Localizing Binaural Sound to Physical Objects Using Visual Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binaural sound localization in electronic devices often lacks accompanying visual cues, leading to confusion and difficulty in determining the origin of sounds, especially when they do not coincide with visible objects or events.
Innovation Solution
Assigning a Sound Localization Point (SLP) to a physical or virtual object and providing a visual cue to help the listener perceive from which object the sound is emanating, using methods such as object recognition, GPS, and sound convolution techniques to ensure accurate localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If binaural sound is provided through earphones without visual cues, then the listener can determine sound direction and distance, but the listener experiences confusion and difficulty in determining the origin of sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual cues as an intermediary element that mediates between the binaural sound signal and the listener's perception. The visual cue (such as an icon or indicator displayed on a screen) serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the auditory stimulus and the listener's ability to accurately determine sound origin, thereby resolving the confusion experienced when using binaural sound alone
2Measurement precision
If sound localizes to a point in space away from the listener, then the listener can perceive external sound origin, but the listener cannot associate the sound with a visible object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges auditory information (binaural sound localization) with visual information (displayed icons or indicators) to create a unified perception system. The visual cue is positioned to correspond with the localized sound origin, allowing the listener to associate the external sound with a visible object or location indicator, thereby preventing loss of object association information
3Measurement precision
If visual cues are added to binaural sound localization, then the listener can accurately identify sound origin, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based visual indication systems with software-generated visual cues displayed on electronic screens. Instead of using physical indicators or additional hardware components, the system uses digital displays to present visual information that corresponds with the binaural sound localization, thereby achieving accurate sound origin identification without significantly increasing device complexity
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
Enhances the listener's ability to accurately localize binaural sound to the correct object, improving user experience and reducing confusion by supplementing auditory cues with visual information.
Implementation Method 1
convolves sound so the sound externally localizes as binaural sound to the physical object
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device identifies a location of a physical object that is away from a listener. The electronic device convolves sound so the sound externally localizes as binaural sound to the physical object. The sound plays to the listener through earphones so the listener hears the sound as emanating from the physical object.