Portable Audio Equalization Using Infrared Acoustic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable audio systems, such as wireless speaker packages, face challenges in maintaining optimal sound quality when their location is changed or the environment around them alters, as existing equalization methods do not effectively adapt to new settings in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A dongle connected to a portable computer device, equipped with a microphone and infrared transmitter, captures test sounds from the audio system, calculates necessary audio parameters, and wirelessly transmits these parameters to the audio system using infrared signals, allowing for real-time equalization and adaptation to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the audio system location is changed or environment changes, then the sound quality deteriorates, but if equalization is performed each time the location changes, then the adaptability improves
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs equalization in advance by capturing test sounds, calculating equalization parameters, and storing them in memory before normal operation. This preliminary equalization ensures that when the location or environment changes, the system is already adapted and ready to provide consistent sound quality without requiring real-time adjustment during playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a microphone to capture test sounds radiated by the audio system, creating a feedback loop that measures the actual acoustic environment. This feedback information is used to calculate appropriate equalization parameters that compensate for environmental characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to different locations while maintaining sound quality consistency.
2Reliability
If equalization parameters are calculated and stored in advance, then the sound quality improves, but the time required for equalization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The equalization process is performed in advance during setup or when environmental changes are detected, rather than during active playback. The calculated equalization parameters are stored in memory for quick retrieval and application, minimizing the time impact during normal operation while still achieving high sound quality through pre-computed optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can perform equalization periodically or on-demand when location changes are detected, rather than continuously. This periodic approach allows the system to maintain sound quality by recalibrating when necessary while minimizing the time spent in equalization mode, thus reducing overall time loss during normal operation.
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 ensures that the audio system provides higher quality sound by continuously adapting to its surroundings, improving sound quality by dynamically adjusting frequency response based on environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone adapted to detect test sounds radiated by an audio system
Implementation Method 2
an infrared transmitter adapted to transmit infrared signals to the audio system
Data Source
AI summary
Processes and devices for equalizing an audio system that is adapted to use a loudspeaker to transduce test audio signals into test sounds. The processes and devices can involve the use of infrared signals to convey information in one or both directions between the audio system and a portable computer device that captures test sounds, calculates audio parameters that can be used in the equalization process, and transmits these audio parameters back to the audio system for its use in equalizing audio signals that are played by the audio system.