Playback Speaker Localization Using Reflected Sound Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing playback systems struggle to accurately determine the location of a person within a playback environment, making it difficult to adjust audio reproduction characteristics for an optimal listening experience.
Innovation Solution
A playback device transmits a first sound signal with a predetermined waveform, receives its reflection, processes the reflection to determine the listener's location, and adjusts audio reproduction characteristics accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If playback systems use traditional methods to determine listener location, then the system structure remains simple, but the location determination accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual location determination methods with acoustic signal processing. The system uses sound wave transmission and reflection detection to automatically determine listener position, substituting physical measurement mechanisms with acoustic field-based detection that provides higher precision without significant structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound signals as an intermediary medium between the playback device and the listener. By transmitting acoustic signals and analyzing their reflections, the system indirectly determines listener location with high accuracy. This intermediary approach allows precise measurement without direct physical contact or complex sensor arrays
2Reliability
If playback systems do not adjust audio characteristics based on listener location, then the device complexity remains low, but the audio reproduction quality is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of audio reproduction characteristics based on real-time listener location data. The system continuously adapts equalization, volume, and spatial audio parameters according to the listener's position, ensuring optimal audio quality throughout the playback environment. This dynamic approach transforms static audio output into adaptive, location-aware reproduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the system determines listener location, analyzes the acoustic environment, and adjusts audio characteristics accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that audio reproduction quality is continuously optimized based on actual listening conditions, with the system automatically correcting for positional variations and environmental factors
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 personalized audio experiences by accurately locating the listener and adapting audio settings for improved sound quality and consistency across different zones.
Implementation Method 1
A playback device transmits a first sound signal with a predetermined waveform, receives its reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed in which a playback device transmits a first sound signal including a predetermined waveform. In one example, the playback device receives a second sound signal including at least one reflection of the first sound signal. The second sound signal is processed to determine a location of a person relative to the playback device, and a characteristic of audio reproduction by the playback device is selected, based on the determined location of the person.