Automatic Room Equalization Using Microphone-Based Acoustic Transfer Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual audio equalization is cumbersome and requires significant user knowledge, making it impractical for average users to achieve consistent audio quality across different room environments and speaker placements without repeated setup and calibration.
Innovation Solution
Implementing automatic audio equalization systems within electronic devices using internal or external microphones to measure phase differences and frequency responses, employing machine learning and acoustical models to adjust the audio output without user interaction, and utilizing a correction database or neural networks to apply necessary frequency corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual audio equalization is performed, then audio quality can be improved, but user effort and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic audio equalization by having the device itself generate test signals and capture its own acoustic environment through integrated microphones, eliminating the need for external equipment and user operation. The processor automatically analyzes the captured audio responses and applies corrections without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of audio equalization (physically adjusting equalization controls, positioning microphones, conducting measurements) with an automated electronic system that uses software-based signal generation, digital audio processing, and algorithmic analysis to achieve the same equalization objectives.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual audio equalization is performed, then audio quality can be improved, but user knowledge requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously performs all equalization tasks including generating test signals, capturing acoustic responses, analyzing frequency characteristics, and applying corrections. The device serves itself without requiring the user to understand acoustic theory, equalization principles, or measurement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated processing system that acts as an intermediary between the user's audio quality needs and the complex equalization process. This intermediary handles all technical complexities internally, translating user requirements into automated measurements and corrections without exposing the user to technical details.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual equalization setup is performed, then consistent audio quality can be achieved, but repeated calibration is needed when room or placement changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adaptation to changing acoustic environments by automatically remeasuring the room characteristics whenever placement or room conditions change. Rather than requiring fixed manual calibration, the system continuously or on-demand reassesses the acoustic environment and adjusts equalization parameters accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automatic measurements and equalization setup before the user needs to use the device for its intended purpose. By pre-characterizing the acoustic environment and applying corrections in advance, the system ensures audio quality is ready without requiring user intervention at the time of use.
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
Enables high-quality audio output without user effort, adapting to various room conditions and speaker placements, ensuring consistent sound quality without the need for manual calibration or setup, and improving user experience by simplifying the process of audio equalization.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a collection of audio content signals including receiving the outputted audio content at each microphone of the plurality of microphones
Implementation Method 2
determining from the collection of audio content signals a plurality of phase differences between microphones of the plurality of microphones
Data Source
AI summary
The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for automatic audio equalization. In one aspect, a method is performed at a computing system that includes speaker(s), microphones, processors and memory. The computing system outputs audio user content and automatically equalizes the audio output of the computing system. The equalizing includes: (1) receiving the outputted audio content at each microphone of the plurality of microphones; (2) based on the received audio content, determining an acoustic transfer function for the room; (3) based on the determined acoustic transfer function, obtaining a frequency response for the room; and (4) adjusting one or more properties of the speakers based on the determined frequency response.