Telephony Spatial Audio Direction Specification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voice conferencing technologies do not effectively allow users to specify spatial audio directions, making it difficult to differentiate between multiple voice sources in a conference call.
Innovation Solution
A method using a telephony user interface, such as a keypad or voice commands, to communicate spatial audio directions to a processing arrangement, allowing users to assign specific three-dimensional directions and distances to voice sources, enhancing the perception of audio sources in a conference call.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional voice conferencing is used without spatial audio direction specification, then the system is simple to operate, but users cannot effectively differentiate between multiple voice sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial audio direction specification as a new dimension to conventional voice conferencing. Users can assign three-dimensional spatial directions (azimuth and elevation angles) to voice sources, transforming the audio experience from a single-channel mix to a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement. This enables users to differentiate voice sources by their perceived location in 3D space while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive directional controls.
2Loss of information
If graphical user interfaces on computers are used to assign voice directions, then spatial audio differentiation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telephony user interface as an intermediary between the user and the spatial audio processing system. This specialized interface simplifies the interaction by providing dedicated controls for assigning spatial directions to voice sources, eliminating the need for complex computer GUIs. The intermediary interface translates user inputs into spatial audio parameters, achieving voice source differentiation with reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of computer mouse clicks and menu navigation with a more direct telephony-based interface. Users can assign spatial directions through simplified controls on the telephony device, substituting the complex mechanical GUI system with a more straightforward interaction model that is better suited for voice conferencing scenarios.
3Loss of information
If spatial audio directions are assigned to voice sources, then voice source identification is improved, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial audio configuration process into distinct operational steps: selecting a voice source, assigning a spatial direction (azimuth and elevation), and confirming the assignment. This segmentation allows users to handle the complexity systematically, managing one parameter at a time rather than facing a complex configuration interface all at once. The segmented approach improves voice source identification while keeping the user interface manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving through a telephony user interface from a user at the telephony user interface an indication of a first direction of a sound source along a first axis with respect to the user and a second direction of the sound source along a second axis with respect to the user. The first axis is substantially perpendicular to the second axis. The method further involves communicating the indication of the first direction and the second direction to enable audio communication of sound originating at the sound source to the user as if coming from the first direction and the second direction with respect to the user.