3D Audio Rendering Method Azimuth Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio signal processing technologies face challenges in effectively rendering 3D audio signals without the need for a large number of loudspeakers, particularly in accurately localizing sound images and maintaining timbre quality, especially when the sound source is positioned in various azimuth ranges relative to the listener.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processing device that selects between HRIR-based and panning-based rendering methods based on the azimuth of sound objects relative to the listener, using interpolation to combine these methods and determine mixing gains, allowing for efficient rendering and output of 3D audio signals through a processor that includes a receiving unit, format converter, renderer, and output unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HRIR-based rendering method is used for all azimuth ranges, then sound localization accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 360-degree azimuth range into multiple segments (first azimuth range, second azimuth range, third azimuth range) and applies different rendering methods to each segment. Specifically, HRIR-based rendering is applied to front azimuth ranges where localization accuracy is critical, while panning-based rendering is applied to side and rear azimuth ranges where computational efficiency is more important. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high localization accuracy where needed without incurring computational complexity across all azimuth ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of rendering methods to different spatial regions. High-quality HRIR-based rendering is used locally in front azimuth ranges where sound localization accuracy is most important for the listening experience, while lower-quality but computationally efficient panning-based rendering is used in side and rear azimuth ranges. This local quality approach ensures that computational resources are focused on regions where they provide the most benefit.
2Device complexity
If panning-based rendering method is used for all azimuth ranges, then computational complexity is reduced, but sound localization accuracy and timbre quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the azimuth range and applies panning-based rendering only to specific segments (side and rear azimuth ranges) where localization accuracy requirements are lower, while reserving HRIR-based rendering for front azimuth ranges where accuracy is critical. This selective application maintains computational efficiency while preserving sound localization accuracy in critical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies higher quality rendering (HRIR-based) locally in front azimuth ranges where sound localization accuracy is most important, and uses lower quality rendering (panning-based) in side and rear azimuth ranges. This ensures that computational complexity is reduced overall while maintaining necessary accuracy in critical listening zones.
3Measurement precision
If multiple rendering methods are mixed based on azimuth ranges, then sound localization accuracy and timbre quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the azimuth range into three segments and assigns different rendering methods to each: first rendering method (HRIR-based) for front azimuth ranges, second rendering method (panning-based) for side azimuth ranges, and third rendering method (mixed or HRIR-based) for rear azimuth ranges. This segmentation strategy improves sound localization accuracy in critical regions while managing device complexity through systematic regional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of rendering to different spatial regions, with higher quality HRIR-based rendering in front azimuth ranges where localization accuracy is critical, and lower quality panning-based rendering in side and rear ranges. This local quality approach improves overall sound localization accuracy while controlling device complexity by avoiding high-quality rendering in all regions.
4Manufacturing precision
If HRIR-based rendering is used, then timbre quality is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the azimuth range and applies HRIR-based rendering (which provides better timbre quality) only to front azimuth ranges where timbre accuracy is most important for the listening experience. Panning-based rendering is used for side and rear azimuth ranges where timbre quality requirements are lower. This segmentation allows the system to improve timbre quality where needed while managing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies high-quality HRIR-based rendering locally in front azimuth ranges where timbre quality is critical for realistic sound perception, and uses computationally efficient panning-based rendering in side and rear azimuth ranges. This local quality approach improves timbre quality in critical listening zones without incurring high computational complexity across all spatial regions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an audio signal processing device for processing an audio signal. The audio signal processing device includes a processor. The processor obtains an input audio signal including an object audio signal, selects at least one of a plurality of rendering methods based on an azimuth of a sound object with respect to a listener, corresponding to the object audio signal in a virtual space simulated by an output audio signal, renders the object audio signal using a selected rendering method, and outputs the output audio signal including the rendered object audio signal.