Detachable HMD Speaker Position Sensing for Adaptive Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality systems face challenges in providing seamless audio output, as separate headphones can disrupt the real environment's sound and lack adaptive audio processing based on their position relative to the head-mounted display unit.
Innovation Solution
A display system incorporating a head-mounted display unit with detachable speaker units that adjust audio signal processing, such as volume, equalization, and dynamic range, based on their position, and provide visual indicators for sound output capability, allowing for a mixed reality experience by integrating audio output with the real environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate headphones are used for aural content, then audio output is provided to the user, but the real environment's sound is disrupted and adaptive audio processing is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detachable speaker unit with the head-mounted display unit, allowing the audio output device to be physically integrated with the visual display system. This merging enables the audio system to benefit from the position tracking capabilities of the HMD while maintaining detachability for flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio signal processing is made dynamic by continuously adjusting volume, equalization, and dynamic range based on the real-time position of the detachable speaker unit relative to the head-mounted display unit. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing both audio output and adaptive processing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If detachable speaker units are used, then audio output is provided without disrupting real environment sound, but adaptive audio processing based on position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to detect the position of the detachable speaker unit and using this information to automatically adjust audio signal processing parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables adaptive audio processing while maintaining the benefits of detachable speakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual audio adjustment mechanisms with automated sensor-based position detection and electronic signal processing adjustment. This substitution enables adaptive audio processing without requiring physical connection or mechanical coupling between the speaker unit and HMD.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio signal processing is adjusted based on speaker position, then adaptive audio output is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted display unit's existing position tracking system, originally designed for visual content delivery, is repurposed to also track the detachable speaker unit's position. This multi-functional use of the same sensor system enables adaptive audio processing without adding separate tracking hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable speaker unit itself serves as the sensor by incorporating position-detectable features (such as visual markers or electronic identification), eliminating the need for separate sensing hardware. The system uses the speaker's own characteristics to provide the feedback needed for adaptive audio processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A display system includes a head-mounted display unit and a detachable speaker unit. The head-mounted display unit outputs visual content to a user and provides a visual pass-through of a real environment to the user. The detachable speaker unit is detachably coupleable to the head-mounted display unit for providing aural content to the user. At least one of the visual content or the aural content is changed according to a position of the detachable speaker unit relative to the head-mounted display unit.