Wireless Microphone Array for Multi-Location Acoustic Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic calibration systems for home theaters, which rely on a single wired microphone, are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly in large or distributed audio systems, as they require sequential measurements at multiple locations and are not compatible with wireless microphones, limiting their ability to provide accurate optimization for multiple listeners within a listening area.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple wireless audio input devices that can simultaneously transmit data signals based on tones output by audio output devices to a calibration device, allowing for simultaneous measurements at multiple listening locations using a single wireless channel, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional systems that require a single wired microphone and sequential measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single wired microphone is used for acoustic calibration, then measurement accuracy at a specific location is improved, but the listening experience at other locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration process into multiple independent measurement points by using multiple microphones simultaneously placed at different listening locations. Each microphone captures acoustic data independently, allowing the system to segment the overall calibration into location-specific measurements that can be processed collectively to achieve comprehensive optimization across all positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If measurements are taken sequentially at multiple locations using a single microphone, then coverage of multiple listening locations is improved, but calibration time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement operations into a single simultaneous execution by deploying multiple microphones at different locations at the same time. This merging of measurement functions eliminates the sequential time penalty, allowing all location measurements to be captured in parallel during a single calibration session.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having all microphones record acoustic data simultaneously without interruption or repositioning. The calibration process continues uninterrupted across all measurement points, eliminating the downtime associated with moving a single microphone between locations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If wired microphones are used for calibration, then measurement stability is improved, but ease of operation and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with wireless communication technology. Microphones transmit acoustic data wirelessly to the calibration device, eliminating physical cables while maintaining signal stability through digital wireless protocols, thus achieving both mobility and measurement reliability.
4Device complexity
If a single wired microphone is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to wireless systems and distributed audio systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal calibration system that accepts multiple wireless microphones simultaneously, making the system adaptable to various configurations including distributed audio systems and different room layouts. The calibration device can process signals from multiple wireless sources, providing multi-functional capability that works across different system types and scales.
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 enables efficient and accurate acoustic calibration of audio output devices across multiple listening locations, improving the listening experience for all positions in a room by reducing the need for cumbersome wired microphones and allowing for simultaneous data collection, thus enhancing the overall audio quality and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The audio input device wirelessly transmits the data signal to a calibration device
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative embodiment includes a method for use in performing acoustic calibration of at least one audio output device for a plurality of listening locations. An audio input device generates a data signal based on a series of one or more tones output by the at least one audio output device. The audio input device wirelessly transmits the data signal to a calibration device. The audio input device is one of a plurality of audio input devices deployed at respective ones of the plurality of listening locations. The data signal is one of a plurality of data signals generated by respective ones of the plurality of audio input devices based on the series of one or more tones output by the at least one audio output device. The plurality of data signals are wirelessly transmitted by the respective ones of the plurality of audio input devices to the calibration device.