Spatial Audio Distance Estimation for 6DOF VR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio capture methods fail to provide accurate distance metadata for 6DOF audio reproduction, leading to mismatched auditory and visual perceptions in VR environments, as they can only determine direction and energy ratios, not distances, which limits audio rendering to 3DOF.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising at least one processor that determines direction parameters from multiple microphone arrays, processes these parameters to estimate distance parameters in frequency bands, and outputs this metadata for 6DOF audio reproduction, enabling accurate spatial audio rendering by adjusting sound gains and directions based on movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3DOF audio reproduction is used with multiple microphone arrays, then direction parameters can be determined, but distance parameters cannot be accurately estimated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 3DOF to 6DOF audio reproduction by adding translational movement dimension. This enables distance parameter estimation by analyzing how sound parameters change as the listener moves through space, not just rotates. The system uses multiple microphone arrays positioned at different locations to capture spatial audio information that varies with listener position, thereby enabling distance estimation alongside direction determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that analyzes the relationship between sound parameters captured by multiple microphone arrays and listener position. This intermediary processor extracts distance information by comparing how acoustic parameters (such as inter-microphone level differences and time differences) change across different microphone arrays, enabling distance estimation without requiring direct measurement of listener position.
2Reliability
If 6DOF video reproduction is implemented without 6DOF audio, then visual immersion is improved, but auditory-visual matching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal 6DOF audio reproduction system that works alongside 6DOF video reproduction. The audio system handles both directional and distance information, making it universally applicable to VR/AR/MR environments. This multi-functional audio system ensures that both auditory and visual perceptions are consistently matched, providing reliable spatial correspondence between what users see and hear regardless of their movement or orientation.
3Manufacturing precision
If sound direction and amplitude are not corrected for user movement, then audio processing is simpler, but spatial naturalness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic audio processing that automatically adjusts sound direction and amplitude based on real-time listener movement. The system continuously updates audio parameters as the listener translates through space, creating dynamic corrections that maintain spatial naturalness. This dynamic approach contrasts with static audio rendering, automatically adapting to changing listener positions without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors listener position and movement, then uses this information to correct audio rendering in real-time. The processed audio parameters feed back into the rendering pipeline, ensuring that sound direction and amplitude consistently match the listener's actual position in space. This closed-loop approach maintains high spatial audio accuracy despite the increased processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for spatial audio signal processing including: obtaining, from a first capture device, at least one first audio signal and at least one first direction parameter for at least one frequency band; obtaining, from a second capture device, at least one second audio signal and at least one second direction parameter for the at least one frequency band; obtaining a first position associated with the first capture device; obtaining a second position associated with the second capture device; determining a distance parameter for the at least one frequency band in relation to the first position based, at least partially, on the at least one first direction parameter and the at least one second direction parameter; and enabling an output and/or store of the at least one first audio signal, the at least one first direction parameter and the distance parameter.