Mobile Terminal Spatial Audio Simulation Using Directional Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simulating three-dimensional sound fields on mobile terminals using beamforming technology result in a two-dimensional sound field experience, with a more noticeable difference between left and right directions than between front and rear, leading to poor sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A sound signal processing method and apparatus that uses at least three microphones on a mobile terminal to acquire sound signals from multiple directions, calculate the time difference of arrival, and generate spatial audio signals by adjusting gain parameters based on the sound source's direction, effectively simulating a three-dimensional sound field by enhancing the difference between front and rear directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beamforming technology for two-dimensional sound field collection is used to generate beams with heart-shaped directivity in 0 degree and 180 degree directions, then the mobile terminal can implement three-dimensional sound field collection, but the simulated three-dimensional sound field still has features of a two-dimensional sound field with poor quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional beamforming (0 and 180 degrees) to four-dimensional sound field collection by adding beams in 90 and 270 degree directions. This dimensional expansion enables true three-dimensional spatial audio simulation by incorporating front, rear, left, and right directional information, thereby resolving the limitation of pseudo-3D effects produced by traditional 2D beamforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sound field collection into four distinct directional beams (front, rear, left, right) instead of using a single omnidirectional or two-directional beam. Each beam is independently processed and then integrated to create a comprehensive spatial audio experience, improving the precision of sound source localization and spatial distribution.
2Ease of operation
If beams with heart-shaped directivity in 0 degree and 180 degree directions are generated, then sound field collection can be implemented, but the difference between left and right directions is more obvious than the difference between front and rear directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an asymmetric beam configuration by generating four beams at different orientations (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees) rather than symmetric heart-shaped beams. This asymmetric arrangement allows independent control and processing of front-rear and left-right directional differences, enabling more precise discrimination between all four directions through separate gain adjustment parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different gain adjustment parameters specifically tailored for each directional beam (front, rear, left, right). By optimizing the quality and characteristics of each individual beam separately, the system enhances the ability to distinguish directional differences in all orientations, not just privileging left-right over front-rear as in traditional approaches.
3Device complexity
If traditional beamforming technology is used, then the processing method is simple, but the simulated three-dimensional sound field quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic gain adjustment parameters that can be independently modified for each of the four directional beams. This dynamic control mechanism allows flexible optimization of spatial audio characteristics without requiring complete redesign of the beamforming architecture, balancing computational complexity with improved sound field simulation quality through adaptive parameter tuning.
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
This approach improves the quality of the simulated three-dimensional sound field by accurately determining the sound source's direction and adjusting gain parameters, thereby enhancing the separation between front and rear sound components, resulting in a more immersive audio experience.
Implementation Method 1
at least three microphones are disposed on the mobile terminal and every microphone of the at least three microphones is configured to receive a sound signal in at least one direction
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a time difference of arrival between a sound signal in one direction and a sound signal in another direction that are received by the microphones on the mobile terminal
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a sound signal processing method and apparatus, relate to the audio signal processing field, and can collect and process signals in a three-dimensional sound field surrounding a terminal. The method in the present invention includes: acquiring, by a mobile terminal, sound signals from a three-dimensional sound field, where at least three microphones are disposed on the mobile terminal and one microphone is configured to receive a sound signal in at least one direction; acquiring, according to the acquired sound signals, a direction of a sound source relative to the mobile terminal; and obtaining spatial audio signals according to the direction of the sound source relative to the mobile terminal and the acquired sound signals, where the spatial audio signals are used for simulating the three-dimensional sound field. The present invention is applicable to a process of collecting and processing signals in a three-dimensional sound field surrounding a terminal.