Personalized HRTF Adaptation for Accurate Sound Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HRTF technologies fail to provide personalized and accurate sound localization due to using average HRTFs, leading to poor sound localization and audio distortion, and ANC designs lack real-world adaptability and user personalization, resulting in inconsistent performance and noise leakage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for HRTF adaptation using a hybrid adapted active noise canceller (ANC) loop, incorporating pinna and shadowing identifications, and system compensation to generate personalized HRTFs through curve fitting and matrix rendering, enabling adaptive ANC earphones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If average HRTF is used for audio processing, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but sound localization accuracy deteriorates and audio distortion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of HRTF applicationVSAvoidsound localization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic HRTF adaptation by continuously adjusting the HRTF parameters based on real-time feedback from microphones and environmental conditions. The system transitions from static average HRTF to dynamic personalized HRTF that adapts to individual user characteristics and environmental noise profiles, resolving the contradiction between ease of application and localization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of HRTF from fixed average values to adaptive parameters that vary based on user-specific acoustic characteristics. By estimating individual HRTF parameters through calibration procedures and updating them based on environmental feedback, the system achieves personalized sound localization while maintaining practical implementability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If fixed HRTF is used in ANC earphones, then the device complexity is low, but adaptability to different environmental noises and user fitting states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of HRTF processingVSAvoidadaptability to environmental noise and fitting state

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where microphones capture environmental noise and user response, which is then processed to adjust HRTF parameters. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and user fitting states, significantly improving versatility while managing device complexity through intelligent algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calibration and characterization of the user's acoustic environment before normal operation. By pre-adapting HRTF parameters based on initial measurements and user profile, the system reduces the complexity of continuous adaptation during use while maintaining high adaptability to different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If non-personalized average HRTF is modified to fit individual users, then the manufacturing process becomes simpler, but audio distortion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of HRTF customizationVSAvoidaudio fidelity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to automatically perform HRTF adaptation and personalization without requiring manual intervention or complex customization processes. The self-service calibration procedure uses automated algorithms to estimate individual HRTF parameters, achieving personalized audio fidelity while maintaining ease of manufacture through software-based solutions rather than physical customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides personalized HRTFs for improved sound localization and immersive audio experiences, while adapting to different environmental conditions and user-specific fitting states, reducing noise pollution effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a head-related transfer function (HRTF) adaptation using a hybrid adapted active noise canceller (ANC) loop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHead-related transfer function (HRTF):

Implementation Method 2

hybrid adapted active noise canceller (ANC) loop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectActive noise cancellation:

Implementation Method 3

performing curve fitting to obtain a compensation curve of the HRTF, based on the adapted HRTF

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCurve fitting compensation:

Implementation Method 4

inputting an audio signal received from a reference microphone and an audio signal received from an error microphone into an adapted controller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrophone signal conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4026347B1Method and system for head-related transfer function adaptation

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 HARMAN INT IND INC

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AI summary

The disclosure provides a method and a system for head-related transfer function (HRTF) adaptation. The method includes: performing a system identification, the system identification including a pinna identification and a shadowing identification.