Audio Modification System Head Dimension Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in dynamically measuring a user's head shape for personalized audio output in simulated environments, such as virtual reality, which affects the accuracy of 3D audio rendering.

Innovation Solution

An audio modification system comprising a signal transmitter, receiver, processor, and audio generator that calculates the user's head dimensions using signal strength indicators and latency measurements to apply a head-related transfer function for modifying audio information, ensuring immersive audio experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If HRTF is used for 3D audio rendering, then audio personalization is improved, but the ability to dynamically measure user's head shape deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehead shape measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary signal transmission mechanism between two earpieces to indirectly measure head dimensions. Instead of directly measuring head shape, the system transmits signals through the user's head and uses signal strength indicators and latency to calculate distance between earpieces, which reflects head dimensions. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing measurement capability without requiring complex direct measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with electromagnetic signal-based measurement. Instead of using physical tools to measure head shape, the system uses signal transmission through the head, measuring signal strength and latency to derive head dimensions. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical measurement devices while achieving accurate dynamic measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If signal transmission method is used to measure head dimensions, then measurement capability is improved, but signal strength and latency measurements may be affected by external factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic head shape adaptationVSAvoidsignal measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring signal strength indicators and latency between earpieces, using this information to dynamically calculate and adjust head dimension measurements. The system processes the received signals, extracts measurement data, and uses this feedback to adapt audio rendering in real-time, ensuring reliable and accurate head shape adaptation despite varying signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The system effectively adapts audio output to individual head shapes, providing a more realistic and immersive 3D audio experience by simulating sound sources within simulated environments.

Implementation Method 1

determining, by a processor, a first distance between the first device and the second device according to a measuring indicator of the signal received by the at least one signal receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal strength indicator measurement:

Implementation Method 2

determining, by a processor, a first distance between the first device and the second device according to a measuring indicator of the signal received by the at least one signal receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3565278B1Audio modification system and method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 HTC CORP
  • EP3565278B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3565278B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3565278B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An audio modification includes a signal transmitter, at least one signal receiver, a processor and an audio generator. The signal transmitter being disposed on a first device is configured to transmit a signal. The at least one signal receiver being disposed on a second device is configured to receive the signal. The processor is configured to determine a first distance between the first device and the second device according to a measuring indicator of the signal and to calculate a second distance that forms a head dimension of a user. The processor is further configured to apply the head dimension in a head related transfer function in order to modify audio information. The audio generator is configured to output a sound corresponding to the audio information.