Virtual Microphone Bubbles for Precise 3D Audio Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microphone systems struggle to effectively isolate and process desired sound sources while minimizing undesired sound sources in dynamic and complex environments, due to limitations in creating precise audio pickup zones, beamforming inaccuracies, and inability to distinguish between sound sources, leading to audio signal degradation and distortion.
Innovation Solution
The system employs virtual microphones, regions, and groups with configurable attributes and functions to optimize audio processing in 3D space, allowing precise positioning, shaping, and control of sound fields, enabling real-time adaptation to dynamic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distributed microphones are installed close to desired sound sources to enhance sound pickup, then sound source isolation is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual microphone bubbles that replicate the functionality of physical microphones at different spatial locations without requiring actual hardware installation at each position. The virtual bubbles are computational constructs that process audio signals as if microphones were present at those locations, eliminating the need for complex distributed microphone installations while achieving the same sound source isolation goals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/physical microphone distribution system with a computational audio processing system. Instead of physically installing multiple microphones throughout the space, the system uses signal processing algorithms to create virtual microphone positions and processes audio signals computationally to achieve spatial sound source separation and isolation
2Reliability
If multiple discrete microphones are used to create smaller pickup zones centered on desired sound sources, then sound pickup quality is improved, but hardware complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual microphone bubbles that replicate the functionality of physical microphones at different spatial locations without requiring actual hardware installation at each position. The virtual bubbles are computational constructs that process audio signals as if microphones were present at those locations, eliminating the need for complex distributed microphone installations while achieving the same sound source isolation goals
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single physical microphone array that can dynamically create multiple virtual microphone bubbles at different positions and orientations. This universal system can adapt to different sound source configurations and environmental requirements without requiring additional hardware, as the same physical microphones serve multiple virtual functions through computational processing
3Measurement precision
If microphone pickup zones are configured to optimize desired sound sources, then sound source isolation is improved, but the system cannot distinguish between desired and undesired sound sources when they are equally distant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different audio processing functions and attributes to different virtual microphone bubbles based on their local characteristics and the sound sources they are targeting. Each bubble can have customized processing parameters optimized for its specific spatial position and desired sound source, allowing the system to distinguish between desired and undesired sources even when they are at similar distances by applying location-specific processing strategies
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically creates, moves, and configures virtual microphone bubbles in real-time based on the positions and characteristics of desired sound sources. The bubbles can be adjusted, expanded, contracted, or repositioned as sound sources move or as environmental conditions change, allowing the system to continuously adapt to dynamic environments and maintain optimal sound source distinction capability
4Reliability
If physical microphones are located within configured zones and centered within the zone, then audio performance is optimized, but configuration flexibility and aesthetic options are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual microphone bubbles that replicate the functionality of physical microphones at different spatial locations without requiring actual hardware installation at each position. The virtual bubbles are computational constructs that process audio signals as if microphones were present at those locations, eliminating the need for complex distributed microphone installations while achieving the same sound source isolation goals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional physical microphone placement constraints to three-dimensional virtual spatial positioning. The virtual microphone bubbles can be positioned anywhere in the 3D space around the physical microphone array, allowing configuration flexibility in all spatial dimensions without being limited by physical installation constraints or aesthetic considerations
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus, and computer-readable media focusing sound signals from plural microphones in a 3D space, to determine audio signal processing profiles to optimize sound source(s) in the space. At least one processor determines plural virtual microphone bubbles in the space, and defines one or more bubble object profiles which comprise(s) specific attributes and functions of audio processing functions for each bubble, each bubble object profile including: (a) an individual bubble object profile when the bubble has been configured for an individual bubble; (b) a region object profile when the bubble has been configured for a region of one or more bubbles; and (c) a group object profile when the bubble has been configured for a group having one or more bubbles. The audio signal processing functions are used for the at least one bubble, for any combination of (a), (b), and (c).