Acoustic Processing Device Using HRTF for Immersive Sound Field Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic processing technologies fail to provide a sufficient realistic experience for listeners, as they only reproduce sound fields without effectively simulating the original acoustic characteristics of the recording location, leading to a reduced immersive experience, especially when the listener is not at the same location as the recording.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic processing apparatus and method that utilizes virtual reality (VR) to recreate the sound field by converting acoustic characteristics of content into those of the measurement location, incorporating VR entire spherical videos and head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) to simulate the environment, allowing listeners to experience the audio as if they were present at the original location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sound field reproduction is used to reproduce the sound field at the sound-collected location, then the sound field can be reproduced, but the realistic feeling for the listener is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model (copy) of the acoustic environment by measuring impulse responses at multiple locations and reconstructing the sound field characteristics. This virtual copy allows the listener to experience the acoustic environment remotely without being physically present, solving the contradiction between reproducing sound field accuracy and providing realistic feeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that converts acoustic characteristics between different locations using measured impulse responses and transfer functions. This intermediary layer transforms the sound field data to simulate the acoustic environment of the target location, bridging the gap between sound field reproduction and realistic perception.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the listener is not at the same location as the recording, then the sound field can be reproduced at a different location, but the acoustic characteristics of the original location are not effectively simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of impulse responses at multiple locations before the actual sound reproduction. These pre-collected acoustic characteristics are stored and used to simulate the target location's acoustic environment, allowing accurate simulation without requiring the listener to be physically present at the original location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes acoustic parameters by applying transfer functions that represent the acoustic characteristics of different locations. By transforming the sound field data using these location-specific parameters, the system accurately simulates the acoustic environment of the target location while maintaining location flexibility.
3Device complexity
If only sound field reproduction is performed, then the processing is simple, but the immersive experience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sound field reproduction with binaural rendering techniques by combining impulse response measurements with head-related transfer functions. This integration creates a more immersive experience while maintaining relatively simple processing by using pre-measured acoustic data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by allowing the system to adaptively select and apply different location-specific transfer functions based on the desired virtual environment. This dynamic parameter selection enhances the immersive experience without significantly increasing processing complexity.
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
Enhances the realistic feeling for listeners by providing an immersive experience that simulates the original acoustic environment, allowing users to visually and aurally perceive the surroundings, such as a movie theater, even when listening at home, by converting acoustic characteristics and applying HRTFs to recreate the sound field accurately.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating VR entire spherical videos and head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) to simulate the environment
Implementation Method 2
converting acoustic characteristics of content into those of the measurement location
Data Source
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AI summary
An acoustic processing apparatus (1) according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit (41), a storage unit (3), and a processing unit (42). The acquisition unit (41) acquires location information regarding a location viewed by a user who listens to an acoustic content. The storage unit (3) stores acoustic information (34) regarding acoustics at the location. The processing unit (42) converts an acoustic characteristic of the acoustic content into an acoustic characteristic in accordance with the location on the basis of the acoustic information (34) and regenerates a sound field.