Spatialized Audio Processing on Resource-Constrained Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Limited processing resources in electronic devices, such as mobile phones, restrict the ability to process spatialized audio signals effectively, leading to inadequate perception of three-dimensional audio spaces and real-time adjustments for user movement.
Innovation Solution
A multimedia device configured to process spatialized audio signals using fewer resources by generating frames based on input signals and sensor data, employing pre-computed sets of audio adjustment values and simplifying translation calculations to a single axis, allowing for efficient spatialized audio processing without degrading user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full spatialized audio processing is implemented, then audio spatial resolution and real-time movement tracking are improved, but processing resource consumption increases beyond available capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex 3D spatialized audio processing into discrete, manageable components. It divides the audio space into specific directional segments (front, rear, left, right) and processes movement along separate axes (forward/backward, left/right, upward/downward). This segmentation allows the system to process spatial audio in discrete, resource-efficient steps rather than as a monolithic computationally intensive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing audio adjustment values for various movement scenarios. The system pre-computes how audio signals should be modified for different positions and movements in the visual environment, storing these adjustment parameters for rapid retrieval during runtime. This eliminates the need for real-time complex spatial calculations, significantly reducing processing resource requirements while maintaining spatial audio quality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If simplified audio processing is used, then processing resources are conserved, but spatial resolution and perception of 3D audio space deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of spatial processing detail for different directional segments. Rather than uniformly simplifying all spatial processing, the system maintains higher processing fidelity for critical audio directions while using simplified processing for less critical areas. This allows the system to conserve resources while preserving spatial resolution where it matters most for user perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting audio signal parameters based on detected movement. When movement is detected along specific axes, the system modifies audio parameters (such as pan position, volume, and spatial coordinates) to reflect the new position. These parameter adjustments are computationally efficient compared to full spatial re-rendering, yet they maintain the perception of 3D audio space by accurately reflecting positional changes.
3Speed
If real-time spatialized audio processing is implemented, then responsiveness to user movement is improved, but processing resource requirements exceed device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing audio adjustment values for various movement scenarios and storing them for rapid retrieval. When user movement is detected, the system simply retrieves the pre-calculated adjustment parameters corresponding to the movement direction and magnitude, and applies them to the audio signal. This eliminates the need for real-time complex spatial calculations, achieving responsive audio updates with minimal processing resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a system that adapts its processing intensity based on actual user movement. The system continuously monitors for movement events and only activates spatialized audio processing when movement is detected, adjusting audio parameters dynamically in response to user actions. This dynamic approach ensures responsive audio updates while conserving processing resources during static periods when no movement occurs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a particular aspect, a multimedia device includes one or more sensors configured to generate first sensor data and second sensor data. The first sensor data is indicative of a first position at a first time and the second sensor data is indicative of a second position at a second time. The multimedia device further includes a processor coupled to the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to generate a first version of a spatialized audio signal, determine a cumulative value based on an offset, the first position, and the second position, and generate a second version of the spatialized audio signal based on the cumulative value.