Three-Dimensional Audio Spatialization for Parallel Audio File Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio file searching methods are inefficient as users must play and listen to each file separately to identify relevant audio, especially as the number of files increases, making it difficult to effectively search and identify desired audio files.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a three-dimensional sound space where multiple sound sources are spatially separated, allowing users to listen to and recognize multiple audio sources simultaneously through three-dimensional audio spatialization, with sound sources assigned locations based on their relationships, relevance, and other factors, enabling dynamic arrangement and navigation within the space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users play and listen to each audio file separately to identify relevant audio, then users can accurately identify the desired audio file, but the search process becomes extremely time-consuming and inefficient as the number of audio files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio search process by creating a three-dimensional sound space where multiple audio files are spatially separated into different locations. Users can navigate this space and focus on specific regions containing relevant audio sources, rather than sequentially playing through all files. This spatial segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple audio files while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension (three-dimensional sound space) to the traditional linear audio search process. By mapping audio files to specific locations in 3D space and allowing users to navigate and filter by spatial position, the system enables simultaneous perception of multiple audio sources without requiring sequential playback, thus reducing search time while maintaining identification capability.
2Productivity
If users listen to multiple audio files simultaneously to improve search efficiency, then search time is reduced, but it becomes difficult to distinguish and identify individual audio sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixed audio signal field by assigning each audio source a distinct spatial location in three-dimensional space. This spatial segmentation allows users to perceive multiple audio sources simultaneously while maintaining the ability to distinguish and identify individual sources through their positional differences, resolving the conflict between search efficiency and identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each audio source unique spatial characteristics (position, direction, distance) in the three-dimensional sound space. This allows users to focus on specific local regions containing particular audio sources of interest while other sources remain in different spatial locations, enabling efficient scanning and identification without requiring sequential playback.
3Device complexity
If audio files are arranged in a traditional linear or grid format, then the interface is simple to implement, but users cannot efficiently navigate or identify audio sources among large numbers of files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional linear or grid interfaces to a three-dimensional sound space interface. This dimensional expansion provides users with additional navigation axes and spatial relationships for organizing and accessing audio files, significantly improving navigation efficiency and source identification while maintaining reasonable interface complexity through standardized 3D audio rendering techniques.
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 users to efficiently navigate and identify audio sources by listening to multiple files at once while recognizing each, reducing the need to play individual files, thus improving the search process and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The three-dimensional sound space can be generated using three-dimensional audio spatialization to allow audio from multiple sound sources playing at a same time to be separated in space through sound localization.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, the grouping and arrangement of sound sources within a three-dimensional sound space can be based on attributes of the sound source. The content presented in the three-dimensional sound space can comprise social media content. According to another embodiment, the content can comprise voicemail messages and the three-dimensional sound space can be used for managing and retrieving the voicemails messages. In yet another embodiment, the content can comprise communications in a contact center between a customer or other caller and a customer support agent. According to a further embodiment, the three-dimensional sound space or an environment in which the three-dimensional sound space is implemented can provide an opportunity for the user or listener to initiate a follow-on communication with the originator of the sound source such as a social media post or other social media communication, a voice call, or other message or communication.