Spatial Audio Distance Estimation via Direction Fluctuation Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio capture methods cannot accurately determine sound source distances in frequency bands, leading to suboptimal 6DOF audio reproduction when combined with 6DOF video, resulting in mismatched auditory and visual perceptions, especially in VR environments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a processor to determine direction and distance parameters from microphone signals, incorporating fluctuation analysis and depth map data to provide accurate distance estimation for 6DOF audio reproduction, enabling correct spatial audio rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If 3DOF audio reproduction is used with 6DOF video, then device complexity is reduced, but spatial audio quality deteriorates due to mismatched auditory and visual perception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial audio processing into distinct computational components: determining direction parameters from microphone signals, calculating distance parameters through fluctuation analysis, and rendering audio for 6DOF reproduction. This segmentation allows the system to maintain 6DOF audio quality without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 3DOF to 6DOF audio reproduction by adding the translation dimension to the existing rotation capability. This dimensional extension enables the audio system to match the 6DOF video experience, resolving the sensory mismatch between auditory and visual perception in VR environments.
2Measurement precision
If 6DOF audio reproduction is implemented, then spatial audio quality improves, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fluctuation of direction parameters themselves to determine distance parameters, rather than requiring separate distance measurement hardware. This self-service approach extracts distance information from the existing directional audio data through computational analysis of parameter fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical distance measurement systems with a computational approach that derives distance from acoustic signal analysis. By using fluctuation analysis of direction parameters, the system substitutes physical measurement mechanisms with signal processing algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If direction parameters are determined from microphone signals, then distance estimation accuracy improves, but processing time increases due to fluctuation analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines direction parameters from microphone signals as a preliminary step before calculating distance parameters. This preliminary action allows the fluctuation analysis to work with pre-processed directional data, reducing the overall processing time for distance estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluctuation analysis operates periodically on sequences of direction parameters over time. By analyzing fluctuations across multiple time points in a periodic manner, the system achieves accurate distance estimation while maintaining efficient processing throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for spatial audio signal processing, including determining at least one direction parameter for at least one frequency band based on microphone signals received from a microphone array; processing the determined at least one direction parameter to determine at least one distance parameter for the at least one frequency band; and enabling an output and/or store of the at least one distance parameter, at least one audio signal, and the at least one direction parameter.