Binaural Sound Format Switching for Head-Movement Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in maintaining accurate and consistent three-dimensional sound localization as listeners move their heads, particularly in electronic communication and augmented or virtual reality environments, due to the intensive processing required to keep sound sources visible within the field of view.
Innovation Solution
The method switches sound formats between binaural, mono, and stereo based on head movements and field-of-view changes, reducing processing intensity by converting binaural sound to mono or stereo when the sound localization point moves outside the viewer's field of view, and providing visual and auditory cues to inform the listener.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If binaural sound is maintained during head movements, then sound localization accuracy is improved, but processing intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts sound processing based on head movement detection. When head movements are detected, the system transitions from maintaining accurate binaural sound localization to using less intensive mono or stereo sound processing, thereby adapting the processing intensity to the current operational context while managing computational resources efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the sound format parameter from binaural to mono or stereo based on detected head movements. This parameter change reduces the processing intensity required while still providing acceptable sound localization, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high accuracy and reducing processing demands
2Stability of the object's composition
If binaural sound is provided outside field-of-view, then sound localization consistency is improved, but processing demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing reduced sound processing (mono or stereo format) for sound sources that are outside the listener's field-of-view, while maintaining full binaural processing only for sources within the field-of-view. This selective approach maintains sufficient sound localization consistency for out-of-view sources while significantly reducing overall processing demands
3Productivity
If sound format switching is implemented, then resource efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from head movement detection to trigger sound format switching. The detection mechanism provides continuous feedback about head position, and this feedback automatically triggers the appropriate sound format (binaural, mono, or stereo), creating a closed-loop system that improves resource efficiency through automated, context-aware format selection
Solution Approach 2:
The sound processing system automatically adjusts its own format based on detected head movements without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by switching between binaural, mono, and stereo formats according to the spatial relationship between the listener's field-of-view and sound sources, thereby improving resource efficiency through self-managed adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
A method or apparatus switches between binaural sound and stereo sound in response to head movements of a listener. An electronic device provides the listener with binaural sound at a sound localization point (SLP) in a field-of-view of the listener. Binaural sound at the SLP switches to one of mono or stereo sound when head movements of the listener cause the SLP to move outside the field-of-view.