Playback Device Calibration via Moving Network Microphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems lack effective calibration methods for ensuring optimal audio quality across multiple locations within a playback environment, as they typically focus on a single listening location during device calibration, neglecting the varied audio experiences in other areas where listeners may be present.
Innovation Solution
The system calibrates playback devices by using a network device with a built-in microphone to detect audio signals as it moves through the environment, identifying an audio processing algorithm based on these signals to ensure consistent audio characteristics across different locations, which can be applied to playback devices for improved sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration is performed at a single listening location, then the calibration process is simple and quick, but audio quality is not optimized for other locations in the playback environment
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system transitions from a static single-location approach to a dynamic multi-location approach. The network device moves through multiple locations in the playback environment, collecting audio measurements at each position. This dynamic calibration process captures the varying acoustic characteristics across different spatial positions, enabling optimized audio quality for the entire environment rather than just one fixed location.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process extends from a one-point measurement (single location) to a multi-dimensional spatial assessment. By moving the network device through multiple locations and collecting audio data across different positions in the playback environment, the system creates a comprehensive spatial map of acoustic characteristics. This dimensional expansion allows the audio processing algorithm to compensate for location-specific variations and deliver consistent quality throughout the space.
2Measurement precision
If audio measurements are taken at multiple locations, then audio quality is optimized across the entire environment, but the calibration process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the network device move through and map the entire playback environment before final audio playback begins. During this initial phase, the network device collects audio measurements at multiple predetermined locations, building a comprehensive understanding of the acoustic characteristics. This preliminary spatial mapping enables the audio processing algorithm to be pre-configured with location-specific compensation data, avoiding the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process maintains continuous useful action by having the network device systematically traverse through multiple predetermined locations in sequence, collecting audio measurements without interruption. Rather than performing discrete, separate measurements at each location, the system continuously moves the network device through the environment, efficiently gathering spatial audio data in a single uninterrupted calibration session. This continuous approach minimizes total calibration time while ensuring comprehensive coverage of all relevant locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the network device moves through multiple locations during calibration, then comprehensive audio coverage is achieved, but the calibration setup becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The network device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the audio source and the measurement microphone, eliminating the need for separate dedicated calibration equipment. The same network device that controls audio playback also performs the calibration measurements by moving through the environment and recording audio characteristics at each location. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall setup, requiring only the network device itself rather than additional specialized calibration tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service calibration by automatically identifying and traversing through multiple predetermined locations in the playback environment without requiring manual intervention at each position. The network device autonomously navigates the calibration process, collecting audio measurements and transmitting the data for algorithm generation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually set up measurement equipment at each location, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive environmental coverage.
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 allows for comprehensive calibration of playback devices, ensuring uniform audio quality across multiple locations within a playback environment, enhancing the listening experience by adjusting for varying frequency responses and acoustic characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
detecting by the microphone of the network device a second audio signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples described herein involve calibrating a playback device. An example implementation involves while (i) a playback device (200, 604, 606) is playing a first audio signal and (ii) the network device (602) is moving from a first physical location to a second physical location, detecting, by the microphone, a second audio signal. Based on data indicating the second audio signal, the playback device (200, 604, 606) identifying an audio processing algorithm; and transmitting, to the playback device (200, 604, 606), data indicating the identified audio processing algorithm.