HRTF Generation for Accurate Near-Field Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reproducing sounds from virtual sound sources struggle to accurately account for the shape of a user's head, leading to inaccuracies in sound localization, particularly in near-field sound source scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing device and method that generate a second HRTF by adjusting interaural information from a first HRTF based on the shape of the user's head, allowing for accurate sound reproduction from virtual sound sources at various distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a far-field HRTF is used for sound sources at 1m or more distance, then the HRTF calculation is simplified, but the sound localization accuracy deteriorates for near-field sound sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the far-field HRTF into a near-field HRTF by changing interaural parameters (ITD and ILD) according to the distance from the sound source. This allows the system to use a single far-field HRTF measurement and adapt it for near-field sound sources through parameter modification, resolving the contradiction between calculation simplicity and localization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the ITD and ILD are changed according to head size to generate near-field HRTF, then the sound localization accuracy for different head sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores conversion tables for ITD and ILD changes corresponding to different head sizes and distances. During actual sound reproduction, the system simply looks up and applies the appropriate conversion values rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thus improving accuracy for different head sizes while keeping processing complexity manageable.
3Ease of operation
If a universal HRTF is used without considering individual head shape, then the ease of operation is improved, but the sound localization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces head size as a local characteristic parameter that modifies the universal far-field HRTF. Instead of requiring completely individualized HRTF measurements for each user, the system applies local adjustments based on head size to the universal HRTF, achieving good localization accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a signal processing device, a signal processing method, and a program capable of reproducing a sound emitted from a virtual sound source according to a shape of a user's head with high accuracy. A signal processing device according to the present technology includes a generation unit that generates a second HRTF from a second sound source position at the same angle as a first sound source position with reference to a position of a user to the position of the user by changing interaural information indicated by a first HRTF from the first sound source position to the position of the user according to a shape of the user's head. The present technology can be applied to, for example, the signal processing device that reproduces a sound source bit stream.