Automatic Speaker Calibration via Optical Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional Hi-Fi audio systems with beamforming loudspeakers require manual calibration by technicians, which is inefficient and requires repeated installations when speaker positions change, as users lack accurate tracking of their location within the environment.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a master speaker with a detection set and a slave speaker with light sources, using a processor to flash LEDs, detect patterns, and calculate the relative angle and distance between speakers, allowing for automatic calibration and adjustment of the sound beam based on user gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration by technicians is used to determine sweet spot and measure speaker distance, then calibration accuracy is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic calibration where the audio system itself performs the measurement and configuration tasks that previously required a technician. The detection set automatically detects speaker positions and the processor calculates baseline parameters without human intervention, making the system self-calibrating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated detection system using light sources and detection sets. The optical detection system substitutes for the technician's manual measuring tools and procedures, enabling automatic position detection and calibration.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If manual calibration is performed and baseline parameter is entered, then initial setup is complete, but any speaker position change requires repeated installation procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup easeVSAvoidposition change adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system transitions from a static, one-time manual setup to a dynamic, continuously adaptable system. The detection set continuously monitors speaker positions and the processor automatically recalculates baseline parameters when position changes are detected, making the system adaptable to dynamic reconfigurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback through the detection set that monitors speaker positions. When position changes are detected, the feedback loop triggers automatic recalibration, allowing the system to adapt to new configurations without requiring manual re-intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If graphical menu is provided for users to adjust sweet spot location, then user control is enabled, but users cannot accurately track their location in the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control capabilityVSAvoidlocation tracking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection set acts as an intermediary between the user and the environment, providing accurate spatial information. Instead of relying on user estimation, the detection set objectively measures positions and provides this data to the processor, which then enables precise sweet spot adjustment in the graphical interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection set serves multiple functions: it detects speaker positions for calibration, tracks user location for sweet spot adjustment, and provides spatial information for both technician and user operations. This multi-functional component resolves the contradiction by providing accurate location data for user-controlled adjustments.

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

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 accurate and efficient automatic calibration of the sound beam, allowing users to easily adjust the sweet spot without needing a technician, improving user experience and reducing installation time.

Implementation Method 1

a master speaker having a detection set, a slave speaker having a plurality of light sources

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3869829B1Automatic calibration
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3869829B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3869829B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3869829B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system and method for calibrating a baseline parameter for a speaker pair, the calibrating includes activating a plurality of light sources one-by-one on a slave in the speaker pair, detecting light points at a detection set on a master in the speaker pair, creating a detected pattern of light points, comparing the detected pattern to a database of calibration patterns, determining a relative angle and distance between the master and the slave, calculating the baseline parameter using the determined distance and relative angle.