Binaural Externalization Processing for Natural Spatial Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reproducing spatial audio in binaural systems often result in unnatural localization of audio objects, with listeners experiencing audio objects near or inside their head instead of at their intended locations, and this issue is exacerbated in virtual and augmented reality applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a directional signal through directional processing, followed by a tail output signal using diffuse tail processing, and combining these to create an externalized signal that conveys both directional and diffuse localization, preserving the audio's timbre and avoiding the use of virtual room simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional binaural reproduction methods are used, then spatial audio can be delivered over headphones, but audio objects are localized near or inside the listener's head instead of at intended locations
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is segmented into two distinct components: a directional signal that conveys precise location information and a diffuse tail signal that provides spatial context. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's processing to achieve both accurate localization and natural perception.
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing qualities are applied to different parts of the audio signal. The directional signal receives precise HRTF-based processing for accurate localization, while the diffuse tail receives different processing to create natural spatial ambiance. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between precision and naturalness.
2Ease of operation
If virtual room simulations are used to improve spatial perception, then audio realism is enhanced, but processing complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential spatial components (directional signal and diffuse tail) from complex virtual room simulations. By taking out and processing only these critical elements separately, the system achieves spatial realism without the full computational overhead of complete room simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key processing parameters by applying different HRTF sets to different signal components rather than using uniform processing. This parameter differentiation enables realistic spatial perception while maintaining computational efficiency through targeted processing.
3Measurement precision
If directional processing is applied to achieve precise audio object localization, then localization accuracy improves, but the natural timbre of the audio may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the audio into directional and diffuse components, the invention allows directional processing to be applied selectively to only the portion of the signal that requires precise localization, while preserving the timbre characteristics in the diffuse tail portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuse tail acts as an intermediary that carries both spatial information and timbre characteristics. By processing this intermediate signal with appropriate HRTFs, the system maintains timbre fidelity while still achieving accurate directional localization through the combined output.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for reproducing spatial audio using binaural externalization processing extensions. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an audio source signal and generating a directional signal by applying directional processing to the audio source signal. The method further includes generating a tail output signal by applying diffuse tail processing to the audio source signal. The tail output signal is representative of the directional signal. Additionally, the tail output signal is configured for conveying diffuse localization. The method further includes generating an externalized signal by combining the directional signal and tail output signal. Additionally, the externalized signal is configured for conveying directional localization.