Portable Device Spatial Audio Alignment via Sound Control Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable communication devices often have poor sound quality when used for video applications, as the loudspeaker does not provide spatial cohesiveness with the video output, discouraging their use for video teleconferences and video playback.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a position determining module and a sound control module to direct audio output from a distinct audio device, such as headphones or speakers, to create the illusion that the sound is originating from the portable communication device, enhancing spatial cohesiveness and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external audio output is used with portable communication device, then sound quality is improved, but spatial cohesiveness between audio and video is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic limitation of portable device loudspeakers with an electronic solution. By using the device's microphone to capture audio and processing it through audio processing circuits, the system generates synthetic audio signals that are spatially aligned with the video output, substituting the inadequate physical loudspeaker with an electronically generated audio field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the device's microphone and audio processing circuits. The microphone captures audio from the environment, and the processing circuits manipulate these signals to create spatially coherent audio output that matches the video position, serving as a mediator between the video display and the external audio environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If portable communication device is used for video applications, then portability is maintained, but audio output quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the portable communication device multi-functional by utilizing its existing microphone (designed for voice calls) for a new purpose: capturing audio for spatially coherent video output. This allows the device to serve both as a communication tool and as a video playback device with quality audio, without adding dedicated video/audio hardware that would compromise portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of audio output by processing the microphone's audio signal through various audio processing circuits that adjust spatial characteristics, frequency response, and timing. This transforms the inadequate direct loudspeaker output into high-quality spatial audio that matches video positioning, all while maintaining the device's portable form factor.
3Measurement precision
If external loudspeaker is used, then high quality sound is achieved, but spatial relationship between audio and video becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the device's microphone continuously captures audio from the environment, and this captured audio is processed to match the video output's spatial characteristics. The system uses the actual acoustic environment as feedback to generate audio that is consistently aligned with video position, eliminating the spatial inconsistency problem of external loudspeakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the video output system with the audio capture and processing system into a unified spatial audio-video output. By combining the microphone input, audio processing circuits, and video display into a coordinated system, the patent ensures that audio and video maintain consistent spatial relationships, effectively merging functions that were previously separate and inconsistent.
Data Source
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AI summary
An exemplary method of facilitating communication includes determining a position of a portable communication device that generates a video output. A sound output control is provided to an audio device that is distinct from the portable communication device for directing a sound output from the audio device based on the determined position of the portable communication device.