Spatial Audio Adaptation for Shared Earbuds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spatial audio technologies face challenges in providing optimal audio experience during immersive voice or video calls when one earbud is shared between users, as they often default to either microphone or loudspeaker configurations, failing to maintain optimal audio presentation and capture.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus configured to adapt spatial audio signals by modifying audio components based on the deactivation and reactivation of audio devices, such as converting spatial audio to mono playback when one device is deactivated and restoring to stereo when both are reactivated, ensuring optimal audio experience for multiple users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spatial audio signals are provided for output via first and second audio devices, then immersive audio experience is improved, but device complexity increases due to need to manage multiple devices and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts audio signal configuration based on real-time device availability. When both first and second audio devices are available, the system provides spatial audio signals in stereo configuration. When one device is deactivated, the system automatically transitions to mono playback, maintaining optimal audio experience without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes audio output parameters (stereo vs mono) based on the operational state of audio devices. The apparatus monitors device activation status and adjusts audio signal parameters accordingly, switching between different playback modes to maintain optimal audio quality while simplifying user interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio devices are shared between users, then device versatility is improved, but audio capture and presentation quality deteriorates due to default configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different audio processing treatments to different audio devices based on their individual characteristics and usage context. Each audio device receives customized audio signal processing appropriate to its current user and operational state, ensuring optimal audio quality for each device while enabling shared usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio configuration dynamically adapts to the current user and device state. When a second user activates the second audio device during a voice or video call, the system automatically modifies spatial audio signals to accommodate both users, transitioning between mono and stereo playback based on real-time device availability rather than using fixed default configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program product for: providing spatial audio signals for output for a first user via a first audio device and a second audio device, receiving an indication of deactivation of the second audio device, receiving an indication that the second audio device is re-activated by a second user, and performing, in response to receiving the indication that the second audio device is re-activated by the second user, a modification of the spatial audio signals.