Audio Spatialization Engine Using Motion Sensors for Dynamic Orientation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio processing systems that spatialize audio for output struggle to maintain accurate audio source localization and orientation when the speaker and sensor arrays are not in a fixed relative position and orientation to the listener.
Innovation Solution
An audio spatialization system that uses motion sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, to track the position and orientation of personal speakers and sensor arrays, allowing for dynamic adjustment of audio spatialization to maintain the apparent location of audio sources relative to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors are used to track position and orientation of personal speakers and sensor arrays, then audio spatialization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into an integrated sensor array that works together to track both position and orientation. This merging of sensing capabilities allows the system to maintain accurate audio spatialization without requiring separate systems for each measurement type, thus improving localization accuracy while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an audio spatialization engine as an intermediary component that processes sensor data and dynamically adjusts audio output based on detected motion and orientation changes. This mediator translates raw sensor measurements into corrected spatial audio signals, resolving the complexity of directly mapping sensor data to audio parameters while maintaining high localization accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic adjustment of audio spatialization is implemented, then adaptability to user movement is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of audio spatialization parameters based on real-time sensor input from motion detectors. The system continuously adapts audio output characteristics (such as pan law adjustments and spatial positioning) in response to detected user movement and device orientation changes, enabling the audio experience to remain accurate and immersive during dynamic use conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary corrections for common movement patterns through pre-configured spatialization rules and lookup tables. By anticipating typical user movements and pre-calculating appropriate audio adjustments, the system reduces the computational burden of real-time processing while maintaining high adaptability to user motion and device handling.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into personal speakers, then audio tracking accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) into a nested configuration where sensors are housed within the personal speaker structure. This nesting approach allows multiple sensing components to be compactly arranged within the limited space of headphones or earbuds, maintaining accurate audio tracking while facilitating a more streamlined manufacturing process compared to distributed sensor arrangements.
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 the user to perceive audio sources as stationary even when moving relative to them, improving the accuracy and realism of audio localization in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
The motion sensor may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a magnetometer
Implementation Method 2
The motion sensor may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or a magnetometer
Implementation Method 3
The audio spatialization engine may apply head related transfer functions to the audio source
Implementation Method 4
They may be electroacoustic transducers which convert an electrical signal to a corresponding sound in the user's ear
Data Source
AI summary
An audio customization system operates to enhance a user's audio environment. A user may wear headphones and specify what portion the ambient audio and/or source audio will be transmitted to the headphones or the personal speaker system. The audio signal may be enhanced by application of a spatialized transformation using a spatialization engine such as head-related transfer functions so that at least a portion of the audio presented to the personal speaker system will appear to originate from a particular direction. The direction may be modified in response to movement of the personal speaker system.