How Speakers Adjust Sound for Moving Listeners

This patent describes how a speaker system can automatically change its sound settings when it detects that people listening to it have moved to a different spot.

What it covers

The patent describes a system where a playback device, like a smart speaker, first plays audio using a specific sound setup, called a 'first calibration'. It then actively detects if the arrangement of one or more listeners relative to the speaker has changed. For example, if a listener moves from sitting directly in front of the speaker to a different position in the room. Based on this detected change in listener arrangement, the playback device automatically applies a 'second calibration' to its sound output. This ensures the audio quality remains optimized for the new listening positions.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover sound adjustments based on the type of audio content playing, such as switching settings for music versus podcasts.
• —Does not cover manual sound adjustments made by a user through an app or physical controls.
• —Does not cover calibration based solely on changes in room acoustics without considering listener position.
• —Does not cover systems that only use a single, static sound calibration regardless of listener movement.
• —Does not cover calibration triggered by environmental factors like temperature or humidity.

The clever bit

The truly novel aspect is the automatic, dynamic adjustment of sound calibration specifically triggered by detecting a change in the physical arrangement of listeners. Most audio systems either calibrate once for a room or require manual intervention to adjust settings when listening conditions change.

Why it matters

Good sound quality often depends on where the listener is located relative to the speakers. This patent aims to maintain optimal audio performance even if listeners move around a room, improving the overall experience for music, movies, or other audio content without requiring manual adjustments. It helps ensure that the sound field is consistently tailored to the audience's location.

Real-world examples

• 1.Apple HomePod
• 2.Amazon Echo Studio
• 3.Sonos Arc soundbar
• 4.Google Nest Audio
• 5.Advanced home theater receivers with room correction