Playback Speaker Equalization Using Acoustic Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio playback systems require manual adjustment of equalization based on environment, which is often overlooked, requires a separate microphone, and does not adapt well to changes in speaker positions or environments.
Innovation Solution
A playback device with a microphone and processor that emits an audio signal and detects reflections to determine environmental characteristics, adjusting equalization settings dynamically to enhance the listening experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of equalization is required, then audio quality can be optimized for specific environments, but user convenience deteriorates and the process is often overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The playback device automatically performs equalization adjustment by emitting test signals, detecting reflections with its own microphone, analyzing the acoustic environment, and applying appropriate equalization settings without requiring user intervention or separate equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the playback device's microphone to detect reflections of emitted test signals, creating a feedback loop that enables automatic analysis of the acoustic environment and dynamic adjustment of equalization settings based on real-time environmental characteristics
2Measurement precision
If a separate microphone is required for calibration, then environmental detection accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The playback device's built-in microphone serves dual purposes: it functions as both the audio output transducer and the environmental detection sensor, eliminating the need for a separate calibration microphone and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the microphone functionality into a single integrated device that performs both audio playback and environmental characterization, merging multiple functions into one component to simplify the system architecture
3Device complexity
If equalization settings are fixed, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different environments and speaker positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The equalization settings transition from fixed to dynamic, allowing the system to automatically adapt to different acoustic environments and speaker positions by continuously analyzing reflections and adjusting parameters in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes equalization parameters based on detected environmental characteristics, automatically adjusting frequency response, gain, and other audio parameters to optimize performance for each specific location and configuration
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
Improves the listening experience by automatically adjusting equalization based on the environment, eliminating the need for manual intervention and separate equipment, and ensuring optimal sound quality across different locations.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, by the playback device, a second audio signal, wherein at least a portion of the second audio signal is a reflection of the first audio signal
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques described herein may involve audio settings based on an environment. An example implementation may involve a playback device playing back first audio content and during playback of at least a portion of the first audio content, detecting, via the at least one microphone, an audio signal. At least a portion of the detected audio signal may include a reflection of the first audio content played back by the playback device. The playback device may determine an equalization setting based on at least the determined one or more reflection characteristics and apply the determined equalization setting during playback of second audio content.