Speaker Position Detection via Test Sound Time Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speaker position detection systems require users to manually adjust microphone placements and make minimal noise, increasing user burden, especially with portable speakers that need frequent settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a front unit with a processor, storage, communication, output, and input units, including speakers and microphones, that outputs a test sound and calculates relative position information between speaker units using time differences detected by microphones, reducing user effort by automating the adjustment of audio signal parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microphone is arranged at the listener position to acquire sound for parameter decision, then the channel of audio signal can be decided according to the acquired sound, but the user must manually place the microphone and avoid making noise during adjustment, increasing user burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic speaker position detection by having each speaker unit detect test sounds from other speakers using its own microphones. The detection unit automatically calculates relative position information based on time differences, eliminating the need for manual microphone placement and user intervention. The speaker units themselves perform the detection task that previously required user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system outputs test sounds from speakers in advance to enable automatic position detection. By pre-outputting these test sounds with known timing, the system can automatically calculate positions based on time differences when sounds are detected, removing the need for users to manually adjust equipment during the detection process.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of microphone placement is required, then position detection can be performed, but the setup process becomes complex and time-consuming, especially for portable speakers used in different locations
Solution Approach 1:
Each speaker unit automatically detects test sounds from other speakers using its built-in microphones. The detection unit automatically calculates relative position information based on time differences, enabling the system to perform position detection without user intervention. This self-service mechanism dramatically reduces setup time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system outputs test sounds from speakers in advance with precise timing control. By pre-outputting these sounds and having speakers detect them automatically, the system can quickly calculate positions based on time differences, reducing the time required for setup compared to manual adjustment methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users need to carry out setting work multiple times with portable speakers, then the system can adapt to different locations, but the repeated adjustment burden on users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker units automatically perform position detection by detecting test sounds from other speakers and calculating relative positions based on time differences. This automatic self-service mechanism allows the system to quickly adapt to different locations without requiring users to repeat manual adjustment procedures, maintaining versatility while eliminating repeated burden.
4Ease of operation
If automatic speaker position detection is implemented using test sounds and time difference calculation, then user burden is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each speaker unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can output test sounds, detect sounds from other speakers using its microphones, and participate in position calculations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining automatic operation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the sound output function and sound detection function into the same speaker units. By merging these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate microphones and detection equipment, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automatic position detection through time difference calculation.
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
Automates the detection and adjustment of speaker positions, reducing user burden and eliminating the need for manual microphone placement, thereby simplifying the setup process for multi-channel audio systems.
Implementation Method 1
a detection unit which causes a speaker included in a first speaker unit to output a test sound and calculates position information representing a position of one of the first speaker unit and a second speaker unit, based on the test sound detected by each of the plurality of microphones
Implementation Method 2
calculates position information representing a position of one of the first speaker unit and the second speaker unit, based on the test sound detected by each of the plurality of microphones
Data Source
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AI summary
The burden on the user of adjusting a sound outputted from a speaker is to be reduced. A speaker position detection system includes a first speaker unit having at least one speaker, and a second speaker unit having a speaker and a plurality of microphones. Alternatively, a speaker position detection system includes a first speaker unit having a plurality of speakers, and a second speaker unit having a speaker and a microphone. The speaker position detection system calculates position information representing a position of one of the first speaker unit and the second speaker unit, based on a test sound outputted from one of the speakers and detected by one of the microphones.