Spatial Acoustic Filtering for Realistic Out-of-Head Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial acoustic processing systems struggle to accurately simulate spatial fluctuations, such as those caused by a sound source and human bodies, leading to a lack of realism and accuracy in out-of-head localization techniques.
Innovation Solution
A spatial acoustic processing device and method that utilizes a plurality of filters based on spatial acoustic transfer characteristics, performing parallel convolution and non-linear processing to generate fluctuation signals, which are then convolved with inverse filters to reproduce sounds with a higher sense of realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a unique filter coefficient at an instantaneous moment is used to process spatial acoustic transfer characteristics, then the processing complexity is reduced, but the realism and accuracy of spatial fluctuations are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial acoustic transfer characteristics into multiple filter coefficients representing different spatial positions and conditions. Instead of using a single filter coefficient, the system divides the acoustic environment into discrete segments (different speaker positions, listener positions, and spatial locations) and applies corresponding filter coefficients to simulate realistic spatial fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic processing by continuously updating filter coefficients based on real-time spatial relationships between speakers, listeners, and the acoustic environment. The system dynamically adjusts the filter coefficients to reflect changing spatial conditions, enabling realistic simulation of spatial fluctuations as listeners move or as the acoustic environment changes.
2Device complexity
If spatial fluctuations are not simulated, then the processing is simpler, but the sense of realism and accuracy of illusory effects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of spatial acoustic transfer characteristics in the actual acoustic environment before processing audio signals. Impulse sounds are played from speakers at various positions, and microphones record the actual acoustic responses. These pre-measured characteristics are stored as filter coefficients, allowing the system to apply realistic spatial fluctuations without complex real-time calculations during audio playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of the actual acoustic environment by measuring and storing spatial transfer characteristics as filter coefficients. Instead of attempting to recalculate complex acoustic interactions in real-time, the system uses pre-captured copies of the acoustic environment's behavior, applying these copied characteristics to simulate realistic spatial fluctuations during audio reproduction.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple filters are used in parallel for convolution, then the realism of spatial fluctuations is improved, but the computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the filter coefficients to represent different spatial conditions, acoustic environments, and listener positions. By varying these parameters based on measured data from the actual acoustic environment, the system can select and apply appropriate filter coefficients that reflect realistic spatial characteristics without requiring excessive computational resources for real-time synthesis.
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
Enhances the realism and accuracy of sound localization by simulating spatial fluctuations, allowing for more immersive audio experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a filter processing unit configured to generate an output signal by convolving a second filter into the first fluctuation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A spatial acoustic processing device includes: a filter storage unit configured to store a filter set having a plurality of first filters which are based on one spatial acoustic transfer characteristic; convolution units configured to generate a plurality of first convolution signals by convolving a plurality of first filters in parallel into a first input signal of a first channel; a fluctuation signal generation unit configured to generate a first fluctuation signal by performing non-linear processing on a plurality of convolution signals; and a filter processing unit configured to generate an output signal by convolving a second filter into the first fluctuation signal.