HRTF Generation Using Pinna Structures and Digital Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to accurately reconstruct a user's head-related audio transfer function (HRTF) in real time, particularly in hearing protection and assistance applications, due to the need for bulky headphones or hearing aids that block the ear canal, leading to inaccurate positional sound data.
Innovation Solution
A system and apparatus comprising an external and internal manifold with antihelix and tragus structures to filter and process acoustic waves, including a microphone housing and audio processor, to generate and enhance HRTF tailored to a user's physical characteristics and environment, allowing for real-time localization of sound sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulky headphones or hearing aids are worn to protect ears or assist hearing, then hearing protection or assistance is provided, but accurate positional sound data cannot be reconstructed because the ear canal is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of external microphones, digital signal processor, and output transducers that mediate between the external sound environment and the user's ear. This intermediary system captures sound waves before they reach the blocked ear canal, processes them to extract positional information, and delivers the processed audio signal, thereby enabling both hearing protection and accurate sound localization simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If microphones are placed on the outside of headphones to capture external sound, then the user can hear the outside world, but accurate positional data is lost because the HRTF cannot be reconstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic system of natural HRTF formation (which requires direct sound wave interaction with the pinna and ear canal) with a digital signal processing system. External microphones capture the sound field, and a digital signal processor computationally reconstructs the HRTF effects and extracts positional information, substituting physical acoustic mechanisms with electronic processing to achieve the same functional outcome
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ear canal is fully blocked by hearing aid devices, then hearing assistance is provided, but the user's natural HRTF cannot be reproduced accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the HRTF characteristics through computational methods rather than relying on the physical ear canal structure. By capturing external sound with microphones and processing it through algorithms that model HRTF effects, the system reproduces the spectral and spatial characteristics that would naturally occur if the ear canal were open, thereby maintaining HRTF accuracy while providing hearing assistance through the blocked canal scenario
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
Enables accurate real-time localization of sound sources in three-dimensional space, enhancing audio quality and positional data transmission, suitable for hearing assistance and noise filtering in loud environments.
Implementation Method 1
unique structural components are utilized in connection with a microphone to reproduce certain acoustic characteristics of the human pinna
Implementation Method 2
The opening is in direct air flow communication with the outside environment, and is structured to receive acoustic waves
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for an apparatus, system, and method for generating a head related audio transfer function in real time. Specifically, the present invention utilizes unique structural components including a tragus structure and an antihelix structure in connection with a microphone in order to communicate the location of a sound in three dimensional space to a user. The invention also utilizes an audio processor to digitally process the head related audio transfer function.