Personalized Audio Processing with Cross-Device HRTF Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio signal reproduction devices require repeated operations to acquire head-related transfer function information each time a new device is used, imposing a burden on users and increasing processing load.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that includes a signal acquisition unit, storage unit, determination processing unit, transfer function acquisition unit, and function application unit to manage and apply head-related transfer function information, allowing retrieval from another device or device-specific storage, and providing user interface processing for selection and installation of necessary applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If head-related transfer function information is acquired each time a new audio signal providing device is used, then personalized sound reproduction is achieved, but user burden and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized sound reproduction qualityVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acquisition and storage of head-related transfer function information when the user first uses the device or when information is not yet available. This preliminary action stores the personalized data in the information processing device, eliminating the need for repeated acquisition operations and reducing user burden while maintaining personalized sound reproduction quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system copies the head-related transfer function information from external storage or another information processing device to the current device. This copying mechanism allows the personalized information to be transferred without requiring the user to perform acquisition operations again, thus reducing user burden while preserving the personalized sound reproduction capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If head-related transfer function information is acquired each time a new audio signal providing device is used, then personalized sound reproduction is achieved, but processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized sound reproduction qualityVSAvoidprocessing load

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary acquisition and storage of head-related transfer function information, storing it in the information processing device for future use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated processing of acquisition operations, significantly reducing processing load while maintaining the capability for personalized sound reproduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing device automatically determines whether head-related transfer function information is already stored and acquires it if necessary, without requiring repeated user-triggered acquisition processes. This self-service mechanism reduces processing load by avoiding redundant operations while ensuring personalized information is available

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If head-related transfer function information is stored locally, then quick access is achieved, but device storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation access speedVSAvoiddevice storage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a dual storage architecture where head-related transfer function information can be stored both locally in the information processing device and externally in other devices or cloud storage. This multi-functionality allows the system to access information quickly from local storage when available, while also being able to retrieve it from external sources, thus balancing speed requirements with storage constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12495265B2Information processing device and information processing method

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An information processing device includes: a signal acquisition unit that acquires an audio signal; a storage unit that stores head-related transfer function information corresponding to a user; a determination processing unit that determines whether or not the head-related transfer function information corresponding to the user is stored in another information processing device; a transfer function acquisition unit that acquires the head-related transfer function information corresponding to the user; and a function application unit that applies the head-related transfer function information corresponding to the user to the audio signal.