Virtual Performance Audio Synchronization Using Motion Speed Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In virtual music live shows, performance sounds of performers cannot be synchronized due to communication delays, leading to a feeling of strangeness among performers and the audience, which impairs the unity and live feeling of the performance.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that estimates performance operation speed for each performer based on motion capture data and selects performance sound data accordingly, outputting synchronized sound data to maintain unity and enhance the live feeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If performance sounds of performers are distributed as they are collected with microphones, then live feeling is improved, but synchronization between performance sounds is impaired due to communication delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelive feelingVSAvoidsynchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by estimating performance operation speeds and selecting appropriate performance sound data before actual performance. Multiple performance sound data are prepared in advance for different operation speeds, and the system selects and outputs the most appropriate one, preventing synchronization issues rather than correcting them after they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pre-recorded performance sound data that copies actual performance characteristics at different speeds. Instead of transmitting raw microphone signals directly, the system selects from pre-captured performance sounds that match the estimated operation speed, providing synchronized audio that replicates the live performance feel without communication delay issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If performance operation speed is increased for arranged performance, then live feeling is improved, but synchronization with normal performance sound data is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance operation speedVSAvoidsynchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts performance sound selection based on real-time performance operation speed estimation. Instead of using fixed-speed sound data, the system continuously monitors operation speed and selects from multiple pre-prepared sound data sets with different speeds, allowing the performance to maintain synchronization while adapting to varying tempo requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of performance sound data selection based on operation speed. By preparing performance sound data for multiple operation speeds and selecting the appropriate one based on real-time estimation, the system maintains synchronization while accommodating variations in performance tempo, including both normal and arranged performance speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4693274A1Information processing device, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4693274A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4693274A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4693274A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing device according to the present technology includes: an operation estimation unit that estimates a performance operation speed for each of a plurality of performers whose avatars are arranged in common virtual space based on pieces of motion capture data on the performers; and an output sound control unit that selects performance sound data in accordance with the performance operation speed estimated by the operation estimation unit among pieces of performance sound data prepared for each of performance operation speeds for each of the performers, and performs control to output selected pieces of performance sound data for each of the performers in synchronization with each other.