Head-worn Device Spatial Audio Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio technologies fail to enhance the user experience by providing an additional layer of audio that seamlessly integrates with existing audiovisual content, lacking effective spatialization and synchronization with playback devices.
Innovation Solution
A head-worn device system that uses microphones to detect audio content from playback devices and applies spatial filters to additional audio channels, ensuring synchronized and spatially correct playback through speakers, allowing the additional audio to blend with or enhance the user's experience by simulating sound origins from the playback device's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spatial filters are applied to additional audio channels to simulate sound origins from playback device location, then audio immersion and spatial accuracy are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spatial filters as intermediary processing elements that transform additional audio channels to match the spatial characteristics of the playback device output. These filters act as mediators between the source audio and the user's auditory perception, creating realistic spatial positioning without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of the playback device's audio output by generating additional audio channels that replicate the spatial characteristics and sound origins of the original playback. This allows the head-worn device to present multiple spatial perspectives of the same audio content without requiring separate physical sound sources.
2Measurement precision
If microphones are used to detect playback device audio output, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but susceptibility to environmental noise and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using microphones to continuously monitor the actual audio output from playback devices and using this detected signal as the basis for generating synchronized additional audio channels. This closed-loop approach ensures that the spatialized audio remains accurately synchronized with the original playback despite variations in playback timing or environmental conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional audio channels are spatialized to blend with playback content, then user immersion is improved, but risk of audio distortion and loss of original content clarity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing into distinct components: the original playback audio content and the additional spatialized audio channels. By keeping these segments separate in the processing pipeline and only mixing them at the final output stage, the system maintains the integrity and clarity of the original content while adding immersive spatial elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different processing qualities to different audio components. The original playback audio maintains its native quality and characteristics, while the additional audio channels receive specialized spatial filtering and positioning processing. This local differentiation ensures that each audio element contributes optimally to the overall listening experience without compromising the other.
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
The system effectively enhances the audio experience by providing spatialized audio that complements the original content, improving immersion and clarity, especially in environments where playback devices may not support full surround sound or when users are not optimally positioned relative to speakers.
Implementation Method 1
the human auditory system can estimate directions of sound using the way sound diffracts around and reflects off of our bodies and interacts with our pinna
Implementation Method 2
the human auditory system can estimate directions of sound using the way sound diffracts around and reflects off of our bodies and interacts with our pinna
Implementation Method 3
These spatial cues can be artificially generated using spatial filters. The spatial filters, when applied to audio content, can artificially impart spatial cues into the audio that resemble the diffractions, delays, and reflections that are naturally caused by our body geometry and pinna
Data Source
AI summary
A head-worn device can determine that a playback device is outputting audio content. A microphone of the head-worn device can sense the audio content that is output by the playback device. Spatial filters can be applied to one or more audio channels of additional audio content that compliments the audio content output by the playback device. The resulting spatialized audio can be played through speakers to a user wearing the head-worn device.