Telecommunications Audio Adaptation via User Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunication systems fail to effectively adapt the presentation of audio content based on the orientation and location of users, leading to suboptimal spatial audio experiences during calls, which can result in distractions and reduced speech intelligibility due to ambient noise.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that dynamically adjust the presentation of audio content by switching between different modes based on user orientation and location, altering the spatial audio perception by changing the perceived origin of ambient audio from a point to a range of directions, and adjusting volume and reverberation to enhance clarity and immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spatial audio is presented to create immersion, then user experience is improved, but speech intelligibility deteriorates due to ambient noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between first and second presentation modes based on user orientation and location. The system adapts the spatial audio rendering in real-time, transitioning from a first mode that prioritizes immersion to a second mode that enhances speech intelligibility when ambient noise is detected or user orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes audio rendering parameters by switching between different presentation modes. In the first mode, ambient audio is rendered with spatial characteristics for immersion. In the second mode, parameters are adjusted to prioritize speech signals, reducing the impact of ambient noise on speech intelligibility while maintaining selective spatial audio effects.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ambient audio is presented as spatial audio from a point, then immersion is enhanced, but distractions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial rendering qualities to different audio sources. Speech signals are handled differently from ambient audio, with speech receiving priority processing to minimize distractions. The system selectively applies spatial audio effects only to non-speech ambient sounds, creating local quality differentiation in the audio presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts potentially harmful ambient noise into beneficial spatial audio effects. By rendering ambient audio as spatial sound from specific directions rather than omnidirectional noise, the system transforms distracting ambient sounds into immersive but controlled audio elements that enhance rather than degrade the communication experience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio presentation is adapted based on user orientation, then user experience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user orientation and location, and autonomously switches between presentation modes without requiring manual user input. The device self-monitors its own state and adapts the audio presentation accordingly, reducing the complexity burden on the user while maintaining sophisticated adaptive behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified audio presentation system that handles speech processing, ambient audio rendering, orientation tracking, and mode switching through a single adaptive framework. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity rather than multiplying separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus configured to, based at least in part on (i) first audio content from a first communication device of a first user, the first user in telecommunication with a second user via a second communication device; and (ii) first-user orientation information indicative of one or more of the orientation and location of the first user relative to a predetermined reference point; provide for presentation of the first audio content at the second communication device in a first presentation mode when the first-user orientation information is indicative of a first condition and in a second presentation mode, different to the first, when the first-user orientation information is indicative of a second condition different to the first condition, the first and second presentation modes providing for different presentation of the first audio content.