Virtual Sound Capturing Device Positioning in 3D Audio Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

In digital audio workstations, existing technologies lack the ability to effectively mimic the positioning of a virtual sound capturing device in relation to a virtual sound producing device, which affects the attributes of virtual sound recordings, such as natural representation and extraneous sound dissipation, similar to live audio recording scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Methods and systems for virtually positioning a sound capturing device in a three-dimensional interface and a two-dimensional graphical map, allowing users to adjust the position of the virtual sound capturing device relative to the sound producing device, with a processor adjusting algorithms based on the models of both devices to simulate desired sound effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a virtual sound capturing device is positioned in a two-dimensional graphical interface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the realism and quality of virtual sound recordings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidrealism and quality of virtual sound recordings
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by mapping a three-dimensional spatial arrangement of virtual sound devices onto a two-dimensional graphical user interface. The 3D positioning data (x, y, z coordinates) of virtual sound capturing and producing devices is projected onto a 2D display, allowing users to interact with spatial audio concepts in a familiar 2D environment while maintaining the acoustic realism of 3D positioning. This resolves the contradiction by enabling easy 2D interaction without sacrificing the 3D spatial accuracy needed for realistic sound recording quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the positioning of virtual sound devices is not adjusted, then the device complexity is reduced, but the natural representation and extraneous sound dissipation effects deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidnatural representation and extraneous sound dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically calculating and adjusting audio parameters based on the virtual positioning of sound devices. When users position virtual sound capturing and producing devices in the graphical interface, the system autonomously computes the appropriate reverb, resonance, pitch, and volume attributes based on the spatial relationship between devices, eliminating the need for manual audio parameter adjustment while achieving realistic sound effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically modifying audio characteristics (reverb, resonance, pitch, volume) based on the spatial positioning parameters of virtual sound devices. As users adjust the position, orientation, or type of virtual sound devices, the system automatically adjusts the corresponding audio parameters to maintain realistic acoustic behavior, thereby achieving high-fidelity virtual sound recording without increasing user burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If algorithms are not adjusted based on device models and positions, then the processing speed is improved, but the quality and realism of sound output deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidquality and realism of sound output
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by pre-defining a library of device models with their inherent acoustic characteristics and processing requirements. When virtual sound devices are instantiated in the graphical interface, the system pre-configures the appropriate algorithms and parameters based on the selected device models and their initial positions, enabling rapid processing while maintaining high audio quality without requiring complex real-time calculations for each adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8887051B2Positioning a virtual sound capturing device in a three dimensional interface
Publication Date: 2014.11.11 APPLE INC
  • US8887051B2 patent drawing
  • US8887051B2 patent drawing
  • US8887051B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, system, and computer-readable product for positioning a virtual sound capturing device in a graphical user interface (GUI) are disclosed. The method includes displaying a virtual sound capturing device in relation to a virtual sound producing device in a three dimensional interface and in a two dimensional graphical map. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the display of the virtual sound capturing device in relation to the virtual sound producing device in both the three dimensional interface and the two dimensional graphical map in response to commands received from an input device.