18087214. SPATIAL AUDIO DOWNMIXING simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)
Contents
SPATIAL AUDIO DOWNMIXING
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Christopher T. Eubank of Santa Barbara CA (US)
Matthew S. Connolly of San Jose CA (US)
Stephen E. Pinto of Mountain View CA (US)
SPATIAL AUDIO DOWNMIXING - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18087214 titled 'SPATIAL AUDIO DOWNMIXING
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a method for previewing spatial sound using a visualized spatial sound object. Here are the key points:
- The audio data in a spatial audio object is associated with the direction and location of recorded sounds.
- A visualized spatial sound object is created to represent a snapshot or thumbnail of the spatial sound.
- Users can manipulate the orientation of the visualized object to preview the spatial sound.
- A weighted downmix of the audio channels is rendered for output as a spatial preview sound.
- The preview sound emphasizes channels oriented towards the user more than those oriented away.
- The patent also covers other aspects related to this technology.
Potential applications of this technology:
- Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences can benefit from realistic spatial sound previews.
- Gaming industry can use this technology to enhance the immersive audio experience for players.
- Film and television production can utilize spatial sound previews to enhance the audio design process.
Problems solved by this technology:
- Traditional audio previews may not accurately represent the spatial aspects of the sound.
- Users may have difficulty understanding how the sound will be perceived in a spatial context.
- This technology solves these problems by providing a visualized object and a weighted downmix preview sound.
Benefits of this technology:
- Users can have a more accurate understanding of how the spatial sound will be perceived.
- It allows for better design and implementation of spatial audio in various applications.
- Enhances the overall immersive experience for users in VR, AR, gaming, and other audiovisual content.
Original Abstract Submitted
Channels of audio data in a spatial audio object are associated with any one or more of a direction and a location of one or more recorded sounds, which channels are to be reproduced as spatial sound. A visualized spatial sound object represents a snapshot/thumbnail of the spatial sound. To preview the spatial sound (by experiencing its snapshot or thumbnail), a user manipulates the orientation of the visualized spatial sound object, and a weighted downmix of the channels is rendered for output as a spatial preview sound, e.g., a single output audio signal is provided to a spatial audio renderer; one or more of the channels that are oriented toward the user are emphasized in the preview sound, more than channels that are oriented away from the user. Other aspects are also described and claimed.
