Autonomous Audio Calibration via Robotic Microphone Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of audio systems in large venues is time-consuming and often results in suboptimal listening experiences due to the need for manual sound measurements, which can be affected by the presence of an audience altering the acoustic characteristics of the environment.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous audio calibration system utilizing a robotic vehicle, such as a drone, to efficiently acquire sound measurements at multiple locations within a listening environment, allowing for automated calibration and reduced propulsion noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration measurements are performed at multiple locations, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of moving microphones and performing measurements with an autonomous robotic system. The robotic vehicle automatically navigates to measurement locations, positions microphones, and collects sound data, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations while maintaining measurement precision through automated control and consistent positioning procedures.
2Ease of operation
If calibration is performed before performance when venue is unoccupied, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to audience absorption effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acoustic measurements and preliminary calibration adjustments before the performance begins. The robotic vehicle is positioned and measurements are taken in advance when the venue is unoccupied, allowing the audio system to be pre-adjusted based on the venue's baseline acoustic characteristics before the audience arrives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic calibration by allowing the audio system to be adjusted in real-time or near-real-time during the performance. The robotic vehicle can perform additional measurements during the event, and the system dynamically adapts the audio output based on actual audience presence and acoustic conditions, transitioning from static pre-performance calibration to dynamic during-performance calibration.
3Ease of operation
If aerial vehicle is used to navigate above audience, then ease of operation is improved for populated venues, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to propulsion noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the microphone from the noisy propulsion environment by mounting it on an extended boom or pole that extends away from the aerial vehicle's body. This physical separation removes the measurement instrument from the harmful acoustic environment generated by the vehicle's propulsion system, allowing accurate sound measurements to be taken despite the vehicle being airborne above the audience.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended boom or pole acts as an intermediary element between the noisy aerial vehicle and the sensitive microphone. This intermediate structure creates acoustic isolation, shielding the microphone from direct exposure to propulsion noise while still allowing the vehicle to maintain its position above the audience for calibration measurements.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for calibrating an audio system. The technique includes transmitting information to a robotic vehicle for positioning a microphone at a plurality of different listening locations within a listening environment and, for each different listening location, acquiring a sound measurement via the microphone. The technique further includes calibrating at least one audio characteristic of the audio system based on the sound measurements acquired at the different listening locations.