Bone Conduction Audio with 3D Ear-Canal Response Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bone conduction headsets provide a less pleasing audio experience compared to traditional in-ear or over-ear headsets due to audio signals not being received directly into the ear canal, affecting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A bone conduction headset system that generates a three-dimensional audio scene using binaural rendering, applies head-related transfer function filters based on average user head and ear shapes, and compensates for head movements through a head tracking system, simulating ear canal responses and adjusting frequency to enhance audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If bone conduction headsets transmit audio signals through cheekbones instead of ear canals, then user comfort and safety are improved, but audio quality and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that converts audio signals into bone conduction compatible formats. The bone conduction headset acts as an intermediary transmission medium, bypassing the ear canal while delivering audio through the skull bones to the inner ear, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and audio quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by adjusting frequency response and applying equalization filters specifically optimized for bone conduction transmission. This transforms the audio signal parameters to compensate for the different transmission path, maintaining audio quality while using the more comfortable bone conduction method
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio signals are transmitted through bone conduction, then alternative listening method is provided, but perceived sound purity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts audio parameters including frequency response, equalization, and spatial rendering to optimize sound purity for bone conduction transmission. This allows the same device to provide versatile listening methods while maintaining high sound quality through adaptive parameter modification
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing system is dynamic and adaptive, adjusting transmission characteristics based on the selected listening mode. The system can switch between different audio profiles and apply real-time processing to maintain sound purity across different bone conduction scenarios
3Manufacturing precision
If complex audio processing is applied to simulate ear canal response, then audio quality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex audio processing functions into separate software modules and algorithms that can be applied independently of the hardware. This allows sophisticated ear canal response simulation and frequency adjustment to be implemented through software processing rather than complex hardware circuits, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high audio quality
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 system provides an immersive audio experience comparable to in-ear or over-ear headphones by simulating ear canal responses and compensating for head movements, improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
causing, based on the adjusted frequency response, one or more transducers to vibrate against one or more cheekbones of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes generating by a bone conduction headset, based on one or more audio signals, a three-dimensional audio scene. A frequency response of the one or more signals is adjusted by the bone conduction headset based on the three-dimensional audio scene, wherein the adjusted frequency response simulates a response of an ear canal of a user. Audio content is outputted by the bone conduction headset based on the adjusted frequency response.