Ultrasonic Audio Equalization for Higher Output at Lower Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic audio systems face limitations in output level due to power constraints, leading to constrained volume and unnatural audio reproduction, as higher power amplifiers are energy-intensive and costly, and larger emitters have poorer frequency response.

Innovation Solution

Implementing adaptive equalization techniques in ultrasonic audio systems by adjusting the inflection point to redistribute power across frequencies, increasing gain for higher frequencies while decreasing it for lower frequencies, thereby increasing overall output without significantly increasing power consumption or introducing distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If higher power amplifiers are used to increase output levels, then the volume and output capability are improved, but energy consumption increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput levelVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency distribution parameters of the ultrasonic signal by applying adaptive equalization. By adjusting the inflection point and redistributing power across different frequency bands, the system achieves higher perceived output levels without increasing overall power consumption, as it exploits the non-linear air medium's frequency-dependent response characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If higher power amplifiers are used to increase output levels, then the volume and output capability are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput levelVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system modifies operational parameters (frequency distribution, equalization settings) rather than hardware specifications. This software-based approach to increasing output levels avoids the need for expensive high-power amplifiers, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the same hardware configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If larger or more robust emitters are used to increase output levels, then the power handling capability is improved, but frequency response deteriorates and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidfrequency response

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies adaptive equalization to dynamically adjust the frequency spectrum of the ultrasonic signal. By modifying the inflection point and power distribution across frequencies, the system compensates for the emitter's inherent frequency response limitations, maintaining natural sound reproduction without requiring larger or more robust emitter hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If conventional linear equalization is applied, then frequency balance is improved, but overall output level remains constrained by power limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency balanceVSAvoidoverall output level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic equalization that adapts based on volume and attenuation settings. The inflection point is adjusted dynamically to redistribute power across frequencies, allowing the system to maintain frequency balance while simultaneously increasing overall output level by exploiting the non-linear air medium's response characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach allows for increased overall output and relative low-frequency output without raising power requirements or distorting the audio, providing a more natural sound reproduction by optimizing power distribution across the frequency spectrum.

Implementation Method 1

when two sound waves with different frequencies are radiated simultaneously in the same medium, a modulated waveform including the sum and difference of the two frequencies is produced by the non-linear (parametric) interaction of the two sound waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-linear parametric interaction:

Implementation Method 2

Self-demodulation, or down-conversion, occurs along the air column resulting in the production of an audible acoustic signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-demodulation:

Implementation Method 3

systems and methods can be implemented to adjust an inflection point of the ultrasonic audio system to adapt equalization of the system based on volume or attenuation settings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdaptive equalization:

Data Source

PatentUS9780753B2Adaptive equalization for an ultrasonic audio system

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 TURTLE BEACH CORP

AI summary

An ultrasonic audio system includes adaptive equalization techniques configured to adjust the overall output of the ultrasonic audio system. This can be done by adjusting the equalization of the electronic audio signal representing the audio content being reproduced by the ultrasonic audio system. For example, in various embodiments, systems and methods can be implemented to increase the gain of higher frequency portions of the electronic audio signal while making a corresponding decrease in the amount of gain at the lower frequency portions of the same signal.