Playback Audio Calibration Using Multi-Dimensional Motion Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems face challenges in accurately calibrating playback devices in diverse environments due to variations in acoustics, leading to suboptimal sound transmission and quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a recording device that detects and analyzes sound waves emitted by playback devices during calibration, using motion data to determine sufficient translation in multiple dimensions, thereby adjusting the frequency response to offset environmental acoustics and ensure effective calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a recording device remains stationary during calibration, then the calibration process is simple to operate, but the calibration accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient sampling of environmental acoustics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary recording device into a mobile one by integrating motion sensors and enabling multi-dimensional movement during calibration. The system dynamically adjusts the recording device's position to capture acoustic characteristics from multiple locations, improving calibration accuracy while the system automatically manages the complexity through sensor-based motion tracking and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends calibration from a single stationary point to multi-dimensional space by requiring the recording device to move across different positions and orientations. This spatial expansion allows comprehensive sampling of environmental acoustics, significantly improving measurement precision while the automated motion validation handles operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the recording device moves during calibration, then the calibration accuracy improves through better environmental sampling, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient motion validation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where motion sensors continuously monitor the recording device's movement, and the system validates whether sufficient motion has occurred. The calibration process is conditionally executed based on motion validation results, ensuring reliability while maintaining the accuracy benefits of mobile calibration. The system provides feedback loops that verify motion adequacy before completing calibration.
3Reliability
If motion validation is implemented during calibration, then the calibration reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and validation logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates motion sensors into the existing recording device, making it multi-functional by combining acoustic recording with motion sensing capabilities. This universal approach allows a single device to perform both traditional stationary calibration and new mobile calibration with validation, improving reliability while managing complexity through consolidated hardware and software integration.
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 approach enhances the calibration process by identifying and addressing error conditions such as insufficient motion or background noise, resulting in improved sound quality and consistency across different environments.
Implementation Method 1
a recording device (e.g., a mobile device or dedicated recording device) detects an acoustic characteristic of a playback environment in which one or more playback devices are positioned
Implementation Method 2
A technique to identify one or more error conditions that might occur when calibrating one or more playback devices of a media playback system
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein involve validating motion of a microphone during calibration of a playback device. An example implementation involves a mobile device detecting, via one or more microphones, audio signals emitted from one or more playback devices as part of a calibration process. After the one or more playback devices emit the audio signals, the mobile device determines whether the detected audio signals indicate that sufficient horizontal translation of the mobile device occurred during the calibration process. When the detected audio signals indicate that insufficient horizontal translation occurred, the mobile device displays a prompt to move the mobile device more while the one or more playback devices emit one or more additional audio signals as part of the calibration process. When the detected audio signals indicate that sufficient horizontal translation occurred, the mobile device calibrates the one or more playback devices with a calibration based on the detected audio signals.