Headset Position Tracking for Consistent Audio

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Solution Overview

Problem

Augmented reality glasses face challenges in maintaining consistent audio performance due to variations in headset position and fit on different users' heads, leading to reduced sensor and audio performance.

Innovation Solution

An audio system that adjusts acoustic parameters based on the headset's position on the user's head using inward-facing tracking cameras, which capture images of the user's face or eyes to determine the headset's position and adjust parameters such as the equalization profile and microphone array transfer function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visual inertial odometry is used to track device position, then world-locked position tracking is achieved, but headset position relative to head becomes difficult to assess

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking accuracyVSAvoidheadset-to-head position measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using cameras to capture images of anatomical landmarks on the user's head, and then using these images to calculate headset position relative to the head. This intermediary image-based measurement system bridges the gap between device-centric tracking and head-relative positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If glasses are mounted on a frame for different users, then adaptability to different users is achieved, but fit-to-fit variation causes inconsistent audio performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser compatibilityVSAvoidaudio performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of audio parameters based on real-time detection of headset position and orientation relative to the user's head. The system continuously monitors position changes and adapts audio rendering parameters accordingly, transforming a static fit problem into a dynamically compensated solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes audio rendering parameters (such as equalization, spatial audio effects, and microphone array processing) based on detected headset position and orientation. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system compensates for fit variations and maintains consistent audio performance across different users and wearing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If headset position varies on different users, then personalization is possible, but sensor performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition variation accommodationVSAvoidsensor performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback by continuously monitoring headset position and orientation using camera-based tracking, then using this feedback information to adjust audio parameters. This closed-loop system compensates for position variations that would otherwise degrade sensor and audio performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11234095B1Adjusting acoustic parameters based on headset position

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An audio system (e.g., of an artificial reality headset) determines a position of the headset relative to a position of a head of a user wearing the headset. The determination is based in part on an image of a portion of the head from a tracking camera (e.g., eye tracking and/or face tracking) on the headset. The audio system adjusts an acoustic parameter based in part on the determined position of the headset. The audio system performs an action that uses the adjusted acoustic parameter.