Hybrid Earphone Speaker Audio Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio signal processing methods for earphones struggle to effectively improve sound image localization, particularly when the sound source is located in front of the user, leading to difficulties in perceiving the sense of distance and localization.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal output method that includes acquiring audio data with sound source location information, performing sound image localization processing using a head-related transfer function, and outputting the processed audio signal to both headphones and speakers, with the speaker emitting sound when the sound source is in a predetermined location to enhance localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sound image localization processing using head-related transfer function is performed on earphones, then sound localization capability is improved, but the sense of distance and localization is deteriorated when the sound source is in front of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines earphone output and speaker output into a hybrid audio system. The earphone provides HRTF-based sound image localization while the speaker simultaneously outputs the same audio signal to provide a real sound source reference, merging both approaches to overcome their individual limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker acts as an intermediary that provides an objective acoustic reference in the physical space. This real sound source serves as a mediator between the virtual sound image from the earphone and the user's perception, enabling accurate distance and localization judgment.
2Ease of operation
If only earphones are used for audio output, then portability and convenience are improved, but sound image localization accuracy is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the convenience of earphone-only usage with the accuracy of speaker-based localization by combining both output methods. The earphone maintains portability while the speaker enhances localization accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker output is used partially - only when sound source location judgment is required - rather than continuously. This allows the system to maintain earphone convenience while adding speaker-based localization enhancement only when necessary.
3Reliability
If speaker output is added to provide real sound source, then sense of distance and localization is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker serves multiple functions: it provides real sound source output for localization reference, can function as a standalone audio output device, and works in combination with the earphone. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker is not always active - it operates partially based on whether localization is needed. This reduces the effective complexity impact by having the speaker engage only when providing localization reference benefits the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio signal output method is provided. The audio signal output method includes acquiring audio data including an audio signal and sound source location information indicating a location of a sound source, acquiring the audio data and the sound source location information from the acquired audio data, performing sound image localization processing of a head-related transfer function on the acquired audio signal based on the acquired sound source location information, outputting the processed audio signal to an earphone, and outputting the acquired audio signal that has not been performed with sound image localization processing to a speaker, in a state where the location of the sound source indicated by the sound source location information is in a predetermined location.