Binaural Audio Synchronization via Ultrasonic Sync Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio capture and reproduction systems lack the ability to provide simultaneous mass customization and advanced sound localization, limiting the immersive and interactive audio experience for consumers, particularly in environments like movie theaters.
Innovation Solution
A binaural audio system utilizing a computing device with a processor and non-transitory computer-readable medium, capable of processing and delivering synchronized binaural audio files through consumer devices, such as smartphones, via an audio sync signal encoded in frequencies between 17 KHz and 18 KHz, allowing for synchronized playback with events like movies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional audio systems are used, then device complexity is low, but sound localization capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides audio processing into separate components: binaural audio file processing, synchronization signal generation, and consumer device playback. The synchronization protocol segments audio data and timing information into distinct data structures that can be independently processed and transmitted.
Solution Approach 2:
A synchronization protocol acts as an intermediary between the audio source and consumer devices, managing the complex coordination required for synchronized playback. The protocol mediates timing, data transmission, and device coordination without requiring direct complex interactions between all system components.
2Measurement precision
If binaural audio is delivered via headphones, then sound localization is improved, but implementation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses consumer devices like smartphones that already possess multiple functions (audio playback, synchronization signal reception, wireless communication). This universal platform approach eliminates the need for specialized hardware, making implementation easier while maintaining high sound localization capability through software-based binaural processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of binaural audio files and synchronization data that can be distributed to multiple consumer devices. Instead of requiring specialized physical hardware for each user, the audio experience is replicated through software implementation on standard consumer devices.
3Reliability
If synchronized audio delivery is implemented, then consumer immersion is increased, but synchronization delay may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-synchronizing audio files with synchronization signals before distribution to consumer devices. Timing information is embedded in advance, allowing devices to anticipate and prepare for playback events, thereby reducing actual synchronization delays during event playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization protocol incorporates feedback mechanisms where consumer devices report their playback status and timing information back to the central system. This feedback allows for real-time adjustment and correction of synchronization delays, maintaining accurate timing despite variations in device processing speeds or network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a system for delivery of binaural audio to a consumer including a computing device with a processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored instructions that when executed by the computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations for delivery of the binaural audio to the consumer through the consumer device. The operations can enable a delivery server to associate the consumer device with a binaural audio file associated with the event attended by the consumer. The operations can enable the consumer device to retrieve and download a binaural audio file from the delivery server, and to receive synchronization information associated with the event and the binaural audio file. The operations can also include processing the binaural audio file and delivering audio through an audio emitting device coupled to the consumer device, where the delivered audio is synchronized with the event.