Head Diameter-Based ITD Reconstruction for Personalized Sound Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-related transfer function (HRTF)-based sound localization schemes in personal and near-field audio systems often fail to accurately account for individual listener geometry, leading to inconsistent sound localization and reduced quality due to mismatched interaural time differences (ITDs).

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes head geometry information to calculate a user-specific interaural-time-delay (ITD) value, generating modified HRTFs to improve sound localization by adjusting audio signals for individual listeners, enhancing the three-dimensional audio experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If generic HRTFs with embedded ITD values are used for sound localization, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but the sound localization accuracy deteriorates because the ITD value does not match the actual listener geometry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidsound localization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the ITD parameter in the HRTF based on measured head geometry. Specifically, the system measures the listener's head diameter and ear positions, calculates the actual ITD from these measurements, and then modifies the generic HRTF by adjusting its embedded ITD value to match the calculated value. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining system simplicity while achieving accurate sound localization for individual listeners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If listener-specific head geometry information is collected to improve sound localization, then the sound localization quality improves, but the system complexity and user burden increase due to measurement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound localization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement of head geometry using the audio system's own speakers and microphones. The method plays test signals through the speakers and has the listener provide verbal confirmation when hearing the signal at their ear, allowing the system to automatically calculate ITD and generate personalized HRTFs without external measurement equipment or expert intervention. This eliminates the need for complex measurement devices while achieving listener-specific sound localization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional HRTF processing is used without personalization, then the system is universally applicable to all users, but the sound pressure level variability increases significantly when listeners move their heads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal applicabilityVSAvoidsound pressure level consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of HRTF parameters based on real-time head position tracking. The system continuously monitors head orientation and adjusts the HRTF application accordingly, ensuring that the sound pressure level remains consistent even when the listener moves their head. This dynamic adjustment maintains both universal applicability and reliability by adapting to each user's geometry and movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4583535A1Reconstruction of interaural time difference using a head diameter
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4583535A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4583535A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4583535A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for producing user-specific sound localization are described. In some embodiments, the techniques include: receiving head geometry information for a user, determining a calculated interaural-time-delay (ITD) value for the user based on the head geometry information, generating a first modified head-related transfer function (HRTF) with the calculated ITD value and a second modified HRTF with the calculated ITD value, generating a first modified audio signal with the first modified HRTF and a second modified audio signal with the second modified HRTF, and transmitting the first modified audio signal and the second modified audio signal to one or more loudspeakers.