Mapping Virtual Sound Sources to Loudspeakers in XR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current extended reality (XR) systems struggle to accurately position and orient sound in loudspeaker systems, resulting in a lack of realism in audio scenes compared to headphones, due to the inability to precisely map virtual sound sources to physical loudspeakers.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that determines the contribution of virtual sound sources to the audio scene, generates sound components, and maps these components to specific loudspeakers for optimal playback, incorporating audio analysis and preprocessing to account for speaker characteristics and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If virtual sound sources are rendered via headphones, then precise positioning and orientation of sound is achieved, but sound pressure level and realism are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is segmented into multiple components based on spatial characteristics (directional and non-directional sound). Directional sound components are mapped to specific loudspeakers for precise positioning, while non-directional components are distributed to create immersive sound pressure. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of precise sound positioning and high sound pressure level through different playback paths.
2Stress or pressure
If virtual sound sources are rendered via loudspeakers, then sound pressure level and realism are improved, but precise positioning and orientation of sound is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An audio processing system acts as an intermediary between the virtual sound sources and the loudspeaker array. This intermediary performs spatial analysis, decomposes sound into directional and non-directional components, and intelligently maps sound components to specific loudspeakers based on their spatial characteristics. This mediation enables loudspeakers to achieve both high sound pressure level and precise sound positioning by selectively assigning sound components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If loudspeaker system is used for audio playback, then immersive quality and realism are enhanced, but dynamic positioning of virtual sound sources becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The audio processing system dynamically adapts the mapping of virtual sound sources to loudspeakers based on real-time spatial characteristics. As virtual sound sources move or change orientation, the system continuously recalculates the optimal loudspeaker assignment by analyzing spatial parameters and adjusting the distribution of directional and non-directional sound components. This dynamic adaptation maintains both immersive quality and dynamic positioning accuracy throughout the audio scene.
Data Source
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AI summary
One or more embodiments include an audio processing system for generating an audio scene for an extended reality (XR) environment. The audio processing system determines that a first virtual sound source associated with the XR environment affects a sound in the audio scene. The audio processing system generates a sound component associated with the first virtual sound source based on a contribution of the first virtual sound source to the audio scene. The audio processing system maps the sound component to a first loudspeaker included in a plurality of loudspeakers. The audio processing system outputs at least a first portion of the component for playback on the first loudspeaker.