Virtual Sound Source Audio Signal for Physiological Improvement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for improving physiological conditions, such as meditation, music therapy, and medicinal substances, require significant effort or time and can cause negative side effects, necessitating a more efficient and side-effect-free approach.

Innovation Solution

Providing an audio signal configured to be perceived as originating from a virtual sound source with a specific shape and position, which is determined by modifying an input audio signal using signal delay, attenuation, and combination operations to create audio signal components that simulate a three-dimensional sound experience, thereby improving homeostasis and reducing stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional methods such as meditation, music therapy, or medicinal substances are used to improve physiological conditions, then the physiological state can be improved, but significant effort and time are required and negative side effects may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological condition improvementVSAvoidtime and effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or chemical methods (meditation practice, medicinal substances) with an acoustic field-based approach. Audio signals are processed to create virtual sound sources with specific spatial characteristics that directly influence physiological parameters without requiring active participation or chemical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the audio signal (spatial position, shape, distribution) to optimize physiological effects. By adjusting virtual sound source parameters such as position coordinates and spatial distribution, the system achieves rapid physiological improvement without the time investment required by traditional methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If medicinal substances are used to improve physiological conditions, then the physiological state can be improved, but negative side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological condition improvementVSAvoidnegative side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical substances with acoustic energy fields. The processed audio signals create virtual sound sources that physically influence physiological parameters through acoustic pressure and vibration patterns, eliminating the need for chemical substances and their associated side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces audio signals as an intermediary between the external environment and the physiological system. The virtual sound sources act as a mediator that translates spatial acoustic parameters into physiological effects, providing a non-invasive pathway for improvement without direct chemical interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing therapeutic methods are used, then physiological improvement can be achieved, but the methods require significant effort from the subject

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysiological condition improvementVSAvoideffort required by subject

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the audio system to automatically perform the therapeutic function without requiring active participation from the subject. The virtual sound sources are positioned and configured to automatically produce physiological effects, making the subject a passive recipient rather than an active participant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces active mental or physical engagement (meditation concentration, exercise) with passive acoustic reception. The processed audio signals containing virtual sound source information directly influence physiological parameters without requiring the subject's active involvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20230355918A1Method and system for improving a physiological condition of a subject

Publication Date: 2023.11.09 LIQUID OXIGEN LOX BV

AI summary

A method for improving a physiological condition of a subject, e.g. a human or animal, is disclosed. The method comprises providing an audio signal to the subject, wherein the audio signal is associated with a virtual sound source having a shape and a position relative to the subject. The virtual sound source is defined by a plurality of virtual points, each virtual point having a position relative to the subject. The audio signal comprises audio signal components for the respective virtual points of the virtual sound source, wherein each audio signal component has been determined based on the virtual position of its associated virtual point such that the audio signal is perceived by the subject as originating from the virtual sound source having said shape and said position relative to the subject. Further, a system for performing this method is also disclosed.