Tuning calibration technology for systems and methods for acoustically correcting sound loss through fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Speaker systems integrated with furniture face challenges due to space constraints and unsightly wiring, and upholstery fabrics used for aesthetics and durability are not acoustically transparent, leading to sound loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of audio-enhanced furniture systems with speakers tuned to compensate for sound loss through upholstery fabrics by adjusting equalization of target frequencies or frequency bands, using a plurality of tuning profiles for different fabric types, and incorporating speaker controllers to adjust the audio system's output accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If speakers are integrated within furniture components and covered with upholstery fabric, then aesthetic appearance and space utilization are improved, but sound quality deteriorates due to sound loss through the fabric
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the frequency response through the upholstery fabric before playback, calculates the differential equalization needed, and applies correction in advance. This allows the speaker to compensate for fabric-induced sound loss by pre-adjusting the audio signal to account for the fabric's acoustic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the equalization parameters of the audio signal based on measured frequency response data. By analyzing the actual frequency response through the fabric and calculating differential equalization values, the system dynamically adjusts audio parameters to compensate for sound loss, thereby maintaining sound quality despite the fabric covering.
2Shape
If upholstery fabric is used to cover speakers for aesthetics and durability, then visual appeal is improved, but acoustic transparency deteriorates leading to sound loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a measurement microphone to capture the actual frequency response of audio signals passing through the upholstery fabric. This feedback loop allows the system to identify which frequencies are attenuated by the fabric and apply compensatory equalization, effectively counteracting the harmful acoustic effects of the fabric while maintaining its visual appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to create physically acoustically-transparent fabric (mechanical solution), the system substitutes an electronic/electrical solution by using digital signal processing and equalization to compensate for the fabric's acoustic effects. This replaces the need for special acoustic materials with electronic correction.
3Shape
If speakers are concealed within furniture, then aesthetic integration is improved, but measurement and tuning accuracy becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a measurement microphone as an intermediary tool to bridge the gap between the concealed speaker and the external environment. This intermediary device captures the actual frequency response through the upholstery fabric, enabling accurate measurement and subsequent equalization adjustment despite the speaker being hidden within the furniture.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio-enhanced furniture system comprises: a furniture assembly; an upholstery fabric at least partially covering the furniture assembly; and a speaker system positioned within the furniture assembly, the speaker system including a speaker covered by the upholstery fabric. The speaker is configured to be tuned to compensate for sound being emitted from the speaker through the upholstery fabric. A method of tuning a speaker to compensate for sound being emitted through upholstery fabric comprises: selecting a baseline equalization, configuring the speaker to emit sound at an actual equalization approximate to the baseline equalization; covering the speaker with an upholstery fabric; measuring a resultant equalization as the speaker emits sound through the upholstery fabric; calculating a differential equalization; and reconfiguring the audio system to emit sound from the speaker through the upholstery fabric according to the baseline equalization by adjusting the actual equalization by the differential equalization.