Speaker Array Audio Personalization for Multiple Listeners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media devices are limited to outputting audio according to a single set of audio settings, failing to accommodate the unique preferences of multiple users consuming the same media content, leading to a poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines output modulation for each speaker based on known user positions, orientations, and audio preferences, allowing personalized audio settings for each user or ear, using a system of linear equations and head-related transfer functions to adjust volume levels according to individual preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a media device outputs audio according to a single set of audio settings, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot accommodate the unique audio preferences of multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio output by creating separate audio streams for different users, each with their own audio settings and preferences. The system divides the single audio output into multiple personalized audio paths, allowing each user to receive audio processed according to their individual preferences while sharing the same media content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality to audio delivery by using multiple speakers positioned at different locations. By determining user positions and orientations relative to speakers, the system creates a three-dimensional audio delivery model where audio settings can be tailored based on spatial coordinates, transforming a single-dimension audio output into a multi-dimensional personalized experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a media device provides adjustable audio settings for single user, then audio quality for that user is improved, but other users experience poor audio quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring audio settings to specific users based on their individual preferences, hearing capabilities, and positions. Each user receives audio with locally optimized characteristics - different equalization settings, volume levels, and frequency adjustments - while the overall system maintains consistent media content delivery to all users.
3Ease of operation
If the media device uses audio settings for one user, then that user's audio preferences are satisfied, but other users with different preferences experience poor audio quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by enabling the media device to serve multiple users with different audio preferences simultaneously. The system acts as a universal audio delivery platform that can adapt to various user profiles, hearing capabilities, and position configurations, making the device compatible with diverse user needs while maintaining a single unified interface for content consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for generating personalized audio settings for different users listening to the same piece of media content. For example, the system may receive a first audio setting for a first user corresponding to a first volume level for a first frequency and a second audio setting for a second user corresponding to a second volume level for the first frequency. The system may then use the first audio setting, second audio setting, position of the first user, and position of the second user to calculate a weight for each speaker of a plurality of speakers. Each speaker of the plurality of speakers then outputs the first frequency at the respective calculated weight, resulting in the first user perceiving the first frequency at the first volume level and the second user perceiving the first frequency at the second volume level.