3D Sound Reproduction Using Image Depth Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereophonic sound technologies fail to effectively match the 3D visual experience with corresponding audio effects, as the depth perception of sound objects is not efficiently synchronized with the visual elements, leading to an incomplete immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire image depth information and sound depth information to provide sound perspective by controlling sound object characteristics such as power, gain, delay, low-frequency components, and phase differences across multiple speakers, ensuring that sound objects appear to approach or recede from the user in synchronization with visual objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stereophonic sound technology is used with multiple speakers placed around the user, then sound localization at different locations can be achieved, but the sound perspective is not effectively synchronized with visual depth information, leading to an incomplete immersive experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth information as an intermediary element that bridges visual and auditory domains. By extracting depth information from video content and using it to control sound perspective parameters, the system achieves synchronized audio-visual experience without requiring complex multi-speaker configurations. The depth information acts as a mediator that translates visual spatial relationships into corresponding sound perspective characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying sound perspective parameters (such as pan law, volume, and spatial positioning) based on depth information values. As objects move closer or farther in the visual field, the system dynamically adjusts sound parameters to reflect these depth changes, creating a cohesive immersive experience. This parameter-based approach simplifies the system compared to physical reconfiguration of multiple speakers.
2Reliability
If depth information is acquired and used to control sound perspective parameters, then sound objects can appear to approach or recede from the user in synchronization with visual objects, but this requires additional processing steps and system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using a single audio processing system that can handle both standard stereophonic sound and depth-based sound perspective control. The same apparatus processes audio signals whether or not depth information is available, making the system universally applicable. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for depth processing, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining accurate depth-based sound perspective control.
3Reliability
If sound perspective is provided based on image depth information, then a more immersive 3D experience is achieved, but the processing requirements and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extracting and utilizing depth information that is already available from the video content processing pipeline. Rather than performing additional complex computational analysis, the system leverages depth information that has been previously calculated during video rendering or compression. This preliminary preparation of depth data significantly reduces the computational load required for implementing depth-based sound perspective control.
Data Source
AI summary
Stereophonic sound is reproduced by acquiring image depth information indicating a distance between at least one object in an image signal and a reference location, acquiring sound depth information indicating a distance between at least one sound object in a sound signal and a reference location based on the image depth information, and providing sound perspective to the at least one sound object based on the sound depth information.