Automated Sound Equalization Filter Optimization for Multi-Location Audio Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio systems in vehicles require manual optimization of sound equalization filters by experienced engineers, which is time-consuming and costly, especially when optimizing sound reproduction for multiple spatial locations.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using a computing device to determine sound equalization filters by transmitting pink noise, acquiring spectral amplitude curves, calculating target curves, and applying iterative learning methods to adjust parameterizable filters, resulting in optimized equalization filters for improved sound reproduction across multiple locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual optimization of equalisation filters is performed by experienced engineers, then sound reproduction quality is improved, but time consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound reproduction qualityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic optimization of equalisation filters using measurement signals and spectral analysis, enabling the audio system to self-adjust without requiring external expert intervention. The computing device automatically determines optimal filter parameters based on measured spectral amplitude curves, eliminating the need for manual engineer optimization while maintaining high sound reproduction quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of engineer optimization with an automated computational system. The computing device uses signal processing algorithms to analyze spectral amplitude curves and calculate optimal equalisation filter parameters, substituting human expertise with automated mathematical optimization methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual optimization of equalisation filters is performed by experienced engineers, then sound reproduction quality is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound reproduction qualityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If automated method is used to determine sound equalisation filters, then time consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime consumptionVSAvoidsound reproduction quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses measurement signals (preferably pink noise) transmitted through the loudspeakers and captured by microphones to obtain spectral amplitude curves. This feedback loop allows the computing device to automatically measure the actual sound reproduction characteristics and adjust equalisation filter parameters accordingly, ensuring high precision results without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent determines parameterizable equalisation filters by analyzing spectral amplitude curves and adjusting filter parameters (such as gain, frequency, and Q-factor) to optimize sound reproduction. The automated method systematically varies and optimizes these parameters based on measured data, achieving precision comparable to or exceeding manual optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If optimization is performed for multiple spatial locations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-location optimisationVSAvoidcomplexity of optimisation operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs separate optimization operations for different spatial locations (such as front seats and rear seats in a vehicle), determining specific equalisation filters for each location. This segmentation allows the system to optimize sound reproduction independently for each listening position while using a unified automated methodology, managing complexity through systematic division of the optimization task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12156013B2Method and system for determining sound equalising filters of an audio system

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 FAURECIA CLARION ELECTRONICS EUROPE

AI summary

A method and system for determining sound equalisation filters of an audio system having at least one loudspeaker adapted to emit audio signals and a computing device adapted to implement at least one equalisation filter. The system includes modules configured to transmit a measurement signal, and for a first predetermined spatial location, obtain a spectral amplitude curve of a received audio signal, calculate a target spectral amplitude curve, and then make a first determination of a first set of parameterizable equalisation filters which, when applied to the audio signal, reduce a distance between the spectral amplitude curve of the audio signal and the target spectral amplitude curve, and a second determination, from the first set of parameterizable equalisation filters, of a second set of parameterizable equalisation filters, by applying an iterative learning-based method. A first set of optimised equalisation filters is obtained from the second set of parameterizable equalisation filters.