound Correction for Reflection Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound reproduction systems struggle to maintain a realistic sound experience due to variations in listening environments, as sound reflections from objects in the space can significantly alter sound characteristics, requiring labor-intensive calibration that is not practical for individual users.
Innovation Solution
An output control device and system that uses an imaging device to capture the space, determine the position and normal line of actual objects, and calculate correction coefficients to adjust sound output based on reflection changes, ensuring consistent sound quality despite changes in the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If microphone-based calibration is performed to optimize sound output, then sound quality is improved, but device complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic measurement system (microphone-based impulse response measurement) with an optical imaging system. The imaging device captures images of the listening space to detect actual objects, and a calculation unit computes correction coefficients based on geometric relationships between speakers, objects, and listening positions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical calibration equipment while achieving similar sound optimization goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the physical listening space to infer acoustic characteristics. Instead of measuring sound waves directly, the system captures images of the environment, detects object positions and surfaces, and uses this visual information to calculate sound correction coefficients. This copying approach allows indirect measurement of acoustic properties through optical means.
2Manufacturing precision
If microphone-based calibration is performed to optimize sound output, then sound quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of the listening space, detecting objects and surfaces, and calculating correction coefficients without requiring user intervention. The imaging device and calculation unit work autonomously to adapt the sound output to the current environment, eliminating the need for users to perform manual microphone-based calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex manual calibration process with an automated optical measurement and calculation system. The imaging device captures the environment, and the calculation unit automatically processes the images to determine correction coefficients, making the calibration process transparent and effortless for the user.
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain sound quality when furniture moves, then sound quality is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously or periodically captures images of the listening space using the imaging device, automatically detecting changes in object positions or addition of new objects. The calculation unit continuously computes updated correction coefficients based on the current environment, ensuring sound quality is maintained without requiring scheduled manual calibration sessions. This continuous monitoring and adjustment eliminates time loss associated with periodic recalibration.
4Measurement precision
If complex microphone-based calibration is required, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic measurement system (microphones, impulse response measurement equipment) with an optical imaging system. The imaging device captures images that are processed to extract geometric information about the listening space, which is then used to calculate sound correction coefficients. This substitution simplifies the hardware requirements and makes the system easier to manufacture and deploy while maintaining measurement accuracy through optical rather than acoustic means.
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 allows for automatic adjustment of sound output to maintain a consistent and high-quality listening experience without the need for frequent recalibration, even when furniture or other objects in the space are moved.
Implementation Method 1
a space information obtaining unit that obtains a position and a normal line of an actual object in a space on the basis of a captured image
Data Source
AI summary
A captured image obtaining unit 50 of an output control device 10 obtains a captured image such as a polarization image from an imaging device 12. A space information obtaining unit 54 obtains a normal line and a position of a surface of an actual object in a space and a sound absorption coefficient at the surface. A correction coefficient obtaining unit 56 calculates energy of sound reaching a listener including sound reflected at the actual object and obtains a correction coefficient to be given to a level of a sound signal on the basis of the sound energy. An output unit 60 adjusts the sound signals by using the correction coefficient 62 and outputs the adjusted sound signals to speakers 16a and 16b.