Wave Field Synthesis for Multi-Listener Spatial Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques can follow the motion of a single listener and provide appropriate sound, but they do not enable multiple listeners to hear an appropriate sound simultaneously based on the motions of multiple listeners.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device and system that estimates the attributes of multiple listeners and outputs sound through wave field synthesis, creating a spatially transmitted sound field tailored to each listener's location using a multi-speaker system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single listener's motion is followed to provide appropriate sound, then the specific listener can hear sound appropriately, but multiple listeners cannot hear appropriate sounds simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the spatial environment into multiple zones and processes each listener independently based on their respective positions and motion states. By segmenting the service target from a single listener to multiple listeners, the system can simultaneously track and provide personalized sound for each listener without mutual interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from processing sound in a single spatial dimension to three-dimensional spatial sound field synthesis. By utilizing wave field synthesis technology, the system creates immersive 3D sound fields that can simultaneously serve multiple listeners at different positions, effectively resolving the contradiction between single-listener precision and multi-listener coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If wave field synthesis is used to create spatially transmitted sound fields for multiple listeners, then multiple listeners can hear appropriate sounds simultaneously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-speaker configuration where each speaker serves multiple functions: individual sound source for zone-based listening, component of the overall wave field synthesis system, and spatial positioning element. This universal design allows the same hardware infrastructure to support both single-listener and multi-listener scenarios, reducing the need for additional specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual sound sources through computational methods, copying and reproducing sound fields mathematically before physical transmission. By synthesizing sound fields computationally and then transmitting them through the speaker array, the system achieves complex spatial audio effects without requiring proportionally complex physical hardware modifications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables multiple listeners to hear appropriate sounds in real-time as they move, enhancing the effectiveness of sound and image presentation in environments like digital signage and live performances by providing personalized audio experiences.
Implementation Method 1
outputs a sound through wave field synthesis so that a sound field of the set content is spatially transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device includes circuitry that estimates an attribute of a first person located in at least one of a plurality of areas, and sets a first content corresponding to the attribute of the first person and outputs a sound through wave field synthesis so that a sound field of the set first content is spatially transmitted to at least the one of the plurality of areas via a plurality of speakers.