Speaker Audio Equalization Using Device Position and Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices fail to optimize audio playback based on the position and orientation of the active speaker relative to a surface, leading to suboptimal audio quality due to inconsistent bass, treble, and resonance.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device utilizes sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and proximity sensors to determine its position and orientation, and applies corresponding equalization settings to the audio signal, adjusting for factors like stability, surface contact, and listener position to enhance audio output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If audio signal processing is applied based on speaker position and orientation, then audio quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor) to detect the speaker's position and orientation, then feeds this information back to the audio processing logic to dynamically adjust equalization settings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables adaptive audio quality improvement without requiring manual intervention or complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The audio processing system automatically adjusts equalization settings based on sensor data without requiring user input or external configuration. The device self-services by autonomously detecting its orientation and applying appropriate audio corrections, reducing the need for manual setup while maintaining high audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are used to detect position and orientation, then audio equalization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and orientation detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data from multiple sensors (accelerometer for linear acceleration, gyroscope for angular velocity, proximity sensor for surface detection) into a unified position and orientation detection system. By merging these sensor inputs, the system achieves high measurement precision for speaker orientation while utilizing existing hardware components rather than adding dedicated specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system serves multiple functions: the accelerometer and gyroscope detect both device orientation and movement, the proximity sensor detects both surface contact and listener presence. This multi-functionality allows accurate audio equalization without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each measurement, reducing overall device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10405113B2Systems and methods for equalizing audio for playback on an electronic device
Publication Date: 2019.09.03 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC
  • US10405113B2 patent drawing
  • US10405113B2 patent drawing
  • US10405113B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments are provided for equalizing audio data for output by a speaker of an electronic device based on a local position or orientation of the electronic device. According to certain aspects, the electronic device can determine (858, 868) its local position based on various sensor data, and identify (870, 872) an appropriate equalization setting. In some cases, the electronic device can modify (876, 880) the equalization setting based on acoustic and/or optical data. The electronic device can apply (882) the modified or unmodified equalization setting to an audio signal and cause the speaker to output (886) the audio signal with the applied equalization setting.