3D Audio Processing for Non-Concentric Speaker Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound localization methods, such as VBAP, struggle to accurately perceive sound direction when speakers are not arranged concentrically, leading to incorrect perception of sound source location, especially in non-concentric speaker arrangements like internal automobile spaces.

Innovation Solution

A processing apparatus and method that applies head-related transfer functions and volume panning to monaural sound data, followed by correction processing based on speaker arrangement, to generate stereo sound data that simulates concentric speaker setups, enhancing directional perception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If VBAP is used for sound localization, then sound direction can be localized, but the sound direction perception becomes inaccurate when speakers are not arranged concentrically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound direction localization accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to non-concentric speaker arrangements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the head-related transfer function (HRTF) based on the actual position of sound output devices. Instead of assuming a fixed concentric arrangement, the system calculates the angle between the listening position and each sound output device, then selects appropriate HRTF parameters corresponding to these angles. This allows accurate sound direction localization regardless of whether speakers are arranged concentrically or not.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional sound processing is used, then processing is simple, but instantaneous and correct sound direction perception is achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound direction perception accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple head-related transfer functions corresponding to different angles in a lookup table. During actual sound processing, the system only needs to retrieve the pre-computed HRTF parameters that match the current sound output device positions, rather than calculating everything in real-time. This significantly reduces processing complexity while maintaining high accuracy in sound direction perception.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If VBAP is applied without correction processing, then processing is fast, but delay amount and volume are not optimized for actual speaker arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddelay amount and volume precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by incorporating correction processing that uses information about the actual positions of sound output devices to adjust the sound data. After the initial VBAP processing generates sound data based on assumed concentric arrangement, the system receives feedback about the real speaker positions and applies correction processing to adjust delay amounts and volumes accordingly. This feedback mechanism optimizes the final sound output without requiring complete reprocessing from scratch.

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

Enables accurate and instantaneous perception of sound direction even in non-concentric speaker arrangements, improving situational awareness and immersion by correctly localizing sound sources.

Implementation Method 1

a head-related transfer function processing unit that applies a head-related transfer function corresponding to an angle of a virtual sound source with respect to a listening position to monaural sound source data to generate stereo first sound data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHead-related transfer function:

Implementation Method 2

a volume panning processing unit that performs volume panning processing on the first sound data based on the angle of the virtual sound source to generate stereo second sound data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolume panning:

Implementation Method 3

a correction processing unit that corrects a delay amount and a volume of the second sound data based on arrangement information of a plurality of sound output devices to generate stereo third sound data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime delay correction:

Data Source

PatentUS20250386161A1Processing Apparatus, Processing Method, And Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Storage Medium Storing Processing Program

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A processing apparatus includes a head-related transfer function processing unit that applies a head-related transfer function corresponding to an angle of a virtual sound source with respect to a listening position to monaural sound source data to generate stereo first sound data, a volume panning processing unit that performs volume panning processing on the first sound data based on the angle of the virtual sound source to generate stereo second sound data, and a correction processing unit that corrects a delay amount and a volume of the second sound data based on arrangement information of a plurality of sound output devices to generate stereo third sound data to be output by two of the plurality of sound output devices.