Binaural Audio Rendering with Dynamic Reference Frame Re-centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing binaural headphones fail to accurately simulate realistic virtual sound sources when the reference frame is moving, as they assume a stationary frame, leading to incorrect positioning of sound sources during movements like jogging or traveling, where the head and reference frame experience similar motion.
Innovation Solution
A binaural sound reproduction system that dynamically re-centers the frame of reference for virtual sound sources using a head-mounted device and a reference device, with sensors providing orientation data to adjust audio output based on static or dynamic use cases, allowing manual or automatic re-centering to maintain the sound source's perceived direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing binaural headphones assume a stationary reference frame, then the system complexity remains simple, but the audio localization accuracy deteriorates during dynamic movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static reference frame assumption to a dynamic reference frame that adapts based on detected motion. The system continuously monitors acceleration and orientation data to determine when the reference frame itself is moving, and automatically adjusts the head-tracking calculations accordingly. This allows the system to maintain audio localization accuracy during dynamic movements like jogging or traveling without requiring overly complex manual intervention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting whether the reference frame is stationary or moving through onboard sensors, and autonomously adjusting the audio rendering without user input. The microprocessor analyzes acceleration and orientation data to determine the state of motion, selects the appropriate tracking mode (stationary or dynamic reference frame), and re-centers the virtual sound source accordingly, eliminating the need for manual user configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the system uses head-tracking to anchor virtual sound sources, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the reference frame is moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring acceleration and orientation data from sensors to detect when the reference frame is moving. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically distinguish between head movements caused by the user turning their head versus head movements caused by the reference frame itself moving (e.g., jogging or traveling). Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the head-tracking algorithm to maintain reliable sound source positioning accuracy throughout the dynamic event.
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously tracks head orientation, then the audio output quality is improved, but the loss of information increases when differentiating head movement from frame movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the analysis of head movements into distinct components: movements relative to the reference frame versus movements of the reference frame itself. The system processes acceleration and orientation data to identify and isolate the reference frame's motion, then subtracts this from the total head movement to determine the user's actual head orientation. This segmented approach prevents information loss by clearly differentiating between the two types of movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting and characterizing reference frame movements before they contaminate the head-tracking data. By using acceleration sensors to identify when the reference frame begins moving and orienting sensors to determine its orientation changes, the system prepares the appropriate compensation calculations in advance, ensuring accurate differentiation between frame movement and user head movement throughout the dynamic event.
Data Source
AI summary
A binaural sound reproduction system, and methods of using the binaural sound reproduction system to dynamically re-center a frame of reference for a virtual sound source, are described. The binaural sound reproduction system may include a reference device, e.g., a mobile device, having a reference sensor to provide reference orientation data corresponding to a direction of the reference device, and a head-mounted device, e.g., headphones, having a device sensor to provide device orientation data corresponding to a direction of the head-mounted device. The system may use the reference orientation data to determine whether the head-mounted device is being used in a static or dynamic use case, and may adjust an audio output to render the virtual sound source in an adjusted source direction based on the determined use case. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.