Structural HRIR Model for Spatial Audio Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio playback systems, particularly in low-power consumer devices, struggle to provide effective spatial audio reproduction over headphones due to limitations in processing power and the inability to accurately simulate the complex spatial cues required for immersive audio experiences, such as those found in newer audio formats like Dolby Atmos.
Innovation Solution
A structural Head-Related Impulse Response (HRIR) model is developed that breaks down the human body's physical parameters into components like the head, torso, and pinnae, using spherical and polynomial models to generate binaural HRIR values, and applies timbre-preserving equalization to simulate interaural time and level differences, allowing for improved spatial audio localization and externalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full HRTF simulation software is used to provide spatial cues, then spatial audio reproduction quality is improved, but processing power requirements and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex HRTF simulation into distinct functional components: spherical head model for ITD/ILD cues, pinna model for spectral shaping, torso model for body diffraction, and near-field model for distance-dependent effects. Each component processes specific spatial parameters independently, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining spatial audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and models only the essential physical components of human anatomy that contribute to spatial hearing (head, pinnae, torso) rather than simulating the complete HRTF measurement process. This selective extraction of critical elements reduces processing requirements while preserving key spatial cues.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated HRTF models with head, torso and pinna cues are implemented, then spatial localization accuracy is improved, but computational load and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces full physical HRTF measurement and simulation with analytical mathematical models for each anatomical component. The spherical head model uses closed-form solutions for diffraction, the pinna model employs spectral transformation functions, and the torso model uses geometric diffraction equations. These analytical approaches consume significantly less power than numerical simulation methods.
3Measurement precision
If the structural HRIR model with multiple anatomical components is applied, then spatial audio performance is improved, but model complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the HRIR generation process into sequential independent stages: spherical head filtering, pinna spectral transformation, torso diffraction, and near-field adjustment. Each stage processes the signal independently with well-defined input-output relationships, making the overall complex model manageable through modular decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment where the model adapts its computational behavior based on source position (azimuth, elevation, range). The near-field model dynamically adjusts ILD calculations based on distance, and the pinna model adjusts spectral notches based on elevation angle, optimizing computational resources based on current spatial parameters.
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
The solution enables optimized spatial audio reproduction over headphones, including accurate localization and externalization of sounds above the horizontal plane, while preserving timbre, even in low-power devices, enhancing the immersive experience without significant loss in spatial performance.
Implementation Method 1
the physical effects of the diffraction of sound waves by the human torso, shoulders, head and pinnae modify the spectrum of the sound that reaches the tympanic membrane
Implementation Method 2
Introducing notches into the monaural spectrum can be used to create elevation effects
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a head-related impulse response (HRIR) for use in rendering audio for playback through headphones comprises receiving location parameters for a sound including azimuth, elevation, and range relative to a head of a listener, applying a spherical head model to the azimuth, elevation, and range input parameters to generate binaural HRIR values, computing a pinna model using the azimuth and elevation parameters to apply to the binaural HRIR values to pinna modeled HRIR values, computing a torso model using the azimuth and elevation parameters to apply to the pinna modeled HRIR values to generate pinna and torso modeled HRIR values, and computing a near-field model using the azimuth and range parameters to apply to the pinna and torso modeled HRIR values to generate pinna, torso and near-field modeled HRIR values.