Virtual Audio Reproduction for Enclosed Spaces

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions fail to provide a realistic audio experience for audio reproduction devices in enclosed physical spaces before actual purchase and placement, complicating the decision-making process for users due to the inability to accurately simulate how audio devices will perform in a specific environment.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus that uses a combination of 3D modeling, machine learning, and audio capturing to generate a simulated environment, determining acoustic parameters and frequency responses to virtually place and test audio reproduction devices within a space, allowing users to select the best devices and configurations for optimal audio experience without physical purchase or placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If virtual reality or mixed reality devices are used to visualize audio reproduction devices in a simulated virtual environment, then the user can see the device placement in the enclosed physical space, but the existing solutions cannot provide a realistic audio experience for the enclosed physical space before actual purchase and placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio experience informationVSAvoidrealism of audio simulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary audio simulation and analysis before the user makes a purchase decision. It captures audio signals in the actual enclosed physical space, processes them through machine learning models to predict frequency responses, and generates virtual audio experiences that allow users to evaluate device performance in advance, eliminating the need for physical trial and error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical audio device placement and manual testing with an automated computational system. Machine learning models process captured audio signals to generate frequency response predictions, substituting the mechanical process of physically placing and listening to devices with an automated digital simulation that provides comparable or superior evaluation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If users physically purchase and place audio reproduction devices to test audio experience, then realistic audio output can be experienced, but time and cost are wasted through trial and error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio experience accuracyVSAvoidtime for trial and error

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary audio simulation and analysis before the user makes a purchase decision. It captures audio signals in the actual enclosed physical space, processes them through machine learning models to predict frequency responses, and generates virtual audio experiences that allow users to evaluate device performance in advance, eliminating the need for physical trial and error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy of the audio reproduction device's performance in the user's enclosed physical space. By capturing the room's acoustic characteristics and simulating how different devices would perform, it provides a digital replica of the actual audio experience without requiring physical possession or placement of the devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio reproduction devices of various types, shapes, and sizes are available in the market, then users have more options to choose from, but the sheer number of options and various factors associated with enclosed physical space complicate the purchase decision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice options availabilityVSAvoidpurchase decision complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the audio reproduction device's performance in the user's enclosed physical space. By capturing the room's acoustic characteristics and simulating how different devices would perform, it provides a digital replica of the actual audio experience without requiring physical possession or placement of the devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate feedback to users by simulating and displaying the predicted audio output of different devices in their specific enclosed physical space. This feedback loop allows users to compare multiple device options based on actual performance predictions rather than specifications, simplifying the decision-making process by presenting only the most relevant information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11265668B1Virtual audio reproduction for enclosed physical space

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An electronic apparatus and method for audio reproduction virtualization in an enclosed physical space. The electronic apparatus generates a 3D model of an enclosed physical space based on one or more images and applies a machine learning model on the 3D model, to determine a plurality of objects and one or more acoustic parameters of the plurality of objects. The electronic apparatus controls an audio capturing device to determine a first frequency response for a first sound in the enclosed physical space based on the determined one or more acoustic parameters. The electronic apparatus applies a plurality of combinations of operational modes, and 3D positions of the first audio reproduction device on the 3D model and the first frequency response to generate a second frequency response. The electronic apparatus selects first combination based on the second frequency response and displays output information associated with the selected first combination.