Acoustic Reproduction Using Anchor Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic reproduction methods struggle to accurately localize sound images in the height direction, leading to reduced immersion in virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality experiences due to the reliance on head-related transfer functions and the use of marker sounds that degrade audio quality.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic reproduction method that localizes a first sound image at a specific position and a second sound image as an anchor sound at a reference position, using ambient or reproduced sounds to enhance positional accuracy without interfering with the user's immersion, by selecting appropriate sound sources based on predetermined conditions such as direction, intensity, and frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional acoustic reproduction methods use head-related transfer functions and marker sounds to localize sound images, then sound image localization is achieved, but audio quality deteriorates and immersion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful marker sounds from the acoustic reproduction system. Instead of using artificial marker tones that degrade audio quality, the system localizes sound images using only the original audio content and head-related transfer functions, eliminating the source of quality degradation while maintaining localization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that uses head-related transfer functions (HRTF) to mediate between the audio source and the listener. This intermediary approach enables accurate sound image localization through binaural rendering without requiring direct injection of marker sounds, thus preserving audio quality while achieving spatial perception
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods rely on marker sounds for sound image localization, then positional reference is provided, but user immersion is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditional approach of using audible marker sounds into a benefit-free system by utilizing inaudible or minimal acoustic cues embedded in the natural audio content. The head-related transfer function processing extracts directional information without requiring separate marker tones, thus providing reference position indication without interfering with the user's immersive experience
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses head-related transfer functions as an intermediary to extract spatial and directional information from the audio content itself, rather than relying on external marker sounds. This intermediary processing enables the system to provide reference position indication through natural acoustic properties of the audio content, maintaining immersion while achieving localization
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic reproduction method includes: localizing a first sound image at a first position in a target space in which a user is present; and localizing, at a second position in the target space, a second sound image that represents an anchor sound for indicating a reference position.