Binaural Audio Compensation Using Transfer Function Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reproduction of binaural content often fails to achieve a high realistic feeling due to physical characteristic differences between the listener and the dummy head used in recording, as well as variations in sound pressure levels and frequency characteristics between recording and reproduction devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that transmits and receives metadata related to the recording environment, including interaural distance, microphone position, and microphone characteristics, to perform compensation processing and adjust sound pressure levels, ensuring standard sound quality regardless of the recording device used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If binaural content is recorded using a dummy head, then the recording process is standardized and reproducible, but the physical characteristics of the dummy head differ from human ears, reducing realistic feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing transfer functions that characterize the acoustic differences between dummy head and human ear responses. These transfer functions are computed in advance and embedded in the binaural content data, allowing the reproduction system to apply appropriate compensation without requiring real-time measurement or adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the frequency response characteristics of the binaural content through application of transfer functions. The system adjusts acoustic parameters such as frequency response, phase response, and time-domain characteristics to transform the dummy head recording into a sound field that mimics human ear reception, thereby improving realistic feeling while maintaining recording standardization.
2Manufacturing precision
If compensation processing is applied to achieve standard sound, then sound quality consistency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating and storing transfer function models that represent the acoustic characteristics of human ears. Instead of performing complex real-time acoustic measurements or simulations, the system uses pre-computed transfer function copies that can be efficiently applied to binaural content, reducing processing complexity while maintaining sound quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/acoustic compensation methods with digital signal processing. Instead of using physical acoustic filters or mechanical adjustment devices, the system uses computational transfer function application to achieve the same compensation effect, thereby reducing device complexity while improving sound quality consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus and method capable of performing compensation to achieve a standard sound regardless of a recording environment. The microphone picks up sound from a sound source and inputs the sound to a recording apparatus as an analog audio signal. The recording apparatus is an apparatus that performs binaural recording and generates an audio file of a sound obtained by binaural recording. The recording apparatus adds metadata related to a recording environment of binaural content to the audio file generated by binaural recording and transmits the file with the metadata to a reproducing apparatus. The present disclosure is applicable to a recording/reproducing system that performs binaural recording and reproduction of the sound, for example.