Personalized HRTF Generation Using Ear Panoramic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating personalized head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) are costly and time-consuming due to the requirement for expensive equipment and the difficulty in capturing accurate 3D images of the ear for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a wireless communication device to capture panoramic or 3D images of the ear, which are then processed by a machine learning engine to derive personalized HRTFs, allowing for easier data collection and more detailed modeling, enabling the creation of HRTFs that can be used across various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive specialized equipment is used to generate HRTF, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses panoramic images as a copy or representation of the actual ear structure, replacing the need for physical measurement equipment. The image processing system creates a digital model that serves as a substitute for expensive HRTF measurement devices, achieving comparable results through computational methods rather than specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with an optical-imaging-based system. Instead of using physical probes and specialized acoustic equipment to measure ear geometry and derive HRTF, the system uses panoramic photography and image processing algorithms to extract ear characteristics and generate HRTF data computationally
2Measurement precision
If microphones are placed in ears to record sounds, then HRTF data accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity of equipment setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform HRTF calibration themselves without requiring assistance from technicians or complex setup procedures. Users simply capture panoramic images of their own ears using their mobile device camera, and the automated image processing system handles the rest, making the entire calibration process self-service and eliminating the need for specialized equipment setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential geometric features of the ear from panoramic images, separating the critical measurement information from the need for complex physical measurement setups. By extracting ear geometry data from images rather than requiring physical microphone placement and sound recording, the system simplifies the user operation while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Ease of operation
If a single 2D photograph of the ear is taken, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to loss of 3D information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D photography to 3D panoramic imaging by capturing images from multiple angles and stitching them together. This dimensional enhancement preserves the three-dimensional geometric information of the ear while maintaining ease of operation, as users still simply point their camera at their ear but receive comprehensive 3D data for accurate HRTF modeling
Data Source
AI summary
Left and right ear HRTF coefficients are determined for an end user, one each for each of a plurality of head orientations, and provided to the end user on a portable recording medium, or via the Internet, etc. The user can then implement the files on audio played on the user's headphones, with the file corresponding to the user's head orientation being selected as the user moves his head to ensure the sound as perceived by the user remains emanating from a fixed external location. The user's personal HRTF may be generated using panoramic images of the ears, such as multiple 2D images or 3D imaging.