Vision-Based Sound Simulation for Room Acoustic Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio calibration methods for home entertainment systems are time-consuming, error-prone, and require expert knowledge, as they rely on rough speaker distance approximations and sparse sound measurements, lacking information about room geometry and material.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a geometric model of a location using visual data, simulates sound wave movement, and optimizes sound distribution by recognizing unwanted reflections and occlusions, allowing for user-friendly recommendations to improve audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing audio calibration methods using microphones and sparse sound measurements are used, then audio correction can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires expert knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical speaker positioning with an automated computer-based system that uses visual data processing and acoustic simulation to determine optimal speaker positions and calibration parameters, eliminating the need for physical trial and error adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual geometric model (digital copy) of the physical space using visual data, allowing acoustic simulations to be performed in the virtual environment before implementing changes physically, thus avoiding costly physical trial and error
2Measurement precision
If rough speaker distance approximation and gain adjustment are used, then quick correction can be achieved, but measurement precision and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual data (images or video) as an intermediary medium to capture spatial information about the room and speaker positions. This visual intermediary provides precise geometric data that feeds into the acoustic simulation, enabling accurate speaker distance measurement without direct physical measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from one-dimensional audio measurements to two-dimensional visual data processing, using image analysis to extract spatial relationships and geometric information that provides more precise and comprehensive understanding of the acoustic environment
3Ease of operation
If manual trial and error speaker position optimization is performed, then audio quality can be improved, but the process becomes practically impossible for non-experts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing visual data, generating geometric models, simulating acoustic behavior, and providing calibration recommendations without requiring user expertise or manual intervention, making the process accessible to non-experts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the system analyzes the acoustic measurements, compares them against the simulated optimal performance, and provides actionable recommendations for improvement, guiding users through the calibration process without requiring expert knowledge
4Loss of information
If sparse sound measurements are used, then the calibration process remains simple, but information about room geometry and material is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges visual data processing and acoustic simulation into a unified system, where images are processed to create geometric models that are then used for acoustic analysis, combining previously separate domains to recover lost spatial information
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by processing visual data and generating geometric models before conducting acoustic measurements and simulations, establishing the spatial framework in advance that enables accurate acoustic analysis without requiring complex real-time processing
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method for audio calibration that uses audio simulation and reconstructed surface information from images or video recordings along with recorded sound. The surface component of the method introduces knowledge that enables audio wave propagation simulation for a particular location. Using the simulation results the sound distribution can be optimized. For example, unwanted audio reflection and occlusion can be recognized and resolved. In one example, the disclosure provides a method for improving acoustics at a location that includes: (1) generating a geometric model of a location using visual data obtained from the location, wherein the location includes an audio system, and (2) simulating, using the geometric model, movement of sound waves in the location that originate from the audio system. The disclosure also provides a computer system, a computer program product, and a mobile computing device that include features for improving acoustics at a location.