Directional Audio Rendering With Predicted Source Arrangements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices face challenges in providing high-quality, interactive 3D audio experiences due to limited computing resources and processing delays associated with head-tracked immersive audio rendering.
Innovation Solution
Generate multiple sets of directional audio data at a host device based on predicted user interactions, offloading processing from personal audio devices, and selecting the appropriate set based on detected position data to reduce audio delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If head-tracked immersive audio rendering is implemented on portable devices, then 3D audio quality is improved, but processing delay increases and computing resources are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The host device pre-calculates and generates multiple sets of directional audio data corresponding to different predicted user positions and interactions before actual audio rendering is needed. This preliminary generation of audio data for various scenarios eliminates the need for real-time computation on the portable device, thereby reducing processing delay while maintaining high 3D audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a host device as an intermediary that performs the computationally intensive audio rendering tasks. The host device generates directional audio data and transmits it to the personal audio device, which only needs to play the pre-computed audio. This intermediary approach transfers the processing burden from the resource-constrained portable device to a more powerful host system.
2Speed
If real-time audio rendering is performed on portable devices, then audio responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The host device performs audio rendering in advance based on predicted user interactions, generating directional audio data before the actual audio playback is needed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for continuous real-time rendering on the portable device, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining audio responsiveness through pre-computed audio streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive audio rendering function from the portable device and relocates it to the host device. The personal audio device only retains the playback function, which consumes minimal power. This extraction of the processing task reduces the energy burden on the portable device while maintaining audio responsiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of directional audio data are generated for different sound source arrangements, then audio adaptability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio rendering process into multiple discrete sets of directional audio data, each corresponding to specific predicted user interactions or positions. Instead of generating a single complex audio stream, the system creates separate, manageable audio datasets that can be selectively applied. This segmentation reduces processing complexity by breaking down the rendering task into smaller, pre-computed units.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device pre-generates multiple sets of directional audio data for different scenarios in advance, storing them for later retrieval. This preliminary generation allows the system to handle various audio adaptability requirements without increasing real-time processing complexity, as the data is already prepared and can be quickly selected and played.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device includes a memory configured to store instructions. The device also includes a processor configured to execute the instructions to obtain spatial audio data representing audio from one or more sound sources. The processor is also configured to execute the instructions to generate first directional audio data based on the spatial audio data. The first directional audio data corresponds to a first arrangement of the one or more sound sources relative to an audio output device. The processor is further configured to generate second directional audio data based on the spatial audio data. The second directional audio data corresponds to a second arrangement of the one or more sound sources relative to the audio output device. The second arrangement is distinct from the first arrangement. The processor is also configured to generate an output stream based on the first directional audio data and the second directional audio data.