HRTF Data Volume Reduction via Intensity Panning

The patent segments the complete HRTF dataset by storing only a subset of HRTFs at specific discrete directions and distances. Instead of storing all possible HRTFs, the system divides the 3D space into discrete angular positions and distance levels, storing HRTFs only at these segmented positions. This segmentation approach reduces storage requirements while maintaining localization accuracy through selective sampling of critical spatial positions.

The patent creates approximate copies of missing HRTFs through interpolation. When a specific HRTF is not stored in the subset, the system generates it by interpolating between stored HRTFs at neighboring directions and distances. This copying mechanism allows the system to reconstruct any required HRTF from the reduced subset, maintaining accuracy without storing the complete dataset.

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-selecting and storing only the most critical HRTFs at key directions and distances. Rather than having to process and manage a complete set of HRTFs in real-time, the system pre-prepares a optimized subset that captures the essential spatial audio information. This preliminary selection reduces the computational burden during actual audio processing while maintaining emulation quality.

The patent uses interpolation to create approximate copies of missing HRTFs on-demand. When a specific directional HRTF is needed but not stored, the system generates it by copying and combining information from stored HRTFs at adjacent directions and distances. This approach avoids the need to store and process every possible HRTF, significantly reducing computational complexity while preserving sound emulation quality.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous 360-degree directional space into discrete angular segments and storing HRTFs only at representative positions within each segment. Instead of storing HRTFs for every possible angle, the system segments the directional space and selects key sampling points, reducing storage requirements while maintaining localization precision through strategic placement of stored HRTFs.

The patent uses interpolation-based copying to generate HRTFs for directions not explicitly stored. By copying and combining information from stored HRTFs at segment boundary positions, the system reconstructs HRTFs for intermediate directions, maintaining localization precision without storing data for every possible angle. This copying approach preserves essential spatial information while dramatically improving storage efficiency.