Orientation-Based Microphone Array Selection for Playback Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of sound sources due to varying microphone array sensitivities across different orientations of playback devices, leading to suboptimal sound capture and processing.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts the directional focus of microphone arrays based on the orientation of playback devices by determining the orientation and comparing sound input responses to pre-calibrated training responses, allowing for precise location determination and improved sound capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system uses a fixed microphone array configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the sound source location determination accuracy deteriorates across different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the microphone array configuration adaptable to different device orientations. The system dynamically selects or adjusts microphone array configurations based on the determined orientation of the playback device, allowing the microphone sensitivity and directional characteristics to change with orientation. This resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a fixed, simple structure to a dynamic configuration that maintains high measurement precision across various orientations without requiring multiple permanent physical configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the microphone array based on device orientation. By determining the orientation first and then selecting appropriate microphone arrays or adjusting their characteristics, the system modifies parameters such as microphone sensitivity, directional focus, and signal processing gains. This allows accurate sound source location determination across different orientations while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure.
2Measurement precision
If the system calibrates microphone arrays for all possible orientations, then the measurement precision improves, but the calibration process and data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous orientation space into discrete orientation categories or ranges. Instead of calibrating for all possible orientations continuously, the system divides orientations into segments (e.g., horizontal, vertical, tilted at specific angles) and creates separate calibration data sets for each segment. This reduces the total volume of calibration data required while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for each orientation category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selecting only the most representative or critical orientations for calibration rather than calibrating all possible orientations. The system identifies key orientation positions that provide sufficient coverage for practical use cases and calibrates primarily for those positions. This partial calibration approach reduces data volume while maintaining adequate measurement precision for the majority of operational scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If the system determines device orientation before microphone selection, then the sound capture accuracy improves, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by determining the device orientation in advance before sound capture begins. The system establishes the orientation state upfront and pre-selects the appropriate microphone array configuration based on that orientation. This preliminary determination allows the system to prepare the correct microphone settings and processing parameters before actual sound capture, improving sound capture accuracy while minimizing processing delays during the critical capture phase.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of a multi-orientation playback device including at least one microphone array are discussed. A method may include determining an orientation of the playback device which includes at least one microphone array and determining at least one microphone training response for the playback device from a plurality of microphone training responses based on the orientation of the playback device. The at least one microphone array can detect a sound input, and the location information of a source of the sound input can be determined based on the at least one microphone training response and the detected sound input. Based on the location information of the source, the directional focus of the at least one microphone array can be adjusted, and the sound input can be captured based on the adjusted directional focus.