Motion-Adaptive Spatial Audio Using Virtual Speaker Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio processing technologies fail to flexibly adjust spatial sound effects in response to user movement, resulting in a fixed, head-in sound effect experience.

Innovation Solution

An audio processing method that calculates the position and angle of virtual speakers relative to a user's movement, using motion information such as trajectory, speed, and acceleration to dynamically adjust spatial audio data, employing Head Related Transfer Functions and upmix algorithms to enhance spatial audio playback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional sound effect processing is used, then the audio playback is simple and stable, but the spatial sound effect cannot be flexibly adjusted according to user movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial sound effect adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidaudio processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of virtual speaker positions based on real-time motion detection. The system continuously updates the spatial audio parameters according to user movement state, transforming the static audio processing into a dynamic system that adapts to changing conditions. This resolves the contradiction by making the audio processing flexible and adaptive without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical speaker movement with virtual speaker position calculation through signal processing. Instead of mechanically moving speakers to create spatial effects, the system uses algorithms to simulate spatial audio characteristics through digital signal manipulation. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If virtual speaker positions are fixed, then the audio processing is simple, but the sound effect does not follow user movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound effect following effectVSAvoidmotion tracking and audio processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where motion sensors continuously monitor user movement and feed this information back to the audio processing system. The system adjusts virtual speaker positions based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures the sound effect reliably follows user movement. This feedback approach enhances reliability while managing complexity through systematic information flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces motion sensors and processing algorithms as intermediaries between user movement and audio output. These intermediaries translate physical movement into virtual speaker position adjustments, bridging the gap between user action and audio response. This intermediary layer improves sound effect following while organizing the complexity into manageable functional blocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If motion sensors and virtual speaker calculation are added, then spatial audio follows user movement, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial audio dynamic adjustmentVSAvoidsensor and processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the audio processing system to perform multiple functions: basic audio playback, motion detection, virtual speaker position calculation, and spatial audio rendering. By making the system multi-functional, the same components serve multiple purposes, reducing overall complexity despite adding capabilities. The motion sensors and processing algorithms simultaneously enable both motion tracking and adaptive audio adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the motion sensing functionality with the audio processing system into an integrated solution. Rather than treating motion tracking and audio processing as separate subsystems, the patent combines them into a unified framework where motion data directly influences audio parameter adjustment. This merging reduces system complexity by eliminating interfaces and integration layers between separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4362503B1Spatial audio effect adjustment
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 ANKER INNOVATIONS TECH CO LTD
  • EP4362503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4362503B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4362503B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This application describes an audio processing method, an audio playback device, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method comprises: obtaining motion information of the audio playback device, the motion information comprising a motion trajectory, real-time motion speed, and real-time acceleration. The method further comprises determining the position and angle information of at least two virtual speakers relative to the user based on the motion information; and determining spatial audio data based on position and angle information. The method further comprises outputting the spatial audio data. In this application, the audio playback device adjusts the position parameters in the sound effect function according to user's motion information, improving the sound following effect. (Fig. 1)