Spatial Audio Mixing via Sound Source Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio capture and mixing systems require significant manual effort and are not flexible enough to effectively manage multiple moving sound sources in a spatial audio environment, with large user interfaces being inadequate for dynamic and portable applications.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system that determines sound source positions and directions using trackers like digital compasses and gyroscopes, allowing for agile selection and processing of audio signals from various sources, including external and spatial microphones, using a 'look and do' method where users can control mixing parameters by looking at sound sources and adjusting them through a controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual mixing methods are used with professional equipment, then audio mixing quality can be achieved, but significant time and effort are required and the system lacks flexibility for moving sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing operations with an automated system that uses sensors to detect sound source positions and a processor to automatically adjust mixing parameters. The processor determines positions of sound sources and automatically configures the mixing system, eliminating the need for manual positioning and mixing adjustments while maintaining audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting sound source positions through sensors and adjusting mixing parameters without human intervention. The system monitors its own environment and adapts the audio mixing based on detected source locations, enabling it to serve itself in the mixing process.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mixing hardware with large number of channels is used, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the user interface becomes too large and not agile enough for moving sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial positioning information as an additional dimension for controlling audio mixing. Instead of using a traditional large-scale horizontal channel layout, the system uses three-dimensional spatial coordinates to identify and control sound sources, allowing a compact interface to manage complex multi-channel mixing through spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects sound source positions, identifies active sources, determines mixing parameters, and controls the mixing operation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate dedicated components into a single intelligent unit, reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If close microphones are used to capture audio signals, then source audio quality is improved, but manual positioning and mixing adjustments are required for each moving source
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the positions of sound sources using sensors and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust mixing parameters. As sound sources move, the sensors detect their new positions and the processor automatically updates the mixing configuration, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to moving sources in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where mixing parameters automatically adjust based on real-time sound source positions. The system continuously updates its state according to detected source locations, enabling it to handle moving sources effectively without manual reconfiguration.
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 efficient and intuitive control of audio signals from multiple sources, allowing for flexible and dynamic audio mixing without the need for large user interfaces, supporting ad-hoc mixing positions and multiple sound sources, enhancing the agility in managing moving sources in spatial audio environments.
Implementation Method 1
The sound source tracker may comprise at least one of: a digital compass configured to generate a direction
Implementation Method 2
a gyroscope configured to generate a direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a processor configured to determine a position for at least one sound source relative to a reference position, and a position for a sound source tracker relative to the reference position. The processor further configured to determine a direction associated with the sound source tracker, select the at least one sound source based on an analysis of the direction associated with the sound source tracker, the position for the at least one sound source and the position of the sound source tracker. The processor is further configured to receive at least one control interaction associated with the selected at least one sound source from at least one controller, process at least one audio signal associated with the selected sound source based on the control interaction and output the processed at least one audio signal to be rendered.