Real-Time Edge Detection for Sound Diffraction in VR

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D sound techniques struggle to reproduce realistic sound in dynamic scenes due to the difficulty of performing real-time edge detection for sound diffraction, which is essential for generating immersive and realistic auditory experiences in virtual reality environments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for edge detection in sound tracing that calculates edge candidates diffractable in real-time during the sound tracing process, involving a triangle detection step and an edge detection step that determine diffraction by performing intersection tests with test rays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If edge detection is performed in pre-processing step, then calculation time is reduced, but real-time processing for dynamic scenes becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation timeVSAvoidreal-time processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static pre-processing to dynamic run-time edge detection. The system continuously updates edge information during runtime by detecting hit triangles and calculating edge points based on current scene geometry, enabling adaptation to dynamic scenes while maintaining efficiency through optimized calculation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the edge detection process into discrete steps: triangle detection, edge point calculation, and diffraction determination. This segmentation allows the system to process only relevant geometric elements (hit triangles and their edges) rather than the entire scene, reducing computational overhead and enabling real-time performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If edge detection algorithm is applied, then diffraction accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffraction accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies edge detection only to hit triangles (triangles intersected by sound rays) rather than all triangles in the scene. This partial application maintains diffraction accuracy for relevant surfaces while significantly reducing processing complexity by excluding unnecessary geometric elements from the calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary triangle detection and hit identification before edge point calculation. By pre-filtering which triangles are relevant (those hit by sound rays), the system reduces the scope of subsequent edge detection operations, simplifying the overall process while maintaining accuracy for diffractable edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional 3D sound technique is used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but realistic sound reproduction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidrealistic sound reproduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges geometric acoustic methods (ray tracing, triangle detection) with traditional 3D sound techniques. This combination integrates the simplicity of conventional approaches with the realism of physical acoustic modeling, achieving both ease of operation and realistic sound reproduction through unified processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces edge detection as an intermediary process between sound source emission and listener reception. This intermediary step calculates diffraction effects at geometric edges, serving as a bridge that adds realistic acoustic behavior without fundamentally complicating the overall sound rendering pipeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables real-time sound rendering for dynamic scenes by calculating diffractable edges during runtime, allowing for highly immersive and realistic sound experiences, even in complex and changing environments.

Implementation Method 1

diffraction is an effect of sound transferred to a shaded area and is indispensable to generate a realistic sound source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS12309571B2Method and apparatus for edge detection for diffraction of sound tracing
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 IND ACAD COOP GRP OF SEJONG UNIV
  • US12309571B2 patent drawing
  • US12309571B2 patent drawing
  • US12309571B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a method and apparatus for edge detection for diffraction of sound tracing, and the method includes a triangle detection step for detecting hit triangles hit with a ray departing from a sound source; and an edge detection step for calculating at least an edge point based on the hit triangles and determining whether diffraction occurs on the edge point by performing an intersection test for a test ray departing toward the at least edge point based on the sound source or a listener.