Spatial Audio Speaker Routing for Foldable Device Orientation Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User devices with multiple loudspeakers and varying form factors face challenges in optimizing audio output based on orientation and configuration, leading to inefficient use of loudspeakers and potential interference between different types of audio data.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with at least three loudspeakers that dynamically adjusts audio output based on device orientation and configuration, assigning specific loudspeakers for stereo or spatial audio and other audio types, such as monaural sounds, using metadata-assisted spatial audio formats, and applying effects like stereo widening and volume boosting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple loudspeakers are used in user devices with varying form factors and orientations, then audio output capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic loudspeaker selection based on device orientation and configuration. The system automatically adjusts which loudspeakers are active depending on whether the device is in portrait or landscape mode, and whether it is folded or unfolded, optimizing audio output for each physical state without requiring manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different loudspeaker configurations based on detected device state. When the device transitions between orientations or folding states, the audio routing parameters are updated to assign appropriate loudspeakers to stereo or monaural channels, maintaining optimal audio performance across varying device geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stereo or spatial audio data is output to multiple loudspeakers, then audio immersion is improved, but interference with other audio types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments audio output by separating stereo/spatial audio data from other audio types and routing them to different loudspeaker subsets. Stereo audio is output to designated left and right loudspeakers while other audio (such as notifications or monaural content) is routed to remaining loudspeakers, preventing mixing and interference between different audio streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing system acts as an intermediary that receives multiple audio streams and mediates their distribution to appropriate loudspeakers. By inserting this control layer between audio sources and loudspeakers, the system can selectively route different audio types to prevent harmful interference while maintaining immersive stereo output when needed.
3Productivity
If loudspeaker configuration changes with device orientation, then audio optimization is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting device orientation and folding state through sensors (such as gyroscopes or fold detection mechanisms) and autonomously adjusting audio routing without user intervention. The audio processing system monitors device state changes and independently updates loudspeaker assignments to maintain optimal audio performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback-based control where the audio system continuously monitors device orientation and configuration state, then adjusts loudspeaker routing in response to detected changes. This closed-loop approach ensures audio optimization adapts to physical state changes while the feedback mechanism provides automated control reducing manual configuration needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to an apparatus, method and computer program for output of stereo or spatial audio. The method may for example comprise providing first data representing stereo or spatial audio, providing second data representing other audio and determining an orientation and/or configuration of an apparatus. The method may also comprise outputting the first data to selected first and second loudspeakers of the apparatus, comprising at least three loudspeakers based, at least in part, on the orientation and/or configuration of the apparatus; and outputting the second data to at least a third loudspeaker of the at least three loudspeakers other than the first and second loudspeakers.