Spatial Audio Virtualisation via Web Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
New audio formats like 360 Reality Audio face challenges in mainstream adoption due to the need for specialist hardware and software for playback, which is not accessible to all users, especially those with mainstream devices such as smartphones or laptops, and requires complex conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
A web-based application and server system that allows users to upload and virtualize spatial audio files, converting them into compatible formats like AAC or MP3 for playback on any device with a web browser, using a drag-and-drop interface and providing features for sharing and commenting on audio files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specialist hardware and software are used for spatial audio playback, then audio quality and spatial effects are improved, but device accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the spatial audio file creator and the end user. The server performs the complex virtualisation and format conversion operations, allowing users with mainstream devices to access spatial audio content without needing specialist hardware or software. The server acts as a mediator that handles the technical complexity while providing simple web-based access to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtualised copies of spatial audio files in multiple formats (AAC, MP3, FLAC) that can be played back on various devices. Instead of requiring users to have specialist playback equipment, the server generates compatible copies that maintain spatial audio effects while being accessible on standard devices through web browsers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If format conversion is performed locally on user devices, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as an intermediary that performs all format conversion and virtualisation operations remotely. Users simply upload their spatial audio files through a web interface, and the server handles the complex processing of converting to multiple compatible formats. This eliminates the need for users to install or run complex conversion software on their own devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces local mechanical/software processing on user devices with remote server-based processing. Instead of requiring users' devices to perform complex audio processing and format conversion, these operations are substituted with server-side processing that users access through simple web browser interfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex conversion processes are required, then audio format fidelity is improved, but ease of manufacture and user operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service format conversion where the server automatically detects the uploaded file format and performs appropriate virtualisation and conversion without requiring user intervention. Users simply upload their files, and the server autonomously handles the complex conversion processes, maintaining high audio fidelity while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary virtualisation and format conversion operations before users need to play back the audio files. By pre-processing the audio files into multiple compatible formats and storing them on the server, the system eliminates the need for users to perform complex conversion operations at the time of playback.
Data Source
AI summary
A data processing apparatus includes circuitry that is configured to: receive, from a second data processing apparatus via a web application, an electronic file comprising audio information encoded in a spatial audio format; output the received electronic file for virtualisation of the audio information encoded in the spatial audio format, the virtualisation comprising changing a number of channels of the audio information to allow playback of the audio information via the web application while retaining a spatial audio effect of the audio information; receive a virtualised version of the electronic file comprising the virtualised audio information; and provide, via the web application, the virtualised version of the electronic file.