Ambient Sound Generation via Multi-Channel Spatial Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ambient sound generation methods fail to provide an immersive and flexible auditory experience, as they typically use single-channel sound sources and limited sound variations that cannot be adjusted according to user needs or environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

An ambient sound generation method and system that determine target ambient sound information based on user input, current music, and spatiotemporal environmental data, allowing for flexible adjustment and coordination with other music, and utilizing multiple channels and sound sources for enhanced spatial stereoscopic effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single channel or closely mounted stereo speakers are used for ambient sound playback, then the system complexity is low, but the spatial stereo effect and immersive experience are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of sound sourcesVSAvoidspatial stereo effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ambient sound is segmented into multiple independent sound sources distributed in different spatial positions. Each sound source plays a specific portion of the ambient sound, creating a spatially distributed audio field that enhances immersion and stereo effect while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from single-channel or stereo (2D) sound playback to multi-channel spatial audio (3D+time dimension). By adding spatial distribution as an additional dimension, the system achieves superior immersive experience and spatial stereo effect without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If only single white noise or single background sound is used, then the system complexity is low, but the adaptability to user needs and environmental conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound varietyVSAvoidflexibility to user needs
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ambient sound system dynamically adapts its composition based on user preferences, environmental conditions, and contextual information. The system can flexibly adjust which sound sources are active, their spatial distribution, and their intensity levels, transforming from a static single-sound system to a dynamic multi-sound system that responds to changing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to perform multiple functions by selecting and combining different types of ambient sounds (white noise, natural sounds, urban sounds, etc.) and spatial configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same system to adapt to diverse user needs and environmental contexts without requiring separate dedicated systems for each scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If ambient sound cannot be coordinated with user's music playback, then the system complexity is low, but the auditory experience quality is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidauditory experience quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the user's music playback characteristics (genre, tempo, volume, instrumentation) and use this information to dynamically adjust the ambient sound parameters. This feedback loop enables coordinated playback where ambient sounds complement rather than conflict with the music, enhancing overall auditory experience while maintaining manageable system integration complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4571485A1Ambient sound generation method and ambient sound generation system
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4571485A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4571485A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4571485A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are an ambient sound generation method and an ambient sound generation system. The ambient sound generation method comprises: determining target ambient sound information based on ambient sound design reference information; determining ambient sound generation information corresponding to the target ambient sound information based on the target ambient sound information, the ambient sound generation information comprising information of at least one subordinate ambient sound and feature parameter information corresponding to the subordinate ambient sound; and generating a target ambient sound based on the ambient sound generation information; and wherein the target ambient sound is an audio signal having at least two channels, and the target ambient sound is played back in separate channels via a plurality of playback devices disposed at intervals.