Spatially-Heterogeneous Audio Elements for Dynamic VR Rendering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to efficiently represent and render spatially-heterogeneous audio elements, lacking the ability to maintain their distinct spatial characteristics and adapt to changes in listener position and orientation, particularly in virtual reality applications.
Innovation Solution
Represent spatially-heterogeneous audio elements as a group of audio signals with associated metadata, dynamically modifying the perceived spatial extent based on listener position and orientation using techniques such as stereo signal manipulation and Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) to ensure consistent spatial experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple duplicates of a mono audio object are created at locations around the mono audio object to represent spatial extent, then the spatial coverage is improved, but the spatially-heterogeneous character is lost and the audio object becomes spatially homogenous
Solution Approach 1:
The audio element is segmented into multiple audio channels (e.g., front, rear, left, right channels) that are spatially distributed around the listener. Each channel carries a portion of the spatially-heterogeneous audio information, allowing the system to represent both the spatial extent and the heterogeneous character of the audio element simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from representing audio in a single spatial dimension (mono with duplicates) to representing audio across multiple spatial dimensions through multi-channel spatial distribution. This dimensional expansion allows preservation of spatially-heterogeneous characteristics while achieving comprehensive spatial coverage.
2Productivity
If a mono audio object is used to represent an audio element with spatial extent through projection and integral evaluation, then computational efficiency is improved, but the spatially-heterogeneous character is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single integrated mono audio object, the audio element is segmented into multiple spatially-distributed audio channels. This segmentation allows each channel to carry specific spatial information while maintaining computational efficiency through the use of transfer functions for each channel position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameters from a single integrated audio signal to multiple audio channel signals with associated spatial parameters. This parameter transformation enables efficient computation through pre-calculated transfer functions while preserving spatially-heterogeneous characteristics through multi-channel spatial distribution.
3Device complexity
If existing methods are used to represent spatially-heterogeneous audio elements, then the representation is simplified, but the ability to maintain distinct spatial characteristics and adapt to listener position changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation of audio rendering based on listener position and orientation. The multi-channel audio representation is dynamically adjusted as the listener moves through the virtual environment, with transfer functions re-evaluated to maintain accurate spatial characteristics. This dynamic approach preserves spatially-heterogeneous features while adapting to changing listener perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-channel audio representation system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it represents spatially-heterogeneous audio elements, adapts to listener position and orientation changes, and maintains computational efficiency. This universal representation approach resolves the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability by designing a system that achieves both goals.
4Measurement precision
If spatially-heterogeneous audio elements are represented with detailed spatial information, then spatial accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and rendering requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of transfer functions for each audio channel position before actual audio rendering. These pre-computed transfer functions capture the spatial characteristics of each channel location, allowing accurate spatial rendering without performing complex real-time calculations during audio playback. This preliminary action maintains high spatial accuracy while reducing rendering complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses transfer function copies for each audio channel that represent the spatial impulse responses from source to listener position. Instead of performing full spatial calculations for each audio frame, the system uses pre-computed transfer function copies that can be efficiently applied to the audio signals, maintaining spatial accuracy while reducing computational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and dynamic 6-degrees-of-freedom rendering of spatially-heterogeneous audio elements, providing a realistic and spatially consistent audio experience in VR, AR, and MR environments.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically modifying the perceived spatial extent based on listener position and orientation using techniques such as stereo signal manipulation and Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs)
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, there is a method for rendering a spatially-heterogeneous audio element. In some embodiments, the method includes obtaining two or more audio signals representing the spatially-heterogeneous audio element, wherein a combination of the audio signals provides a spatial image of the spatially-heterogeneous audio element. The method also includes obtaining metadata associated with the spatially-heterogeneous audio element, the metadata comprising spatial extent information indicating a spatial extent of the audio element. The method further includes rendering the audio element using: i) the spatial extent information and ii) location information indicating a position (e.g. virtual position) and/or an orientation of the user relative to the audio element.