Binaural Audio Extra Exciter for Spatial Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current binaural audio signal processing technologies struggle to effectively enhance three-dimensionality in audio experiences, particularly when recognizing sound source positions through binaural rendering alone, especially in scenarios with small interaural level or time differences, and lack additional stimulation to improve spatial awareness.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processing device comprising a binaural renderer and an extra exciter that generates stimulations, such as vibrations or non-invasive neural excitations, synchronized with the binaural-rendered audio signal, based on sound source positions, interaural differences, and frequency characteristics to enhance spatial perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If binaural rendering is used to model 3D audio into signals for two ears, then the three-dimensionality of sound can be reproduced through 2-channel audio output without a large number of speakers, but the perceived three-dimensionality is insufficient when interaural level or time differences are small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines auditory stimulation (binaural rendering through headphones) with tactile stimulation (vibration feedback through transducers attached to the user's body) to create a multi-sensory system. This merging of different sensory modalities enhances the perceived three-dimensionality of audio without requiring additional speakers, directly resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and spatial perception accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of tactile feedback to the traditional auditory dimension. By incorporating vibration transducers that provide haptic stimulation synchronized with audio signals, the system transforms a 2-channel audio problem into a multi-dimensional sensory experience, enhancing spatial awareness without increasing the number of audio channels or speakers.
2Measurement precision
If additional stimulation is provided through vibration or neural excitation, then the perceived three-dimensionality and spatial awareness are enhanced, but the device complexity and system structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration transducers serve multiple functions: they provide tactile feedback synchronized with audio signals, deliver low-frequency enhancement, and can be positioned at different body locations to simulate different spatial directions. This multi-functionality allows a single type of transducer to handle various spatial perception tasks, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives audio signals, extracts spatial information, and generates corresponding vibration patterns. This intermediary component coordinates between the audio processing system and the vibration transducers, managing the additional complexity by providing a centralized control mechanism rather than requiring direct integration of multiple independent systems.
3Measurement precision
If vibration transducers are used to generate stimulation based on sound source position, then users can better recognize sound source positions, but the device requires additional components beyond standard binaural rendering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions vibration transducers at specific locations on the user's body (such as the head, chest, or limbs) where they can most effectively simulate the direction and position of sound sources. Each transducer is strategically placed to provide localized tactile feedback corresponding to specific spatial directions, optimizing sound source position recognition while minimizing the total number of components needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly improves the perceived three-dimensionality of audio by providing additional stimulation that complements binaural rendering, helping users better recognize sound source positions, especially in challenging scenarios, and enhances the overall audio experience.
Implementation Method 1
an extra exciter configured to generate a stimulation to a body of a user, wherein the stimulation corresponds to the binaural-rendered audio signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a binaural audio signal processing device. The binaural audio signal processing device includes a binaural renderer and an extra exciter. The binaural renderer receives an audio signal, and outputs a binaural-rendered audio signal by performing binaural rendering on the received audio signal. The extra exciter generates a stimulation to a body of a user, wherein the stimulation corresponds to the binaural-rendered audio signal.