HMD Sound Control Apparatus for Immersive Object Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted display (HMD) users experience a decrease in immersion feeling when warned about approaching objects through sound outputs or visual notifications, as these methods disrupt the immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A sound control apparatus and method that adjusts sound output mode, including volume and frequency, based on the distance between the user and objects in the environment, allowing for subtle notifications without disrupting the immersive experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a warning sound is output from speaker or headphones when the user approaches an object, then the user is notified of the approaching object, but the immersion feeling of the user is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by spatially localizing warning sounds to specific directions corresponding to the location of approaching objects. Instead of using a general warning sound that disrupts immersion, the system outputs directional audio cues that provide spatial information about object locations, allowing users to perceive warnings as part of the immersive environment rather than as disruptive notifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting sound output parameters (volume, frequency, spatial position) based on the distance between the user and approaching objects. As objects approach, the system modifies these parameters to create subtle auditory cues that maintain immersion while effectively notifying users of potential hazards.
2Loss of information
If an object corresponding to the approached object is displayed on the HMD, then the user is notified of the approaching object, but the immersion feeling of the user is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes visual display mechanisms with acoustic warning mechanisms. Instead of displaying visual overlays or graphics on the HMD that would break immersion, the system uses spatial audio to convey information about approaching objects, replacing the mechanical visual notification system with an auditory alternative that integrates more naturally with the immersive experience.
3Loss of information
If the volume of sound is increased to ensure user notification, then the user is reliably notified of approaching objects, but the natural immersive experience is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sound output adaptive and dynamic rather than static. The volume, frequency, and spatial characteristics of warning sounds are continuously adjusted based on real-time distance measurements between the user and approaching objects. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable notification while maintaining natural immersion, as the sound parameters evolve smoothly with changing conditions rather than abruptly disrupting the experience.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a sound control apparatus, a sound control method, and a program, which are capable of notifying a user that an object is approached without decreasing an immersion feeling of a user. A sound output control section (70) controls a sound to be output to the user. A distance specification section (78) specifies a distance between the user wearing a head-mounted display and an object existing around the user. A sound changing section (82) changes an output mode of the sound output to the user in accordance with a change in the distance between the user and the object existing around the user generated when the sound is output to the user.