Dynamic Sound Field Reproduction via Position-Based Wavefront Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sound field reproduction technologies, such as those using stereo headphones, limit listeners to a fixed virtual position, preventing the perception of freely moving in a virtual reality space and do not allow for shared experiences among multiple listeners.
Innovation Solution
A sound field reproduction apparatus and system that generates sound field synthesizing parameters based on the relative position of the listener and sound sources, performing frequency conversion and convolution operations to create a dynamic sound field that can be shared among multiple listeners, using an array speaker to recreate the sound field in a real space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stereo headphone is used to reproduce a three-dimensional sound field, then the listener can perceive sounds from virtual sound sources, but the listener is limited to a fixed virtual listening position and cannot freely move in a virtual reality space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed virtual listening position to a dynamic system where the listening position can freely move in three-dimensional space. The sound field reproduction system calculates sound field parameters based on the listener's current position and orientation, enabling the sound field to adapt dynamically to the listener's movements and creating an immersive virtual reality experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a stereo headphone is used for sound field reproduction, then individual audio experience is provided, but multiple listeners cannot share the same sound field space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a sound field reproduction system that can serve multiple listeners simultaneously. The system uses multiple speakers arranged in a specific configuration to create a shared sound field space where multiple listeners can experience the same virtual environment together, enabling social interaction and collaboration in virtual reality applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If actual sound sources are arranged in a listening room to reproduce sound field space, then the listener can perceive movement in space, but a full-size sound field space must be prepared which is unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a virtual copy of sound field space rather than requiring a physical replica. The system uses computer-generated sound field parameters and virtual sound sources to reproduce the acoustic characteristics of real spaces, allowing listeners to perceive movement and spatial relationships in virtual environments without needing actual physical spaces of corresponding size.
4Measurement precision
If speakers are used to reproduce sound field, then sound field is synthetically reproduced in a listening area, but the sound field cannot be precisely controlled for each listener's position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a system that continuously monitors the listener's position and orientation, then uses this information to adjust sound field parameters in real-time. The system calculates appropriate sound field parameters based on feedback about the listener's current state, enabling precise control of the sound field for each listener's specific position and creating an immersive experience.
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
Enables listeners to perceive a dynamic sound field that responds to their movement, allowing for a shared immersive experience even in confined spaces, mimicking the sensation of movement and environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
a sound field synthesizing means for performing a convolutional operation on the sound data subjected to frequency conversion and the generated sound field synthesizing parameters and synthesizing sound data for each of n channels
Implementation Method 2
a sound field reproducing means for performing an operation of wave front synthesis, using the synthesized sound data for each channel and reproducing a sound field in a predetermined area
Implementation Method 3
a frequency conversion means for performing an operation of frequency conversion on sound data as a function of the relative positional relationship according to the information on the information on the position of the listener and the information on the position of the sound source
Data Source
AI summary
A sound field reproduction apparatus generates sound field synthesizing parameters according to a relative positional relationship between the listener and the sound source and performs frequency conversion on sound data according to the relative positional relationship. A convolutional operation is conducted on the sound data that are subjected to the frequency conversion and the generated sound field synthesizing parameters in order to synthesize the sound of the sound source of each channel. The synthesized sound is subjected to wave front synthesis for the synthesized sound by using n-channel sound sources to reproduce a sound field in a predetermined area.