Directional Gesture Control for Spatial Audio Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manipulating surround sound audio objects are not user-friendly, requiring visual connection to a device and being cumbersome, which limits the potential of object-based surround sound systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to manipulate audio objects using directional gestures, such as pointing with a hand or device, to control characteristics like loudness, orientation, and distance, enabling quick and natural interaction with spatial audio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual connection to a device is required for manipulating audio objects, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual interaction system (requiring visual connection to a device screen) with an acoustic/gesture-based system. Users point directional gestures toward the desired audio object location in space, and the system automatically identifies and manipulates the audio object without requiring visual connection to a device. This substitutes the visual-mechanical control paradigm with a spatial-gesture paradigm, improving ease of operation while maintaining control precision through directional accuracy.
2Device complexity
If traditional manipulation methods are used, then device control is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically identifying and selecting the audio object based on the user's directional gesture before the user needs to manipulate it. When a user points in a direction, the system pre-identifies the audio object in that direction and prepares it for manipulation, eliminating the need for the user to visually search through device interfaces or manually search for the audio object. This preliminary identification action significantly increases manipulation productivity while maintaining device control capabilities.
3Device complexity
If visual connection is required for audio object manipulation, then interface control is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal gesture-based control interface that can manipulate any audio object in the spatial audio environment regardless of its source, type, or originating application. The directional gesture system provides a single, unified method for selecting, moving, and controlling diverse audio objects (music, speech, notifications, etc.) from various applications and devices. This universal interface approach increases adaptability and versatility across different applications while maintaining simplified interface control through consistent gesture commands.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for enabling manipulation of one or more audio objects may include a processor and memory storing executable computer program code that cause the apparatus to at least perform operations including detecting at least one audio object and operating a pointer in a selected direction by a user. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to detect a gesture of the pointer in response to the operating of the pointer in the selected direction. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to control at least one characteristic of the detected audio object in response to the detected gesture of the pointer or an indication of a selection of the at least one characteristic. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.