Surround Sound Calibration Through Microphone and Speaker Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating surround sound systems with multiple loudspeakers is cumbersome and time-consuming, often requiring user interaction and sophisticated microphones, which is inconvenient and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
A method using a simple external microphone on a stand at a predetermined listening position, combined with fixed loudspeakers in an audio device, emits distinguishable calibration signals to determine the microphone's position relative to the device, allowing automatic calibration without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed by a calibration expert, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time increases significantly (20 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calibration without requiring a calibration expert. The audio device emits calibration signals and uses built-in microphones to detect them, automatically determining speaker positions and calculating calibration parameters. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual expert calibration while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and expert judgment with electronic signal-based automatic detection. The system uses acoustic signals and electronic processing to automatically determine speaker positions and calculate calibration parameters, substituting the manual calibration process with an automated electronic system.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated microphone arrays or individual microphones in each loudspeaker are used, then position determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the audio device universal by equipping it with built-in microphones that serve dual purposes: capturing audio for playback and performing automatic calibration. This eliminates the need for separate sophisticated microphone arrays or individual microphones in each loudspeaker, reducing complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simplified microphones within the audio device to copy the calibration function that would otherwise require sophisticated external microphone arrays. The built-in microphones capture calibration signals and enable position determination through signal processing, providing an affordable alternative to expensive specialized equipment.
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
Accurate and efficient calibration of loudspeaker systems, reducing calibration time and eliminating the need for costly or complex equipment, while ensuring optimal sound performance.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a first calibration audio signal from the first loudspeaker of the audio device, emitting a second calibration audio signal from the second loudspeaker of the audio device, receiving, with a first external microphone placed at a listening position in the environment, the first and second calibration audio signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for calibrating a loudspeaker system in an environment (1). The loudspeaker system comprises an audio device (10) with a first and second loudspeaker arranged with a predetermined horizontal separation. The method comprises the steps of emitting (S2a, S2b) a first and second calibration audio signal from the first and second loudspeaker (11) of the audio device (10), wherein the second calibration audio signal is distinguishable from the first calibration audio signal. The method further comprises receiving (S3a, S3b), with a first external microphone (20) the first and second calibration audio signal, determining (S4) the position of the first external microphone (20) relative to the audio device (10) and calibrating (S8) the loudspeaker system based on the determined position of the first external microphone (20).