Spatial Audio Selection via Intensity-Based Directional Prioritization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio selection technologies fail to effectively allow users to mentally filter and prioritize audio sources from multiple directions, often relying on angular selection which may not align with user preference, especially in environments like cocktail parties where sounds come from various angles.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that simultaneously provide multiple audio tracks from different directions at varying intensities, allowing users to input selections to prioritize one track while still being aware of others, using a combination of speakers and input means to adjust audio directions and intensities based on user input, such as head movements or button clicks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple audio tracks are provided simultaneously from different directions at equal intensity, then the user can be aware of all audio sources, but the user cannot effectively prioritize or filter specific audio sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveawareness of audio sourcesVSAvoidaudio source prioritization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different intensity levels to different audio tracks based on their spatial direction. The primary audio track from the front direction is provided at higher intensity, while secondary tracks from other directions are provided at lower intensities. This creates a non-uniform intensity distribution that helps users naturally prioritize the front audio source while remaining aware of other directions, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive awareness and effective prioritization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the user interface requires angular selection to filter audio sources, then the user can select specific directions, but the selection method may not align with user preference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio source selectionVSAvoidalignment with user preference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional angular selection approach by using intensity-based spatial audio presentation. Instead of requiring users to actively select directions, the system automatically presents audio tracks with varying intensities corresponding to their directional sources. Users can passively perceive and prioritize audio from different directions through intensity cues, and can easily switch between tracks by simple input actions, making the interface more adaptable to natural user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If the primary audio track is always provided from the front direction, then the user interface is simple, but the user cannot easily switch to audio sources from other directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface complexityVSAvoidaudio source switching flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the audio track assignment flexible and changeable based on user input. While the default configuration presents the primary track from the front direction, the system dynamically allows users to switch between different audio tracks from various directions through simple input actions. This dynamic capability enables easy transitions between front and side audio sources without complicating the overall interface, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2591614B1A method and an apparatus for a user to select one of a multiple of audio tracks
Publication Date: 2014.05.14 BANG & OLUFSEN AS
  • EP2591614B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2591614B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for having a user select from simultaneously provided audio tracks which are provided from different directions to the user. One of the tracks is provided from in front of the user and with a higher intensity than another track which is provided from a direction more to the side of the user. When the other track is selected, it is provided from in front of the user with a higher intensity, and a third track is now provided from the side of the user and at a lower intensity.