Multi-Device Audio Rendering With Automatic Spatial Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems struggle with manual calibration of multiple audio output devices, leading to poor localization and inconsistent audio output due to the complexity of adjusting volume and latency settings, which are applied uniformly across all audio objects without considering their specific locations or trajectories.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines the location of each audio output device relative to others using microphone detection times, allowing for accurate calibration by adjusting audio output based on the location of each device within a physical space, including automatic detection of reversed locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration settings are applied to adjust volume and latency of each audio output device, then the audio output can be adjusted for different device locations, but the process becomes complicated and confusing for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic calibration by having each audio output device emit test tones that are detected by microphones in other devices. The system automatically determines device locations based on detection times and applies appropriate calibration settings without requiring manual user input, thus resolving the contradiction between calibration accuracy and operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs location determination and calibration settings application as preliminary actions before actual audio playback. By pre-determining device locations and pre-applying calibration settings, the system eliminates the need for complex manual calibration during use, improving both accuracy and ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If uniform calibration settings are applied to all audio output devices, then the calibration process is simplified, but the audio localization and trajectory rendering become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the location of each audio output device individually relative to other devices and applies specific calibration settings tailored to each device's location. This localized calibration approach ensures accurate audio localization and trajectory rendering for each device while maintaining automated simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts calibration parameters (volume, latency) based on determined device locations. By changing parameters according to each device's specific spatial position rather than applying uniform settings, the system achieves accurate localization while maintaining operational simplicity through automation
3Measurement precision
If the system determines the location of each audio output device relative to others using microphone detection times, then accurate spatial calibration is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Audio output devices serve multiple functions: they act as both sound sources emitting test tones and as detection devices with microphones that detect tones from other devices. This multi-functionality enables location determination without adding separate calibration hardware, reducing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from microphone detection times to automatically determine device locations and adjust calibration settings. Each device's detection of test tones from other devices provides feedback that the system uses to calculate relative positions and apply appropriate calibration, achieving accurate localization through automated feedback loops rather than complex manual procedures
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 method enhances audio localization and trajectory rendering by accurately determining device locations, providing more precise audio output that aligns with the intended spatial audio experience.
Implementation Method 1
determining, for each other audio output device of the plurality of audio output devices, a detection time of the audio sample from each audio output device by each of two or more microphones included in the other audio output device
Implementation Method 2
based on the detection times of each of the audio samples by each of the audio output devices, determining a location of each audio output device relative to the other audio output devices
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for generating audio include causing each audio output device of a plurality of audio output devices to output an audio sample; determining, for each other audio output device of the plurality of audio output devices, a detection time of the audio sample from each audio output device by each of two or more microphones included in the other audio output device; based on the detection times of each of the audio samples by each of the audio outputdevices, determining a location of each audio output device relative to the other audio output devices; and causing each of the plurality of audio output devices to generate an audio output associated with an audio object, wherein an output of each of the audio output devices is based on a location of the audio object and the location of each audio output device relative to the other audio output devices.