Audio Beamforming for Multi-User Spatial Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices lack the ability to effectively manage and adjust multiple audio content presentations, particularly when multiple video contents are shown simultaneously, leading to interference and suboptimal listening experiences for users.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a processor to identify users and their locations, determine the media content they are viewing, and adjust audio content accordingly, using techniques such as beamforming and user preferences to ensure clear audio delivery for each user, even when multiple audio streams are present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio content are played simultaneously through the same speakers, then all users can hear all audio content, but audio interference occurs and listening quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio content deliveryVSAvoidaudio interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The audio output is segmented and directed to different speakers based on user location and content association. Each user receives their designated audio content through specific speakers rather than all users receiving all audio content through all speakers, thereby eliminating audio interference while maintaining versatility in content delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different audio content is delivered to different spatial locations (speakers) based on which user is positioned near which speaker. This local differentiation allows each user to receive optimized audio quality for their specific location and associated content, resolving the audio interference problem while adapting to multiple users' needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If audio content is adjusted for each user based on their location and preferences, then listening experience improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelistening experienceVSAvoidaudio management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines user locations, identifies associated video content, and adjusts audio delivery without requiring manual user intervention. Users simply need to position themselves near a speaker, and the system handles the complex audio routing and adjustment autonomously, improving ease of operation while managing system complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors user positions relative to speakers and dynamically adjusts audio content delivery accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing user locations and preferences in real-time, providing an intuitive listening experience while managing complexity through automated control loops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If beamforming technology is used to direct audio to specific users, then audio delivery precision improves, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio directionalityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying beamforming to all audio content and all users simultaneously, the system applies beamforming selectively only when needed based on user presence and location. This partial application reduces energy consumption while maintaining audio directionality precision for the specific user-speaker pairs that require it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 clear and tailored audio delivery to multiple users watching different video contents by adjusting volume and frequency based on content type and user preferences, improving the listening experience without user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The audio content can be delivered to a speaker that performs beamforming to direct the audio to a particular location in the presentation area.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Data Source

PatentUS10812752B2Method and apparatus to present multiple audio content

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 DIRECTV LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying first and second users and identifying first and second locations of the first and second users in a presentation area, determining first and second media content associated with the first and second users where the first media content includes first audio content and first video content and where the second media content includes second audio content, presenting the first video content at a display device during a particular time period, adjusting the first audio content resulting in adjusted first audio content, presenting the adjusted first audio content directed to the first location during the particular time period, and presenting the second audio content directed to the second location during the particular time period. Other embodiments are disclosed.