Virtual Camera Sound Localization via Dual Microphone Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for sound localization in virtual three-dimensional spaces are inadequate, making it difficult for users to easily identify or focus on specific sounds or sound sources within a virtual environment.
Innovation Solution
An information processing program that calculates the direction and volume of a sound source relative to specific locations in a virtual space, allowing for dynamic sound output based on the user's perspective and attention, using a virtual camera's location, gazing point, and operation modes to enhance sound localization and attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the sound volume is increased for all sound sources in the virtual space, then the user can hear all sounds clearly, but the user cannot easily identify or focus on specific sounds of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the sound field have different volume characteristics. Specifically, the sound volume is adjusted locally based on the spatial relationship between the sound source, virtual camera, and user's gazing point. Sounds near the gazing point are amplified while sounds in other regions maintain or reduce volume, creating localized audio emphasis that helps users identify specific sounds of interest without overwhelming all auditory channels.
2Reliability
If the sound volume is adjusted based on distance from the virtual camera, then the spatial relationship is maintained, but the user cannot easily focus on sounds in specific regions of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the sound volume adjustment mechanism adaptive and flexible. The system dynamically adjusts sound volumes based on multiple factors including distance from the virtual camera, angular position relative to the gazing point, and user attention direction. This dynamic adjustment allows the audio field to respond to changing user focus and camera positioning, enabling easy identification of sounds in regions of interest while preserving spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying sound volume parameters based on spatial coordinates and angular relationships. Specifically, the volume parameter is changed as a function of the sound source's position relative to the virtual camera and gazing point. This parameter adjustment creates volume gradients that guide user attention to specific regions while maintaining the underlying spatial structure of the virtual environment.
3Device complexity
If a single location is used for calculating both direction and volume, then the calculation process is simple, but the user cannot focus attention on specific sounds while maintaining accurate spatial localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the audio processing function into separate directional and volumetric components. The direction calculation uses one reference point (virtual camera location) to maintain spatial accuracy, while the volume calculation uses a different reference point (gazing point or attention region) to enable focus on specific sounds. This functional segmentation allows independent optimization of localization accuracy and attention focusing without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example game device includes a virtual camera, a localization calculation microphone, and a volume calculation microphone in a virtual space. The localization calculation microphone is provided at the location of the virtual camera, and the volume calculation microphone is located away from the virtual camera. The game device calculates a left-right position and a front-back position of a sound source as viewed from the localization calculation microphone. The game device also calculates the volume of a sound based on a distance between the volume calculation microphone and the sound source. The game device outputs the sound based on the calculated localized position and volume.