Apparatus and method for automatic equalization of personal multi-channel audio system

Abstract

An apparatus for automatically equalizing a personal multi-channel audio system, and a method therefor, are disclosed. White noises which are generated by a transfer characteristic measuring section are reproduced through speakers. Transfer signals from the respective speakers are collected through a microphone array at a listening position so as to transmit the collected signals to a transfer function calculating section. The transfer function calculating section calculates the transfer characteristics between the respective speakers and the listening position by utilizing the white noise and the collected signals. Then the sound characteristics of the respective sound channels are adjusted so that the transfer characteristics between the respective speakers and the listening position would be equalized. Further, phantom channels are synthesized and reproduced by utilizing the transfer functions and the installed speakers. Therefore, at the given environment, an optimum sound reproduction is obtained. Further, a small number of speakers can give an effect of a large number of speakers through the synthesis of phantom channels. In the case of an A/V system, the sound reproduction range can be adjusted in accordance with the size of the screen.