3D Sound Source Positioning via Mobile Device Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning sound sources in three-dimensional immersive sound environments are cumbersome, particularly when adjusting location in the x-y-plane and height simultaneously, and existing hardware solutions are either limited in versatility or expensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a mobile device to obtain movement data, map it to a simulated output element in a virtual environment, and associate this movement with the actual output element, allowing for real-time control of the output element's position within the three-dimensional environment using output devices such as speakers or spotlights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user interface with separate x-y-plane and height adjustment screens is used, then sound source positioning is possible, but simultaneous adjustment of location and height becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional virtual environment representation that allows users to position sound sources by manipulating objects in 3D space rather than through separate 2D planes. This dimensional transformation enables simultaneous adjustment of x-y location and height through a single unified interface, resolving the contradiction between positioning capability and interface complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual environment as an intermediary layer between the user and the actual sound source positioning. Users interact with virtual sound sources and virtual output devices in a simulated 3D space, which then maps to real-world positioning. This intermediary virtual layer simplifies the interaction complexity while maintaining full positioning control
2Ease of operation
If specialist hardware alternatives like joysticks are used, then sound source positioning becomes easier, but versatility is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtual environment-based positioning system that can accommodate multiple types of output devices (speakers, spotlights, etc.) and multiple positioning methods (drag-and-drop, navigation, direct manipulation). This universal interface replaces specialized hardware with a multi-functional software solution that maintains ease of operation while significantly increasing system versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical positioning hardware (joysticks, specialized controllers) with a virtual software-based positioning system. The mechanical interaction is substituted with graphical user interface interactions in a virtual 3D environment, eliminating the need for expensive specialized hardware while maintaining intuitive control
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for positioning an output element (102, 602) within a three-dimensional environment (104, 604) are described. Movement data relating to movement of a mobile device (120, 620) is obtained (206, 262). The movement data is mapped (208, 264) to movement of a simulated output element (503) in a virtual environment (505), which simulates the three-dimensional environment. The movement of the simulated output element is associated with movement of an output element within the three-dimensional environment so as to control the position of the output element within the three-dimensional environment. In one exemplary embodiment an output element (102) being a sound source is positioned in a three-dimensional, immersive sound environment (104). In another exemplary embodiment a focal point of a light beam (602) is positioned in a three-dimensional theatrical environment (604). The described systems and methods enable a user to control the real-time and/or recorded position and/or movement of an output element by manipulating the orientation of a mobile device (120, 620).