Spatial Audio Capture Using Remote Device Audibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently capturing and isolating specific audio objects within spatial audio information, particularly when the capturing device is far from the sound source, leading to deteriorated signal-to-noise ratio and difficulty in isolating individual sound sources.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is configured to receive spatial audio information from multiple microphones and an audio object from a connected audio device. It determines an audio audibility value based on the distance or other factors between the apparatus and the audio device, and activates the inclusion of the audio object in the spatial audio information if the audibility value meets certain criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the capturing device is far from the sound source, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates and difficulty in isolating individual sound sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote audio device as an intermediary to capture audio signals. This mediator device is positioned closer to the sound source than the main capturing device, allowing it to pick up audio with better signal-to-noise ratio. The remote device then transmits the audio data back to the main device, effectively bridging the gap between distance requirements and audio quality requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio capture function is segmented into two parts: spatial coverage is handled by the main capturing device with wide field of view, while audio quality is handled by the remote audio device positioned closer to sound sources. This division of labor allows each device to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio recording devices are used, then spatial audio capture capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote audio device serves multiple functions: it acts as an audio recorder, a spatial audio capture device, and a wireless communication endpoint. By making this single device multi-functional, the system achieves advanced spatial audio capture without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the audio recording functionality with the spatial audio capture capabilities in a single remote device. Instead of having separate devices for each function, the system combines microphone arrays, audio processing, and wireless transmission into one integrated unit that simplifies the overall system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program product for: receiving spatial audio information captured by a plurality of microphones, receiving a captured audio object from an audio device wirelessly connected to the apparatus, determining an audio audibility value relating to the audio device, determining whether the audio audibility value fulfils at least one criterion, and activating, in response to determining that the audio audibility value fulfils the at least one criterion, inclusion of the audio object captured by the audio device in the spatial audio information captured by the plurality of microphones.