Virtualized Audio Sweet Spot Adaptation via Camera Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio reproduction systems, particularly in compact devices like laptops, struggle to provide an optimal three-dimensional audio experience due to physical constraints, limiting the effectiveness of 3D audio virtualization to a small 'sweet spot' where the listener experiences accurate sound localization and natural audio signal, with degradation occurring outside this area.
Innovation Solution
The use of camera-based systems to determine listener location and orientation, adjusting audio signal processing by applying head-related transfer function filters and gain/delay adjustments to maintain an immersive 3D audio experience across various positions, allowing for real-time adaptation of the sweet spot based on listener movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D audio virtualization is implemented using conventional methods, then the audio experience is immersive and accurate, but the listener must be positioned within a small sweet spot area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the audio processing system adaptive to listener position. The system continuously monitors listener location and dynamically adjusts audio parameters including head-related transfer function selection, gain levels, and delay times. This transforms a static audio system with a fixed sweet spot into a dynamic system that maintains optimal audio quality regardless of listener position, effectively expanding the functional sweet spot area while preserving localization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple audio parameters simultaneously based on listener position detection. It selects different head-related transfer functions from a plurality of options, adjusts gain levels for different audio channels, and modifies delay times to compensate for listener position. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain accurate sound localization and natural audio signal characteristics across a much larger area than conventional fixed-parameter systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the listener moves outside the sweet spot, then mobility is improved, but sound localization accuracy and audio naturalness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously detecting listener position and using this information to adjust audio processing parameters. The listener position detection system provides real-time feedback to the audio processing system, which then selects appropriate head-related transfer functions, adjusts gain, and modifies delay times. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that sound localization accuracy is maintained even as the listener moves freely outside the conventional sweet spot area
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms from a static audio reproduction system to a dynamic one that adapts to listener movement. By continuously monitoring position and adjusting parameters in real-time, the system maintains high adaptability to different listener positions while preserving sound localization accuracy, effectively resolving the contradiction between listener flexibility and audio precision
3Device complexity
If fixed audio processing parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the audio experience is compromised for listeners outside a specific position
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages complexity by organizing multiple audio parameters into a coordinated adaptation framework. It selects from a plurality of head-related transfer functions based on listener position, adjusts gain levels, and modifies delay times in a systematic manner. This structured approach to parameter changes enables position adaptability while keeping the processing framework manageable through algorithmic selection and adjustment rather than complex hardware modifications
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods discussed herein can provide three-dimensional audio virtualization with sweet spot adaptation. In an example, an audio processor circuit can be used to update audio signals for sweet spot adaptation based on information from at least one depth sensor or camera about a listener position in a listening environment.