3D Spatial Audio Assignment Using Vertical Elevation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surround sound systems fail to accurately reproduce sound effects in elevation, limiting the immersive experience by not mirroring human perception and being cost-ineffective for home theater environments, especially with the need for up to 64 speakers in theater settings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that assign three-dimensional spatial data to audio signals, using X, Y, or Z-axis data to adjust delay and volume, stored in encoded sound files, allowing for a more immersive audio experience with a dome-shaped sound field created by six specifically positioned speakers, and a processor to decode and process sonic spatial data for accurate sound placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surround sound systems use multiple speakers (up to 64 speakers in theater settings) to reproduce sound in multiple directions, then the sound reproduction accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension (elevation) to conventional horizontal surround sound systems by adding overhead speakers positioned above the listener. This creates a three-dimensional sound field that encompasses horizontal, vertical, and depth dimensions, enabling accurate reproduction of sounds from overhead and underfoot positions without requiring an excessive number of speakers in the horizontal plane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sound reproduction system into distinct spatial zones (horizontal plane and vertical elevation) with dedicated speaker groups for each zone. This segmentation allows independent optimization of speaker placement and configuration in each dimension, achieving comprehensive spatial coverage with a manageable total number of speakers
2Device complexity
If conventional surround sound systems use a 'hula hoop' approach to provide sound effects, then the system complexity is reduced, but the sound reproduction accuracy and human perception mirroring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the conventional two-dimensional horizontal sound field into three dimensions by incorporating vertical elevation information. This allows sounds to be positioned not only around the listener horizontally but also above and below, accurately mirroring human spatial hearing perception which naturally processes sounds in three-dimensional space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the spatial parameters of sound reproduction by adding elevation angle and vertical position parameters to the conventional azimuth and distance parameters. This enables precise control over the vertical placement of sound effects, creating a more accurate representation of real-world acoustic environments
3Device complexity
If conventional surround sound systems reproduce sound only in the horizontal plane, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the immersive experience and human perception mirroring capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the horizontal sound field by positioning speakers overhead and utilizing the vertical space above the listener. This creates a dome-shaped or spherical sound field that envelops the listener in three dimensions, providing immersive sound effects from all directions including overhead and underfoot, thereby accurately mirroring human spatial perception
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments may include systems and non-transitory computer-readable media for assigning three-dimensional spatial data to sounds and audio files. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving at least one audio signal, receiving sonic spatial data via a foot pedal, associating the sonic spatial data with the at least one audio signal, associating the at least one audio signal and sonic spatial data with a time code generated by a video camera, storing the sonic spatial data, the at least one audio signal, and time code in an encoded sound file, and directing playback of the encoded sound file.