Speaker Volume Control Based on Listener Position Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio systems in gaming and surround sound environments often result in player discomfort due to volume being too loud or too quiet as the listener moves, and balance issues arise when multiple speakers are involved, affecting the overall gaming experience.

Innovation Solution

Real-time tracking of the listener's position relative to speakers adjusts individual speaker volumes based on distance using techniques like motion sensing, pressure-sensing mats, or vision-based systems, employing methods such as depth cameras and exponential or linear functions to maintain a desired sound balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the listener moves closer to a speaker, then the perceived volume increases, but this causes player discomfort due to volume being too loud

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperceived volumeVSAvoidplayer discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously tracks the listener's position using motion sensing, pressure-sensing mats, or vision-based systems, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust speaker volumes in real-time, preventing the harmful effect of excessive volume when the listener is close to a speaker

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The speaker volumes are made dynamic and adjustable in real-time based on the listener's position, transitioning from a static volume system to one that automatically adapts to changing spatial conditions, thereby eliminating player discomfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If the listener moves away from a speaker, then the perceived volume decreases, but this causes the sound to become inaudible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperceived volumeVSAvoidsound audibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time position tracking feedback to detect when the listener moves away from speakers and automatically compensates by adjusting volumes to maintain adequate sound levels, ensuring continuous audibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the volume parameter of speakers based on the listener's distance, using exponential or linear functions to ensure that sound remains audible even when the listener is far from speakers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple speakers are used in a surround sound system, then the audio experience is enhanced, but balance issues arise as the player moves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio experienceVSAvoidsound balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the volume of each speaker in the surround sound system based on the listener's real-time position, maintaining stable sound balance across different listening locations and enhancing the overall audio experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8976986B2Volume adjustment based on listener position

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Volume adjustment based on listener position is disclosed. A position of one or more speakers is identified, and a position of a listener is tracked. For each of the one or more speakers, a changing distance between that speaker and the listener is assessed. A volume of that speaker is automatically adjusted in real-time based on a current distance between that speaker and the listener.