Stereo Frequency Response Tuning via Smartphone Microphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-end stereos with automatic frequency response adjusting functions require a microphone, which is not standard equipment and increases costs due to the need for an integrated circuit with a higher price tag.
Innovation Solution
An application software installed in a communication device with a Bluetooth/WiFi module connects to a stereo, using a control unit, output unit, and computing unit to adjust the sound volume via a micro-controller, generating sine wave signals to achieve an ideal frequency response curve within the 20 Hz to 20 KHz range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional automatic frequency response adjusting function is implemented in the stereo, then the frequency response can be automatically adjusted to achieve ideal sound quality, but the price of the integrated circuit becomes relatively higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication device (smartphone or tablet) as an intermediary that hosts the equalizer application and performs frequency response analysis. This external device serves as a mediator between the user and the stereo system, enabling automatic frequency response adjustment without requiring expensive built-in circuitry in the stereo itself. The communication device captures audio output, analyzes frequency characteristics, and sends adjustment commands back to the stereo.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the multi-functional capabilities of modern communication devices that already possess microphones, processors, and display interfaces. By making the communication device universal for both communication and audio analysis purposes, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated expensive audio measurement equipment in the stereo. The same device that users already own for calls and messaging is repurposed to perform sophisticated frequency response analysis.
2Reliability
If a microphone is added to the stereo for frequency response adjustment, then automatic frequency response adjustment can be achieved, but the stereo requires additional non-standard equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device acts as an intermediary that provides the microphone functionality needed for frequency response measurement. Instead of adding a microphone to the stereo, the system uses the communication device's existing microphone to capture the audio output from the stereo's speaker, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware in the stereo itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the audio signal path by capturing the stereo's output through the communication device's microphone. This acoustic copy of the audio signal is then analyzed digitally to determine frequency response characteristics, replacing the need for direct electrical measurement that would require additional hardware in the stereo.
3Device complexity
If a standard stereo without additional equipment is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but automatic frequency response adjustment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the frequency response adjustment capability from the traditional stereo hardware dimension to the software dimension running on a communication device. By transitioning from hardware-based automatic adjustment (requiring specialized circuits and microphones in the stereo) to software-based adjustment (running an application on a smartphone or tablet), the system achieves the same functional goal while maintaining simple stereo hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of automatic frequency response adjustment with a software-based system. Instead of using dedicated hardware circuits and microphones within the stereo, the system uses software running on a communication device to capture, analyze, and control frequency response, thereby substituting a complex hardware system with a more flexible software solution.
Data Source
AI summary
An application software for automatically adjusting environmental frequency response is installed in a communication device and provided for outputting a sine wave audio frequency to a stereo. The stereo receives and plays the sine wave audio frequency. A built-in microphone of the communication device receives the audio frequency outputted from the stereo. After obtaining an appropriate reference gain of 1 KHz, the application software outputs a sine wave audio frequency of 20 Hz˜20 KHz to the stereo and compares the gain value of the audio frequency outputted from the stereo with the reference gain value. The micro-controller of the stereo adjusts the gain of the current audio frequency to comply with the reference gain value, so that the stereo can have an output approaching/reaching an ideal frequency response curve.