Wearable Audio Localization Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in accurately localizing three-dimensional (3D) sound for users, leading to misalignment between the intended sound location and the user's perception, which degrades the listening experience and complicates tasks like placing images or moving sounds as per user instructions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of methods and apparatus that determine the user's perception of sound localization by tracking head and eye movements, using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), and adjusting sound processing to correct errors between intended and perceived sound locations, allowing users to intentionally or unintentionally assist in determining sound origins through gestures, verbal cues, or visual feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sound is processed with HRTFs to externally localize to the user, then the user can perceive 3D sound direction, but the perceived location may misalign with the intended location
Solution Approach 1:
The system tracks user head and eye movements to determine where the user is actually looking, then uses this feedback to calculate and correct the error between intended and perceived sound locations. The corrected HRTFs are applied based on this feedback loop, continuously improving localization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts parameters of the HRTF processing by calculating correction values based on the angular difference between where the user is looking and where the sound is intended to be. These parameter changes are applied to the sound processing to align perceived location with intended location.
2Measurement precision
If the system tracks head and eye movements to determine sound perception, then correction accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable electronic device utilizes existing sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, eye tracking) that serve multiple functions - tracking head movements for both navigation/context awareness and sound localization correction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated tracking hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own natural head and eye movements as the tracking mechanism, rather than requiring external tracking equipment. The user's biological responses to sound (turning head toward sound source) are harnessed to provide the tracking data needed for correction.
3Manufacturing precision
If the computer adjusts sound processing to correct localization errors, then sound placement accuracy improves, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates correction values based on the angular difference between intended and perceived sound locations. By preparing correction parameters in advance and applying them systematically, the processing time is reduced compared to real-time iterative adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable electronic device (WED) corrects an error where a user hears binaural sound. A processor processes sound into binaural sound that localizes to the user at a location, and the WED determines a gaze direction of the user when the user hears the binaural sound. The WED corrects an error between the location and the gaze direction.