Mobile Image Acquisition for Personalized HRTF Filter Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing personalized Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF) filters are costly, computationally intensive, and require extensive image acquisition, which is difficult and space-consuming, especially when using three-dimensional scanning devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a mobile device, such as a smartphone, to acquire and process images efficiently, selecting only relevant images for HRTF production, and transmitting them to a server for further processing, reducing data transfer and computational requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional three-dimensional scanning devices are used to produce accurate three-dimensional geometric models of ears, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard camera images as copies or representations of the ear anatomy instead of requiring specialized three-dimensional scanning devices. Multiple two-dimensional images from different angles are processed to reconstruct the three-dimensional geometric model, replacing expensive specialized equipment with common imaging technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical three-dimensional scanning system with an optical imaging system using standard cameras. The mechanical complexity of specialized scanning devices is substituted by capturing images through camera lenses and processing them computationally to extract geometric information
2Measurement precision
If extensive image or video material is acquired to sufficiently cover the whole head and body parts for filter production, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential anatomical features needed for HRTF filter production from the captured images. Instead of requiring exhaustive coverage of all body parts, the system identifies and processes only the relevant ear and head anatomy, discarding redundant information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides preliminary instructions to users about what images are needed and how to capture them properly. This preparation ensures that the acquired images contain the necessary anatomical information, reducing the need for additional image acquisition sessions and minimizing total acquisition time
3Measurement precision
If all acquired images are transmitted for processing, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of energy and data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the essential image data required for HRTF filter production instead of transmitting all acquired images. The system identifies and sends only those images containing relevant anatomical information, significantly reducing data transmission volume and associated energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing and transmission quality levels to different images based on their relevance. High-quality transmission is applied only to images containing critical anatomical features, while less relevant images are either processed locally or transmitted at lower quality, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and energy consumption
Data Source
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AI summary
Arrangement for acquiring images for producing a head related transfer function filter is disclosed. In the arrangement the camera of a mobile phone or similar portable device is adjusted for the imaging. All acquired images are analyzed and only suitable images are sent further for producing the head related transfer filter. The arrangement is further configured to provide instructions to the user so that the whole head and other relevant body parts are sufficiently covered.