Speaker Arrangement Calibration Using Image-Based Distance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing speaker calibration methods require additional microphones and emit noise, and do not account for the listening position and orientation, making them inconvenient and ineffective for non-standard speaker arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A method using image capture devices, such as smartphones, to determine speaker arrangements by analyzing captured images and geometric calculations, eliminating the need for microphones and allowing for soundless calibration that considers the listening position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional speaker calibration methods using microphones and noise emission are employed, then speaker arrangement can be determined, but the process becomes inconvenient and ineffective for non-standard arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker arrangement determination accuracyVSAvoidcalibration convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the acoustic measurement system (microphones and noise emission) with an optical imaging system (image capture device). The image capture device photographs the speakers and listening position, and processing circuitry calculates distances and arrangements from the image data, eliminating the need for physical sound propagation measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual representation (image) of the physical speaker arrangement and listening position. The image capture device creates a copy of the spatial layout, which is then processed to determine actual distances and positions without requiring physical measurement instruments in the space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If additional microphones and noise emission are used for calibration, then speaker arrangement can be measured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker arrangement determination accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from the acoustic domain to the visual domain. By removing microphones and noise generation components from the calibration system, it uses only an image capture device and processing circuitry to determine speaker arrangements, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The image capture device serves multiple functions: capturing speaker positions, determining listening position, and providing geometric data for distance calculations. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized acoustic measurement devices with a single versatile imaging system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If standard symmetric speaker placement is required for optimal audio experience, then audio quality is improved, but adaptability to various home spaces is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoidspeaker arrangement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static, predetermined speaker arrangement standards to dynamic, measured actual arrangements. The system adapts to any speaker configuration by capturing and processing the actual positions and distances, allowing optimal audio calibration for both symmetric and asymmetric arrangements without requiring repositioning of speakers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies calibration tailored to each specific local arrangement rather than enforcing a universal standard. By measuring actual distances between each speaker and the listening position, the system provides customized audio processing for each speaker's specific location, whether in a symmetric or asymmetric configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 convenient, cost-effective speaker arrangement calibration that achieves superior sound effects by adjusting output audio signals based on the actual speaker positions and listening orientation without emitting noise.

Implementation Method 1

acquiring one or more images, where the one or more images are captured by an image capture device at a predetermined position in the predetermined space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Implementation Method 2

determining, for each of the one or more images, a distance between a speaker in the image and the predetermined position based on an image height and a nominal height of the speaker in the image and a focal length of the image capture device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric calculation: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP4683352A1Method, apparatus, and electronic device for determining speaker arrangement in predetermined space
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4683352A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4683352A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4683352A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and an electronic device for determining a speaker arrangement in a predetermined space are provided. The method may include: acquiring one or more images, where the one or more images are captured by an image capture device at a predetermined position in the predetermined space and each of the plurality of speakers is included in at least one of the one or more images; determining, for each of the one or more images, a distance between a speaker included in the image and the predetermined position based on an image height and a nominal height of the speaker included in the image and a focal length of the image capture device; determining distances between every two adjacent speakers of the plurality of speakers; and determining the speaker arrangement based on the distance between the speaker included in each of the one or more images and the predetermined position and the distances between every two adjacent speakers.