Virtual Audio Device Testing for Consistent Acoustic Evaluation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio device testing is inefficient and costly due to the need for physical re-testing in multiple dedicated audio rooms, causing delays and increased development costs, especially when adjusting hardware and software configurations, and is prone to inconsistent results due to manufacturing tolerances and environmental variations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating a virtual audio device data package that captures device-specific acoustic characteristics in an anechoic chamber, allowing simulation of various acoustic environments without physical re-testing, enabling efficient and scalable performance evaluation of audio devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical re-testing is performed in multiple dedicated audio rooms, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the audio device that replicates its acoustic characteristics without requiring physical presence. This virtual model can be tested in software simulations, eliminating the need to physically transport and re-test the actual device in multiple audio rooms, thus reducing testing time while maintaining measurement precision through accurate virtual acoustical modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical testing system with a computational/virtual system. Instead of physically moving devices through dedicated audio rooms, the solution uses software-based acoustic simulations that replicate various acoustic environments, substituting physical transportation and manual re-testing with automated virtual testing procedures.
2Measurement precision
If physical re-testing is performed in multiple dedicated audio rooms, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a virtual representation of the audio device, the patent eliminates the need for complex physical testing infrastructure. The virtual model captures essential acoustic characteristics, allowing tests to be performed in software rather than requiring multiple dedicated physical audio rooms, thereby reducing system complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual audio device model serves multiple testing functions simultaneously - it can be evaluated in various acoustic environments, with different configurations, and by multiple stakeholders without requiring separate physical test setups for each scenario. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the testing system compared to maintaining multiple dedicated physical audio rooms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical devices are shipped among OEM and developers for testing, then adaptability of testing is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual audio device copy can be freely distributed and modified among OEMs, developers, and testers without physical constraints. This digital copy maintains full adaptability for different testing scenarios while eliminating shipping delays and logistics overhead, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing testing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual audio device acts as an intermediary that enables collaboration between multiple parties without requiring physical device exchange. Developers, OEMs, and testers can all work with the same virtual model simultaneously, eliminating the sequential shipping process while maintaining the ability to adapt testing parameters for different needs.
4Reliability
If physical re-testing is performed, then reliability of certification is improved, but loss of time and development cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual audio device replicates the acoustic behavior of the physical device with sufficient fidelity to provide reliable certification results. This virtual copy can be tested repeatedly and consistently without degradation, maintaining certification reliability while dramatically reducing the time required compared to physical re-testing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing comprehensive testing on the virtual audio device model before final physical production, the system enables preliminary validation of acoustic performance. This allows issues to be identified and resolved in the virtual domain, ensuring certification reliability is established early in the development cycle rather than requiring repeated physical re-testing later.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of audio device performance testing generates virtual audio device data packages.