Distributed Wireless Speaker Audio Rendering via UWB Location Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-technical users face difficulties in optimizing speaker settings for high-quality sound systems, particularly when speakers are moved or reconfigured, as existing solutions do not easily adapt to changes in speaker locations or numbers within a room.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a processor to down-mix and up-mix audio signals based on the number and location of speakers, using real-time location systems like UWB for accurate audio rendering across a network of speakers, allowing for flexible speaker configurations without requiring predefined settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple speakers are used for high fidelity sound, then sound quality is improved, but speaker configuration and optimization becomes complicated for non-technical users
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects speaker locations using RTLS technology and performs self-optimization of audio rendering without requiring user configuration. Each speaker independently determines its position and the system automatically configures the multi-channel audio distribution, eliminating the need for manual setup while maintaining high sound quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes audio rendering parameters based on detected speaker locations and configurations. By automatically adjusting audio parameters according to the actual speaker arrangement, the system adapts to different configurations without requiring manual intervention from users
2Adaptability or versatility
If speakers are moved to non-standard locations or other rooms, then system flexibility is improved, but audio optimization becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors speaker locations using RTLS and dynamically adapts audio rendering in real-time. When speakers are moved to new locations or rooms, the system automatically detects the changed configuration and re-optimizes audio distribution, maintaining reliable performance despite physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses RTLS feedback to continuously track speaker positions and automatically adjusts audio rendering based on detected location changes. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that audio optimization is maintained automatically as speakers are moved, without requiring manual reconfiguration
3Device complexity
If stereo audio is distributed to N speakers, then system complexity is reduced, but each speaker needs to render multiple channels increasing processing load
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio processing task by distributing stereo channels to all speakers but having each speaker independently render only its assigned channel based on location. This segmentation reduces the processing load on each individual speaker while maintaining the simplified stereo distribution architecture
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
Enables efficient and adaptive audio rendering for multiple speakers in various configurations, ensuring high-quality sound without the need for complex setup or predefined speaker arrangements, improving user experience and system flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a location determination module that automatically determines at least one location of at least one speaker using a real time location system (RTLS) such as ultra wide band (UWB) signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A master device receives audio, down-mixes the audio to stereo if it is not already in stereo, and then up-mixes the stereo into as many channels as there speakers in the network. The up-mixing can be based on the number and locations of the speakers, which may be determined automatically using a real time location system such as ultra wide band (UWB) location determination techniques. The master device sends each speaker the stereo only, with each speaker also up-mixing the stereo into at least its own respective channel and in some cases into all N channels, selecting from the rendered “N” channels that result from the up-mix the channel indicated as being associated with the particular location of the particular speaker.