Virtual Headphone Audition for Personalized Sound Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face challenges in auditioning and comparing multiple audio products when purchasing headphones online, as they cannot physically try them, and existing technologies do not adequately allow for personalized sound customization to match individual preferences.

Innovation Solution

A headphone testing and purchase system utilizing a software application that performs virtual listening tests, allowing users to compare and customize sound characteristics of different headphones through their existing headphones, using programmable filters and data analysis to provide personalized sound profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If consumers purchase headphones online without physical auditioning, then purchasing convenience is improved, but the ability to assess sound quality and match personal preferences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurchasing convenienceVSAvoidsound quality assessment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of different headphone models that can be auditioned through the consumer's existing headphones via audio processing. This allows online shoppers to experience the sound characteristics of potential purchases without physically handling the products, bridging the gap between online purchasing convenience and accurate sound quality assessment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an audio processing intermediary that translates and adapts audio signals to simulate how the target headphones would sound through the consumer's current headphones. This intermediary layer enables accurate sound quality comparison while maintaining the convenience of online shopping

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If standardized headphone sound quality testing is used, then testing efficiency is improved, but the ability to capture individual listener preferences and customize sound profiles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidpersonalization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sound profile adjustment that adapts to individual listener preferences. The system allows consumers to customize bass, mid-range, and treble levels according to their personal taste, transforming static standardized testing into a dynamic, personalized experience that maintains efficiency while capturing individual preferences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables parameter changes in audio frequency response to match individual listener preferences. By allowing adjustment of various sound parameters (bass, mid, treble levels), the system maintains testing efficiency while providing personalized sound profiles that adapt to each consumer's unique preferences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3496425B1Costumized headphone sound quality
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3496425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3496425B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3496425B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A headphone testing system includes a memory storing a headphone test application, headphone characteristics of a headphone connected to the headphone tester system, and headphone characteristics of a plurality of headphone models to test. A processor is programmed to execute the headphone test application to simulate a first of the plurality of headphone models using the headphone characteristics of the connected headphone and the headphone characteristics of the first of the plurality of headphone models, simulate a second of the plurality of headphone models using the headphone characteristics of the connected headphone and the headphone characteristics of the second of the plurality of headphone models, receive user input regarding user preference for the first of the plurality of headphone models and the second of the plurality of headphone models, and present results indicating which of the headphone models is scored highest according to the user input