Virtual Speaker Audio Reproduction for Spatial Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality and augmented reality systems lack realistic audio reproduction, as the sound source output from speakers in real spaces does not accurately simulate the positional relationships between virtual and real listeners, leading to a diminished sensory experience.
Innovation Solution
A reproduction device that acquires sound source information, determines the output characteristics of a virtual speaker based on its positional relationship with a virtual listener in a virtual space, and reproduces the sound using a real speaker in a real space, mimicking the audio experience as if the listener were in the original acoustic space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sound is reproduced using speakers in real space, then the audio can be output through available hardware, but the realistic sensation is reduced because the positional relationship between virtual and real listeners is not accurately simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual speaker model that copies the acoustic characteristics and positional relationships from the original recording environment. By determining output characteristics based on the virtual speaker's position relative to the virtual listener, the system reproduces the spatial audio experience without physically replicating the original acoustic space, thus maintaining realistic sensation while using available real-space speakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms audio reproduction by changing parameters such as output characteristics, gain, and phase based on the positional relationship between virtual speakers and listeners. The determination unit calculates these parameters to simulate how sound would propagate in the virtual space, and the reproduction unit applies these parameter changes when outputting through real speakers, thereby preserving spatial realism.
2Reliability
If the output characteristic is determined based on virtual space positional relationships, then realistic audio reproduction is achieved, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio reproduction task into separate functional units: an acquisition unit that gathers sound source information, a determination unit that calculates output characteristics based on positional relationships, and a reproduction unit that applies the characteristics for actual playback. This segmentation allows complex calculations to be performed in a structured manner, managing computational complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple virtual speakers are used to simulate different positions, then spatial audio accuracy is improved, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual speaker as an intermediary concept between the original sound source and the real speakers. The determination unit uses the virtual speaker's positional relationship with the virtual listener to calculate appropriate output characteristics, which are then applied when reproducing through real speakers. This intermediary approach enables accurate spatial audio reproduction without requiring physical placement of multiple speakers in specific positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A reproduction device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire sound source information about a sound source; a determination unit configured to determine an output characteristic of the sound source with a virtual speaker arranged in a virtual space, based on a positional relationship between the virtual speaker and a virtual listener arranged in the virtual space; and a reproduction unit configured to reproduce the sound source with a real speaker arranged in a real space, based on the output characteristic determined by the determination unit.