Virtual Viewpoint Audio Synchronization via Automatic Listening Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for generating arbitrary viewpoint images struggle to dynamically change the sound field in response to changes in the viewing position, as they require manual user input for listening point and direction, leading to an inadequate representation of the sound field movement.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus and method that automatically determines a listening range, point, and direction based on designated viewpoint information, selecting appropriate sound pickup points to generate an audio signal corresponding to the image, allowing for dynamic sound field changes with the viewpoint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all microphone signals are used to generate surround signal regardless of listening point position, then the sound field can be generated, but the sound field feeling does not change when the listening point moves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound field adaptation to listening pointVSAvoidmanual designation of listening point and direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the listening point and listening direction based on the arbitrary viewpoint position without requiring manual user input. The control unit calculates these parameters self-service style, using the viewpoint information to dynamically adjust the sound field configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sound field configuration is made dynamic by continuously updating the listening point and listening direction according to the changing arbitrary viewpoint position. This dynamic adjustment allows the sound field feeling to change in response to viewpoint movement, improving adaptability while eliminating manual operation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If manual designation of listening point and listening direction is required, then the sound field can be controlled, but the user does not always designate suitable parameters for the arbitrary viewpoint image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of listening point and direction parametersVSAvoidautomatic calculation system for sound field parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit uses feedback from the arbitrary viewpoint position information to automatically calculate and adjust the listening point and listening direction parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures that the parameters are always suitable for the current viewpoint, improving measurement precision while the automation reduces the perceived complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of designating listening parameters is replaced by an automated computational system. The control unit performs calculations to determine optimal parameters based on viewpoint information, substituting the manual mechanical operation with an automated electronic system that improves accuracy without burdening the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If listening range, listening point, and listening direction cannot be automatically changed, then the system is simpler, but it is difficult to represent the change of sound field suitable for viewpoint movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic sound field representationVSAvoidautomatic adjustment of sound field parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic adjustment of the listening range, listening point, and listening direction that automatically changes in response to viewpoint movement. This dynamic behavior enables the sound field to accurately represent the arbitrary viewpoint, achieving high adaptability through a moderate level of automation that is managed by the control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3276982B1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 CANON KK
  • EP3276982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3276982B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3276982B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus acquires (S101) information about designation of a position of a virtual viewpoint related to a virtual viewpoint image generated based on capturing by a plurality of cameras, and decides (S103), based on the information, a virtual listening point related to an audio signal to be generated based on sound pickup at a plurality of sound pickup points.