Virtual Speaker Position Correction for Accurate 3D-Audio Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques for stereoscopic sound reproduction using HRTF often result in errors leading to impaired sound quality due to individual differences in HRTF, particularly in 3D-Audio applications where sound images may not be localized correctly.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that corrects the position information of virtual speakers based on user-perceived positions, utilizing a correction unit to align first and second position information for accurate sound localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If HRTF estimation is used to achieve personalized sound reproduction, then sound quality should improve, but errors occur leading to impaired sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound qualityVSAvoidHRTF estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system acquires information about the user's perceived sound position and uses this feedback to correct the virtual speaker positions. The correction unit adjusts the first position information based on the difference between intended and perceived positions, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves sound localization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the position parameters of virtual speakers dynamically based on user feedback. By adjusting the position information of virtual speakers according to the acquired perceived position data, the system adapts to individual user characteristics and corrects localization errors in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If virtual speakers are arranged in 3D space to create immersive sound experience, then sound localization should improve, but position errors cause sound images to be misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound localization accuracyVSAvoidsound image positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from user perception to correct virtual speaker positions. The acquisition unit obtains information about where users perceive sound images, and the correction unit uses this to adjust the virtual speaker positions, ensuring accurate sound localization in the 3D spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the virtual speaker positions dynamic rather than fixed. The position information of virtual speakers is adjusted dynamically based on user feedback, allowing the system to adapt to individual differences in perception while maintaining the immersive 3D sound experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12425790B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and terminal device

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is an information processing apparatus that includes a correction unit that renders audio data including position information of a sound object to a plurality of virtual speakers virtually arranged in a space, and an acquisition unit that acquires first position information regarding virtual positions of the virtual speakers in the space and second position information regarding positions of the virtual speakers in the space perceived by a user. The correction unit corrects the first position information of at least one of the plurality of virtual speakers on the basis of the second position information.