Spatial Audio Beamforming for Gesture-Guided 6DoF Listening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial audio technologies, such as Ambisonics and Higher-Order Ambisonics, do not effectively modify sound gain and diffuseness based on user movement in six-degrees-of-freedom (6DoF) virtual environments, leading to unrealistic and limiting audio experiences.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that modify spatial audio data by generating a directional beam pattern based on user gestures, such as head and body orientations, to dynamically adjust sound gain and diffuseness, using a spherical microphone array and processing techniques like beamforming and panning, to enhance audio perception in 6DoF environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spatial audio data is provided in Ambisonics format for 6DoF virtual environments, then the audio data can represent sounds at respective spatial locations, but the sound gain and diffuseness cannot be dynamically modified based on user movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time modification of audio parameters (gain and diffuseness) based on user movement and orientation. The system dynamically adjusts these parameters as the user moves through the virtual environment, transforming static Ambisonics audio data into an adaptive audio experience that responds to user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying gain and diffuseness values of audio objects based on detected user gestures and orientation. The processing means changes these acoustic parameters dynamically, allowing the audio characteristics to adapt to user interaction while maintaining spatial accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If directional beam patterns are generated based on user gestures, then audio perception is enhanced, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining directional beam patterns and processing rules that are applied when user gestures are detected. The system prepares the audio processing framework in advance, so when a gesture is detected, the appropriate beam pattern and parameter modifications can be applied immediately without complex real-time calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary processing means that acts as a mediator between the raw Ambisonics audio data and the final output. This processing means implements the complex beamforming and parameter modification operations, shielding the user from the underlying complexity while delivering enhanced audio perception.
3Measurement precision
If the beam width is adjusted based on distance to sound source, then the directional accuracy is improved, but the computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the beam width parameter based on the calculated distance to the sound source. When the user is closer to a sound source, the beam width is narrowed for higher directional accuracy; when farther away, the beam width is widened. This adaptive parameter adjustment optimizes directional accuracy while managing computational load.
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
Provides a more realistic and immersive audio experience by dynamically adjusting sound characteristics based on user movement, enhancing the perception of virtual space exploration.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus may further comprise means for generating a directional beam pattern in the direction of the directional vector, the processing means processing the audio data by modifying audio data corresponding to the directional beam pattern
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise means for providing audio data for output to a user device, the audio data representing a virtual space comprising a plurality of sounds located at respective spatial locations within the virtual space, the plurality of sounds being respectively associated with a plurality of sound sources. The apparatus may also comprise means for detecting a predetermined gesture associated with a user identifying one of the plurality of sound sources to be a sound source of interest, determining a directional vector between a position of the user at a time of detecting the predetermined gesture and a position of the sound source of interest in the virtual space, and processing the audio data such that sounds at least in the direction of the directional vector are modified when output to the user device.