Soundscape Rendering Device for Acoustic Evaluation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current applications for placing virtual objects in environments do not account for changes in the soundscape based on the acoustical properties of the virtual object, lacking a comprehensive approach to communicate the acoustic environment alongside visual rendering.

Innovation Solution

A method that records the present soundscape, identifies an empty area, selects a virtual object with sound-absorbing properties, renders an updated soundscape, and displays the object in the environment, using 3D sound localization and image search algorithms to provide a realistic acoustic experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If virtual objects are placed in environments using visual rendering only, then visual evaluation is achieved, but acoustic evaluation is missing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic informationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges visual rendering and acoustic rendering into a unified virtual object placement system. The soundscape rendering device combines the visual environment data with acoustic simulation data to present both visual and acoustic evaluations simultaneously, eliminating the loss of acoustic information while maintaining system integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The soundscape rendering device performs multiple functions: it processes visual environment data, simulates acoustic properties of virtual objects, renders updated soundscapes, and presents both visual and acoustic information. This multi-functional approach comprehensive evaluates both visual and acoustic aspects without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of time

If physical installation of sound-absorbing objects is performed before evaluation, then actual acoustic performance is achieved, but time and cost are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevaluation timeVSAvoidacoustic evaluation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary acoustic evaluation by rendering the updated soundscape with virtual sound-absorbing objects before physical installation. The soundscape rendering device simulates the acoustic performance of virtual objects placed in the environment, allowing users to evaluate acoustic properties in advance and make informed decisions, thereby saving time and avoiding unnecessary physical installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of sound-absorbing objects and places them in the virtual environment for acoustic evaluation. The soundscape rendering device processes these virtual objects and their acoustic properties, generating an updated soundscape that replicates the expected acoustic performance of physical installations, enabling accurate pre-evaluation without physical prototypes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sound-absorbing objects are tested physically, then optimal selection is achieved, but environmental pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject selection flexibilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses virtual copies of sound-absorbing objects instead of physical objects for testing and evaluation. The soundscape rendering device processes multiple virtual objects, allowing users to compare their acoustic performances in the rendered environment, thereby achieving flexible object selection without the environmental pollution associated with manufacturing, shipping, and disposing of multiple physical samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical object installation and testing with an acoustic simulation system. The soundscape rendering device uses computational acoustic models to evaluate sound-absorbing objects virtually, substituting physical testing with digital simulation, thereby maintaining selection flexibility while eliminating environmental harm from physical object handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 users to evaluate the acoustic impact of virtual objects before installation, saving time, cost, and reducing environmental pollution by simulating the soundscape in real-time, allowing for accurate and flexible selection of sound-absorbing objects.

Implementation Method 1

rendering an updated soundscape in the environment using the present soundscape and sound-absorbing properties of the selected virtual object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS12002166B2Method and device for communicating a soundscape in an environment

Publication Date: 2024.06.04 INTER IKEA SYST

AI summary

A method for rendering a soundscape in an environment in form of a real-world indoor scene is provided. The method comprises the steps of recording a present soundscape in the environment, identifying an empty area in the environment, selecting a virtual object to be placed at the empty area, rendering an updated soundscape in the environment using the present soundscape and sound-absorbing properties of the selected virtual object, playing the rendered updated soundscape, and displaying the selected virtual object placed at the empty area.