Virtual Sound Attenuation Setting for Coherent Multi-Source Loudness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound expression systems in virtual spaces struggle to maintain a sense of unity when applying attenuation characteristics to multiple sound sources, leading to increased costs and difficulty in verifying the coherence of sound loudness differences.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable storage medium with an information processing program that sets unified sound volume attenuation characteristics based on a virtual sound pressure level (VSPL) and combines diffuse and excess attenuation models to adjust sound volume according to distance, using a reference sound to standardize settings for multiple sound sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the same attenuation characteristic is applied to all sound sources, then the setup cost is reduced, but the difference in loudness of each sound cannot be expressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter from individual attenuation characteristics to a unified VSPL (Virtual Sound Pressure Level) parameter. By setting a single VSPL value for the virtual space, the system automatically determines appropriate attenuation characteristics for all sound sources, eliminating manual individual setup while preserving loudness differences through the VSPL-based calculation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The VSPL parameter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the reference sound level, determines attenuation characteristics for all sound sources, and maintains the sense of unity in the virtual space. This universal parameter replaces multiple individual attenuation settings, reducing setup cost while preserving auditory realism.
2Manufacturing precision
If attenuation characteristics are individually set for each sound source, then loudness differences can be expressed, but the cost for setting becomes high when there are many sound sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the approach from setting multiple individual attenuation parameters to setting a single VSPL parameter. This parameter change enables automatic determination of attenuation characteristics for all sound sources, significantly reducing setup cost while maintaining the ability to express loudness differences through the VSPL-based calculation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating and applying appropriate attenuation characteristics to each sound source based on the unified VSPL parameter and the sound source's position in the virtual space. This eliminates the need for manual individual configuration, reducing setup cost while preserving loudness differentiation.
3Manufacturing precision
If attenuation characteristics are individually set for each sound source, then loudness differences can be verified, but it is difficult to verify whether the attenuation characteristics have a sense of unity in the virtual space as a whole
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from multiple individual attenuation parameters to a single VSPL parameter, the system simplifies verification. The unified VSPL parameter provides a clear reference point for verifying both loudness differences and the sense of unity in the virtual space, eliminating the complexity of verifying multiple individual settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The VSPL parameter creates an equipotential reference level across the virtual space, providing a consistent baseline for verifying attenuation characteristics. This unified reference makes it easier to verify both individual loudness differences and the overall sense of unity, as all sound sources are evaluated relative to the same VSPL standard.
4Ease of manufacture
If a unified attenuation characteristic is applied, then the setup process is simplified, but the natural sound expression where loud sounds can be heard farther away cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the VSPL parameter as a unified reference that enables natural sound expression. By setting VSPL based on the desired reference sound level and using it to calculate distance-based attenuation, the system achieves natural sound propagation characteristics (where louder sounds are heard farther away) while maintaining a simplified unified setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The VSPL parameter acts as an intermediary between the unified setup requirement and natural sound expression. It translates the single reference value into appropriate attenuation characteristics for all sound sources, enabling both simplified setup and natural sound propagation where louder sounds reach farther distances.
Data Source
AI summary
A first parameter is set for each of a plurality of sound data. The first parameter corresponds to a value indicated at a distance at which a second parameter serves as a reference, and the second parameter indicates loudness of a virtual sound in a virtual space and is attenuated in accordance with a distance from a position of a sound source to a virtual microphone in the virtual space. For each of the sound data, on the basis of at least second parameter attenuation characteristic data indicating a relationship between a value of the second parameter and the distance, and the first parameter set in the sound data, a sound volume attenuation characteristic used when a sound volume is attenuated in accordance with the distance from the sound source and indicating a relationship, between the distance and a degree of attenuation of the sound volume, is set.