Vehicle Audio Acoustic Correction Using Measured Frequency Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle audio systems struggle to maintain optimal sound quality due to sensitive frequency characteristics changes caused by interior materials and passenger variations, making manual equalizer adjustments difficult for non-experts, especially without a test signal.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic correction apparatus and method that uses a microphone unit, first and second acoustic analysis units, and an acoustic correction unit to detect and automatically correct frequency distortions by comparing target and measured frequency data, allowing for optimal sound delivery using a frequently used music CD without requiring a test signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual equalizer adjustment is used to correct frequency characteristics, then sound quality can be optimized, but the operation becomes difficult for non-experts and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically measures the acoustic environment using a microphone and adjusts the equalizer without requiring user expertise. The correction apparatus self-services by detecting frequency characteristics and autonomously optimizing the audio output based on the measured data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a microphone to capture the actual acoustic output and feeds this information back to the equalizer control unit. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and adjust frequency characteristics based on real-time measurements.
2Measurement precision
If test signals are used for initial audio system tuning, then accurate frequency characteristics can be obtained, but the system cannot be corrected using frequently used music CDs
Solution Approach 1:
The correction apparatus is designed to work with any audio source including frequently used music CDs, not just specialized test signals. The system universally accepts various sound sources and processes them through the same measurement and correction workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the traditional test signal requirement with an alternative measurement approach that uses spectral analysis of actual music CDs. This substitution allows the use of conventional music sources while maintaining measurement accuracy through digital signal processing.
3Measurement precision
If the audio system is optimally tuned for specific interior conditions, then sound quality is maximized, but frequency characteristics vary sensitively with changes in seat cover materials and passenger configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changing interior conditions by remeasuring the acoustic environment whenever needed. Rather than being fixed to initial tuning conditions, the equalizer can be re-adjusted to accommodate changes in seat covers, passengers, or other interior modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the equalizer parameters based on measured frequency characteristics. When interior conditions change, the system detects the new acoustic response and adjusts the equalization parameters accordingly to maintain optimal sound quality.
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
The system provides consistent optimal sound quality by automatically adjusting the audio system's equalizer based on target and measured frequency data, compensating for changes in acoustic spatial response characteristics, ensuring listeners receive undistorted sound regardless of interior changes or passenger counts.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone unit (10) installed in an internal space of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
obtaining spectral data by sampling the measured acoustic signals at a specific time interval or intervals
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an acoustic correction apparatus and method for vehicle audio systems which is capable of providing optimal sound at a reference level to a listener even though the acoustic spatial response characteristics in the room of a vehicle vary due to a change in the material of seat covers or the like. A first acoustic analysis unit obtains target frequency characteristic data at a specific listening location based on generated acoustic signals played from an audio system. A second acoustic analysis unit obtains measured frequency characteristic data at the listening location based on measured acoustic signals collected by the microphone unit. An acoustic correction unit adjusts the equalizer of the audio system based on the target and measured frequency data.