Binaural Sound External Localization Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in ensuring that multiple users hear binaural sound as originating from the same or similar location, leading to confusion and a poor user experience. Additionally, there are difficulties in sharing head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) and synchronizing sound localization points (SLPs) in real-time.
Innovation Solution
The method involves processing binaural sound to externally localize it to a shared location for multiple users. This is achieved by exchanging coordinate locations between electronic devices without sharing HRTFs, or by sharing HRTFs to calculate a sound localization point (SLP) that aligns the sound origin for all users. Real-time data exchange and synchronization of SLPs ensure that users maintain a consistent audio experience as they move.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If binaural sound is processed to externally localize to different locations for different users, then each user experiences personalized sound localization, but multiple users cannot share a common sound origin location leading to confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the localization parameters (azimuth, elevation, distance) of the binaural sound based on shared coordinate information exchanged between users' electronic devices. This allows the sound to be dynamically adjusted to originate from the same perceived location for all users while maintaining personalized spatial audio characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies the sound localization coordinates from one user's device to another user's device. By exchanging location data between devices, the system creates a shared reference frame that allows multiple users to perceive the binaural sound as originating from the same location in their respective environments
2Measurement precision
If head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) are shared between users, then accurate sound localization can be achieved, but privacy concerns and data sharing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential coordinate location information (azimuth, elevation, distance) from the complete HRTF data set. By separating and sharing only the spatial coordinates rather than the full HRTF profiles, the system achieves accurate sound localization while reducing data sharing complexity and preserving user privacy
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a coordinate-based intermediary representation that mediates between individual HRTF data and shared sound localization. This intermediary layer allows users to exchange location information without directly sharing their personalized HRTF data, simplifying the interaction while maintaining localization accuracy
3Reliability
If sound localization points (SLPs) are synchronized in real-time, then users maintain consistent audio experience as they move, but data exchange and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary establishment of a shared coordinate reference frame between users before real-time movement occurs. By pre-synchronizing the coordinate system and origin points, the system reduces the complexity of real-time data exchange during user movement, as only incremental position updates are needed rather than complete SLP re-synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
A method processes binaural sound to externally localize to a first user at a first location. This location is shared such that an electronic device processes the binaural sound to externally localize to a second user at a second location. The first and second locations occur at a same or similar location such that the first and second users hear the binaural sound as originating from the same or similar location.