Spatialized Soundfield Mapping for Multi-Listener HRTF Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatialized sound systems struggle to accurately create virtual sound images for multiple listeners outside the sweet spot, especially in non-stationary environments, due to variations in head-related transfer functions and cross-talk cancellation issues, which limit the effectiveness of binaural and linear transducer arrays.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for spatialized audio using digital signal processing to optimize sound delivery for multiple listeners by compensating for individual head-related transfer functions and minimizing cross-talk, employing adaptive beamforming and reflection modeling to create a stable sound field across various listening positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If binaural technology with cross-talk cancellation is used to create virtual sound images, then spatial localization accuracy is improved for a single listener at the sweet spot, but the system fails to maintain accurate spatialization for multiple listeners outside the sweet spot
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the listening space into multiple zones with different spatialization characteristics. Each zone is optimized for specific listener positions, allowing accurate virtual image creation for multiple listeners simultaneously rather than relying on a single sweet spot configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the spatialization parameters based on detected listener positions. By continuously monitoring listener locations and adjusting the audio signal processing accordingly, the system maintains accurate spatial localization for multiple listeners moving throughout the environment rather than being fixed to a predetermined sweet spot
2Ease of manufacture
If amplitude stereo is used to create virtual sound images between loudspeakers, then the system is simple to implement, but accurate virtual imaging is limited to angles of 60 degrees or less
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes key parameters including interaural time differences, interaural level differences, and frequency-dependent filtering beyond simple amplitude panning. These parameter modifications enable accurate virtual imaging across the full 180-degree field while maintaining computational efficiency through optimized algorithms
3Measurement precision
If virtual source imaging systems optimize acoustic waves at the listener's ears using HRTF, then spatial localization is improved, but the system requires very high order cancellation to optimize for multiple listeners
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial HRTF processing selectively to different frequency bands and spatial zones rather than attempting full-spectrum optimization for all listeners simultaneously. This partial action approach achieves sufficient spatial localization accuracy while dramatically reducing the computational complexity and processing power required
4Ease of manufacture
If a single set of transducers is used to deliver sound, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but it can only optimally deliver sound for a single head position
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes a single transducer set universally adaptable to multiple listener positions through real-time signal processing. By dynamically adjusting spatialization parameters based on detected listener locations, the same physical transducers can optimally serve multiple positions and orientations without requiring separate transducer arrays for each position
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing system and method for delivering spatialized sound, comprising: a spatial mapping sensor, configured to map an environment, to determine at least a position of at least one listener and at least one object; a signal processor configured to: transform a received audio program according to a spatialization model comprising parameters defining a head-related transfer function, and an acoustic interaction of the object, to form spatialized audio; generate an array of audio transducer signals for an audio transducer array representing the spatialized audio; and a network port configured to communicate physical state information for the at least one listener through digital packet communication network.