WO2013076534A1 - Détermination de la direction d'un écran d'affichage associé à un ensemble écouteur - Google Patents

Détermination de la direction d'un écran d'affichage associé à un ensemble écouteur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2013076534A1
WO2013076534A1 PCT/IB2012/000149 IB2012000149W WO2013076534A1 WO 2013076534 A1 WO2013076534 A1 WO 2013076534A1 IB 2012000149 W IB2012000149 W IB 2012000149W WO 2013076534 A1 WO2013076534 A1 WO 2013076534A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
source
transducer
source signal
received
signal
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2012/000149
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Hanna Edpalm
Aleksandar RODSEVSKI
Original Assignee
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab filed Critical Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab
Publication of WO2013076534A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013076534A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04S—STEREOPHONIC SYSTEMS 
    • H04S7/00—Indicating arrangements; Control arrangements, e.g. balance control
    • H04S7/30—Control circuits for electronic adaptation of the sound field
    • H04S7/302—Electronic adaptation of stereophonic sound system to listener position or orientation
    • H04S7/303—Tracking of listener position or orientation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04S—STEREOPHONIC SYSTEMS 
    • H04S2400/00—Details of stereophonic systems covered by H04S but not provided for in its groups
    • H04S2400/11—Positioning of individual sound objects, e.g. moving airplane, within a sound field

Definitions

  • the technology of the present disclosure relates generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to electronic devices including a display direction determining feature.
  • Mobile and wireless electronic devices are becoming increasingly popular. For example, mobile telephones, portable media players, and portable gaming devices are now in widespread use.
  • the features associated with certain types of electronic devices have become increasingly diverse. To name a few examples, many electronic devices have cameras, Internet browsing capability, media playback capability (including audio and/or video playback), image display capability, video game playing capability, and wired and hands-free earphone set interfaces.
  • 3D positional audio has been used to reproduce or enhance the visual experience of a user in an auditory manner.
  • 3D positional audio systems create the illusion of sound sources placed anywhere in three-dimensional space, including behind, above or below the listener.
  • Real time 3D positional audio when used in combination with a display of a mobile or wireless electronic device places the perceived locations of sound sources at particular locations relative to images in the display.
  • Earphone sets such as headphones, in-ear phones, in-concha phones, etc. are often used in combination with electronic devices capable of video playback including those equipped with 3D positional audio features. Earphone sets are free to move or rotate relative to the display of the electronic device. This may present implementation challenges in some real time 3D positional audio applications that may require awareness of the direction of the display to deliver the illusion of sound sources placed at specific locations in three-dimensional space relative to the images in the display.
  • the present disclosure describes improved electronic devices, earphone sets and methods for determining the direction of a signal source associated with an electronic device.
  • determination of the direction of a display associated with an electronic device connected to an earphone set includes an earphone set including two or more transducers configured to receive a source signal from a source and to transmit electrical signals corresponding to the source signal as received by each of the two or more transducers, a detection logic configured to receive from the two or more transducers the electrical signals
  • the source signal corresponding to the source signal, and to determine a difference between the source signal as received by a first transducer and the source signal as received by a second transducer based on the electrical signals
  • a processor coupled to the detection logic and configured to determine an approximate difference in distance between the first transducer and the source, and the second transducer and the source based on the difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer and the source signal as received by the second transducer.
  • the processor is configured to determine an approximate direction of the source relative to the earphone set based on the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer and the source, and the second transducer and the source.
  • the source signal is a wave signal and the detection logic is configured to determine a phase angle difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer and the source signal as received by the second transducer based on the electrical signals, and the processor is configured to determine the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer and the source, and the second transducer and the source based on the phase angle difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer and the source signal as received by the second transducer.
  • the detection logic is configured to determine difference between arrival time of the source signal to the first transducer and arrival time of the source signal to the second transducer based on the electrical signals
  • the processor is configured to determine the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer and the source, and the second transducer and the source based on the difference between arrival time of the source signal to the first transducer and arrival time of the source signal to the second transducer.
  • the system includes an adjusting logic configured to adjust signals sent to speakers of the earphone set based on the determined approximate direction of the source relative to the earphone set.
  • the system includes a gyroscope operatively connected to the processor and configured to operate in conjunction with the detection logic such that the processor determines an approximate direction of the source relative to the electronic device based on the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer and the source, and the second transducer and the source, and the processor determines subsequent changes in the approximate direction of the source relative to the electronic device based on a signal received from the gyroscope.
  • a gyroscope operatively connected to the processor and configured to operate in conjunction with the detection logic such that the processor determines an approximate direction of the source relative to the electronic device based on the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer and the source, and the second transducer and the source, and the processor determines subsequent changes in the approximate direction of the source relative to the electronic device based on a signal received from the gyroscope.
  • the processor is configured to determine the general direction of the display based on the determined difference in distance between the first transducer and the source, and the second transducer and the source.
  • the transducers correspond to microphones mounted on the earphone set.
  • a first microphone is mounted on the earphone set at a location adjacent to a first speaker of the earphone set and a second microphone is mounted on the earphone set at a location adjacent to a second speaker of the earphone set.
  • the microphones correspond to microphones mounted on the earphone set for active noise cancelling.
  • the system includes a filter operatively connected to the transducers and configured to substantially match a bandwidth of the source signal to substantially optimize signal-to-noise ratio of the electrical signals.
  • an earphone set includes a first transducer and a second transducer configured to receive a source signal from a source and to transmit first and second electrical signals, respectively, to a detection logic configured to receive the first electrical signal from the first transducer and the second electrical signal from the second transducer, wherein the first electrical signal corresponds to the source signal as received by the first transducer and the second electrical signal corresponds to the source signal as received by the second transducer, wherein the detection logic is configured to determine a difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer and the source signal as received by the second transducer based at least in part on the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.
  • the earphone set further includes a first speaker and a second speaker configured to receive signals from a processor operatively connected to the detection logic and configured to adjust signals sent to the first and the second speakers based at least in part on the determined difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer and the source signal as received by the second transducer.
  • the processor is configured to determine approximate direction of the source based at least in part on the determined difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer and the source signal as received by the second transducer.
  • the earphone set includes a gyroscope operatively connected to the processor and configured to operate in conjunction with the detection logic such that the processor adjusts signals sent to the first and the second speakers based at least in part on the determined difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer and the source signal as received by the second transducer, and the processor adjusts signals sent to the first and the second speakers based at least in part on a signal received from the gyroscope.
  • the earphone set includes an accelerometer operatively connected to the processor and configured to operate in conjunction with the detection logic such that the processor adjusts signals sent to the first and the second speakers based at least in part on the determined difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer and the source signal as received by the second transducer, and the processor adjusts signals sent to the first and the second speakers based at least in part on a signal received from the accelerometer.
  • the first transducer is a first microphone mounted on the earphone set at a location adjacent to the first speaker and the second transducer is a microphone mounted on the earphone set at a distance from the first microphone at a location adjacent to the second speaker, and wherein the processor is configured to adjusts signals sent to the first and the second speakers based at least in part on the distance between the first microphone and the second microphone.
  • the earphone set includes a filter operatively connected to at least one of the first and second microphones and configured to substantially match a bandwidth of the source signal to substantially optimize signal-to-noise ratio of the at least one of the first and second electrical signals.
  • a method for determining approximate direction of a source relative to an earphone set includes receiving at a first location in the earphone set a source signal from the source, receiving at a second location in the earphone set different from the first location the source signal from the source, determining a difference between the source signal as received at the first location and the source signal as received at the second location, and determining an approximate direction of the source relative to the first location and the second location based on the difference.
  • the determining the difference between the source signal as received at the first location and the source signal as received at the second location includes determining a phase angle difference between the source signal as received at the first location and the source signal as received at the second location, or determining a difference between arrival time of the source signal at the first location and arrival time of the source signal at the second location, or combinations thereof.
  • the method includes adjusting signals sent to speakers based at least in part on the determined approximate direction of the source such that sound from the speakers appears as emanating from at least one of the determined approximate direction of the source and a specific direction relative to the determined approximate direction of the source.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an operational environment including a mobile device operating in combination with an earphone set.
  • Figure 2 illustrates an operational environment including a television set operating in combination with multiple earphone sets.
  • Figure 3a illustrates an exemplary spatial arrangement including a user U wearing an earphone set.
  • Figure 3b illustrates two source signals and as received by the earphone set in the spatial arrangement of Figure 3 a.
  • Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of an earphone set.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart that illustrates logical operations to implement an exemplary method for determining approximate direction of a display relative to a user's face.
  • embodiments are described primarily in the context of a mobile telephone. It will be appreciated, however, that the exemplary context of a mobile telephone is not the only operational environment in which aspects of the disclosed systems and methods may be used. Therefore, the techniques described in this disclosure may be applied to any type of appropriate electronic device, examples of which include a mobile telephone, a media player, a gaming device, a computer, a television, a video monitor, a multimedia player, a DVD player, a Blu-Ray player, a pager, a communicator, an electronic organizer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a portable communication apparatus, etc.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • Figure 1 illustrates an operational environment 100 including an electronic device 1 10.
  • the electronic device 1 10 of the illustrated embodiment is a mobile telephone that is shown as having a "brick" or “block” form factor housing, but it will be appreciated that other housing types may be utilized, such as a "flip-open” form factor (e.g., a "clamshell” housing) or a slide-type form factor (e.g., a "slider” housing).
  • a "flip-open” form factor e.g., a "clamshell” housing
  • slide-type form factor e.g., a "slider” housing
  • the electronic device 1 10 includes a display 120.
  • the display 120 displays information to a user U, such as operating state, time, telephone numbers, contact information, various menus, etc., that enable the user U to utilize the various features of the electronic device 1 10.
  • the display 120 may also be used to visually display content received by the electronic device 1 10 or content retrieved from memory of the electronic device 1 10.
  • the display 120 may be used to present images, video, and other graphics to the user U, such as photographs, mobile television content, and video associated with games.
  • the electronic device 1 10 further includes a keypad 130 that provides for a variety of user input operations.
  • the keypad 130 may include alphanumeric keys for allowing entry of alphanumeric information such as telephone numbers, phone lists, contact information, notes, text, etc.
  • the keypad 130 may include special function keys such as a "call send” key for initiating or answering a call and a "call end” key for ending or “hanging up” a call.
  • Special function keys also may include menu navigation keys, for example, to facilitate navigating through a menu displayed on the display 120. For instance, a pointing device or navigation key may be present to accept directional inputs from a user U, or a select key may be present to accept user selections.
  • Special function keys may further include audiovisual content playback keys to start, stop, and pause playback, skip or repeat tracks, and so forth.
  • Other keys associated with the electronic device 1 10 may include a volume key, an audio mute key, an on/off power key, a web browser launch key, etc. Keys or key-like functionality also may be embodied as a touch screen associated wilh the display 120. Also, the display 120 and keypad 130 may be used in conjunction with one another to implement soft key functionality.
  • the electronic device 1 10 may further include one or more I/O interfaces such as interface 140.
  • the I/O interface 140 may be in the form of typical electronic device I/O interfaces and may include one or more electrical connectors.
  • the I/O interface 140 may serve to connect the electronic device 1 10 to an earphone set 150 (e.g., in-ear earphones, in-concha earphones, over-the-head earphones, personal hands free (PHF) earphone device, and so on) or other audio reproduction equipment that has a wired interface with the electronic device 1 10.
  • the I/O interface 140 serves to connect the earphone set 150 to a sound signal processing circuit of the electronic device 1 10 so that audio data reproduced by the sound signal processing circuit may be output via the I/O interface 140 to the earphone set 150.
  • the electronic device 1 10 also may include a local wireless interface (not shown), such as an infrared (IR) transceiver or a radio frequency (RF) interface (e.g., a Bluetooth interface) for establishing communication with an accessory, another mobile radio terminal, a computer, or another device.
  • a local wireless interface such as an infrared (IR) transceiver or a radio frequency (RF) interface (e.g., a Bluetooth interface) for establishing communication with an accessory, another mobile radio terminal, a computer, or another device.
  • the local wireless interface may operatively couple the electronic device 1 10 to the earphone set 150 or other audio reproduction equipment with a corresponding wireless interface.
  • the earphone set 150 is a multi-channel headset. In one embodiment, the earphone set 150 can reproduce audio in a two-channel audio format. In other embodiments, the earphone set 150 can reproduce audio in other multi-channel audio formats (e.g., 5.1 , 7.1, etc.)
  • the earphone set 150 may be used to reproduce audio content received by the electronic device 110 or content retrieved from memory of the electronic device 1 10.
  • the earphone set 150 may be used to reproduce music, speech, etc.
  • the earphone set 150 may also be used in conjunction with the display 120 to reproduce audio corresponding to video, images, or other graphics such as photographs, mobile television content, and video associated with games presented to the user U on the display 120.
  • the electronic device 1 10 is a multifunctional device that is capable of carrying out various functions in addition to traditional electronic device functions.
  • the exemplary electronic device 1 10 also functions as a media player. More specifically, the electronic device 1 10 is capable of playing different types of media objects such as audio files (e.g., MP3, .wma, AC-3, etc.), video files (e.g., MPEG, .wmv, etc.), still images (e.g., .pdf, JPEG, .bmp, etc.).
  • the electronic device 1 10 is also capable of reproducing video or other image files on the display 120 and capable of sending signals to the earphone set 150 such that the earphone set 150 may reproduce sound associated with the video or other image files, for example.
  • the electronic device 1 10 or the earphone set 150 or a combination thereof includes a three-dimensional (3D) positional audio function to create the illusion of sound sources placed anywhere in three-dimensional space, including behind, above or below the listener.
  • 3D positional audio when used in combination with the display 120 of electronic device 1 10 places the perceived locations of sound sources at particular locations relative to images in the display 120.
  • the 3D positional audio function enhances a user's experience when watching video, television content, or video associated with games.
  • the electronic device 1 10 or the earphone set 150 or a combination thereof determine the direction which the users U is facing relative to the display 120 and adjusts the audio to the earphones set 150 to account for the direction which the user U is facing and any changes thereof. For example, in a system with a 3D positional audio function, it may be desirable for audio heard by the user U to appear to emanate from the display 120 or from specific locations relative to the display 120. Such a system would be aware of the direction which the user U is facing relative to the display 120 such that signals sent to the speakers of the earphone set 150 may be adjusted to match the direction that the user U is facing.
  • the electronic device 1 10 emits a source signal 160.
  • the source signal 160 propagates and eventually reaches the earphone set 150, which receives the source signal 160.
  • the approximate or perceived direction of the display 120 relative to the face or ears of user U may be determined based on the source signal 160 as received by the earphone set 150. This may be a desirable feature in some real time 3D positional audio applications that may require awareness of the direction of the display to deliver the illusion of sound sources placed at specific locations in three- dimensional space relative to the images in the display.
  • Figure 2 illustrates an operational environment where the techniques described in this disclosure are applied in a system 200 including a television 210.
  • the television 210 includes a display 220, which displays information to one or more users Ua-c.
  • the display 220 may be used to display content received by the television 210 from various sources including broadcast, satellite, cable, video player, DVD player, Blu-Ray player, digital video recorder (DVR), the Internet, and so on or content retrieved from memory.
  • the display 220 may be used to present images, video, and other graphics to the users Ua-c, such as movies, photographs, television shows, video associated with games, and so on.
  • the system 200 may include one or more wired or wireless I/O interfaces (not shown) that may serve to connect to one or more earphone sets 230a-c (e.g., in-ear earphones, in-concha earphones, over-the-head earphones, personal hands free (PHF) earphone device, and so on).
  • the I/O interface serves to connect the earphone sets 230a-c to a sound signal processing circuit so that audio data reproduced by the sound signal processing circuit may be output via the I/O interface to the earphone sets 230a-c.
  • the earphone sets 230a-c may be used in conjunction with the display 220 to output audio corresponding to the movies, photographs, television shows, video associated with games, and so on presented to the users Ua-c on the display 220.
  • the earphone sets 230a-c include logic that operates in conjunction with the three-dimensional positional audio function for enhancing the experience of users Ua-c when watching the movies, photographs, television shows, video associated with games, and so on displayed on the display 220.
  • the system 200 determines the directions which each of the users Ua-c is facing relative to the display 220 and adjusts the individual audio to each of the earphones sets 230a-c to account for the directions which the users are facing and any changes thereof. For example, in a system with a 3D positional audio function, it may be desirable for audio heard by the users Ua-c wearing the earphone sets 230a-c to appear to emanate from the display 220 or from specific locations relative to the display 220. Such a system would be aware of the direction which a user is facing relative to the display such that signals sent to the speakers of the earphone sets 230a-c may be adjusted to match the direction that each user is facing.
  • the system 200 emits a source signal 240 from a source 250.
  • the source signal 240 is emitted by the television 210 from the source 250 at a location adjacent to the display 220.
  • the source signal 240 propagates and eventually reaches each of the earphone sets 230a-c.
  • the earphone sets 230a-c receive the source signal.
  • the approximate or perceived direction of the source 250 relative to the faces of the users Ua-c may be determined based on the source signal 240 as received by the earphone sets 230a-c.
  • Figure 3a illustrates a spatial arrangement 300 including a user U wearing an earphone set 310.
  • the earphone set 310 includes a first transducer 320a and a second transducer 320b located a distance d apart from each other.
  • Figure 3a illustrates the first transducer 320a located adjacent to a left speaker 330a of the earphone set 310, and the second transducer 320b located adjacent to a right speaker 330b of the earphone set 310.
  • the left speaker 330a and the right speaker 330b in turn are located near the left ear and the right ear, respectively, of the user U.
  • the distance d is assumed to be a constant.
  • the distance d is determined via a calibration routine performed with the user U wearing the earphone set 310. In yet another embodiment, the distance d is established by a process other than assuming the distance d to be a constant or determining the distance d by performing a calibration routine.
  • the first transducer and the second transducer may be installed near the speakers. In other embodiments, particularly where the earphone set 310 is an over-the-head type or similar type earphone set, the first transducer and the second transducer may be installed near the speakers, at locations on the earphone set 310 other than adjacent to the left and right speakers 330a-b, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the earphone set 310 includes more than two transducers. The approximate or perceived direction of the source 350 relative to the ears of user U may be determined based on the source signal 340 as received by the transducers.
  • a source signal 340 is transmitted from a source 350.
  • the source 350 is located adjacent to a display (not shown).
  • the display may be associated with an electronic device or a television as discussed above, or the display may be associated with devices other than an electronic device or a television.
  • the source 350 is located at a specific or known location other than adjacent to the display.
  • the source signal 340 propagates and reaches the first transducer 320a and the second transducer 320b where the transducers 320a-b receive the source signal 340.
  • the source signal 340 is a wave signal. In one embodiment, the source signal 340 is a sound wave. Frequency of the sound wave may range from audible to ultrasonic. In one embodiment, the source signal has a frequency outside of the audible range to make the source signal silent to humans.
  • the source signal may be a pure sinusoidal, sweep or swept frequency signals, transient "chirp" signals, noise like signals, speech signals, music signals, combinations thereof, and so on.
  • the source signal may also be a coded signal including a "marker” that may be used to detect difference in arrival time between the signal at the first transducer 320a and the signal at the second transducer 320b.
  • Figure 3b illustrates two source signals 340' and 340".
  • the source signal 340' represents the source signal 340 of Figure 3a as received by the first transducer 320a and the source signal 340" represents the source signal 340 as received by the second transducer 320b.
  • the angle of arrival of the source signal 340 is calculated from the difference in arrival time of the source signal 340 to the transducers 320a and 320b.
  • the angle a is used to continuously or semi-continuously determine the rotation of the head of the user U relative to the source 350.
  • the source signal may be transmitted by the source 350 continuously or multiple times a second and received by the transducers 320a-b continuously or multiple times a second to determine the difference between the source signal 340 as received by the first transducer 320a and the source signal 340 as received by the second transducer 320b. From this information, the current rotation of the head of the user U relative to the source 350 may be established on an ongoing basis.
  • the angle a is used to determine an initial rotation of the head of the user U relative to the source 350 and a gyroscope or compass in the earphone set 310 is used for continuous tracking of the rotation of the head of the user U.
  • the transducers 320a-b may be used to "reset" a signal received from the gyroscope or compass periodically.
  • the source signal may be transmitted by the source 350 and received by the transducers 320a-b once a second to determine the difference between the source signal 340 as received by the first transducer 320a and the source signal 340 as received by the second transducer 320b. From this information, the current rotation of the head of the user U relative to the source 350 may be established to reset the gyroscope or compass.
  • the angle a is used in conjunction with multiple gyroscopes or compasses to determine the rotation of the head of the user U relative to a display.
  • a second gyroscope associated with the display may be used to compensate for rotation detected by a first gyroscope associated with the earphone set 310 when the moving vehicle makes a turn. This compensation may be necessary because the first gyroscope associated with the earphone set 310 detects a rotation that it may attribute to rotation of the user's head even though the rotation is due to the vehicle turning.
  • the second gyroscope associated with the display detects the same rotation and compensates the reading of the first gyroscope for a net head rotation of zero since the user's head did not rotate relative to the display.
  • the angle a may be used to "reset" the first gyroscope or the combination of the first and second gyroscopes periodically.
  • the angle a, gyroscopes or combinations thereof are used to determine the horizontal rotation of the head of the user U relative to the source 350, while one or more accelerometers are used to determine rotation in of the head of the user U in planes other than the horizontal plane.
  • FIG 4 illustrates a block diagram of a system 400.
  • the system 400 includes a source 405 and two transducers 410a-b.
  • the transducers 410a-b receive a source signal from a source and transmit electrical signals corresponding to the source signal as received by each of the transducers 410a-b.
  • the system 400 includes more than two transducers.
  • the transducers 410a-b are microphones.
  • the microphones are the same microphones included in an earphone set for active noise cancelling.
  • the transducers 410a-b are devices other than microphones (e.g., photo-transducers, piezoelectric transducers, etc.)
  • the system 400 includes a filter 415 operatively connected to the transducers 410a-b.
  • the filter 415 is tuned to substantially match the bandwidth of the source signal transmitted by the source 405 to substantially optimize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the electrical signals from the transducers 410a-b.
  • the filter 415 is located in an earphone set.
  • the filter 415 is located in an electronic device connected to an earphone set.
  • the filter 415 is located at a location other than an earphone set or an electronic device connected to the earphone set.
  • the system 400 further includes a detection logic 420, which receives from the transducers 410a-b electrical signals corresponding to the source signal transmitted by the source 405.
  • the detection logic 420 determines a difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer 410a and the source signal as received by a second transducer 410b based on the electrical signals received from the transducers 410a-b.
  • the detection logic 420 is located in an earphone set.
  • the detection logic 420 is located in an electronic device connected to an earphone set.
  • the detection logic 420 is located at a location other than an earphone set or an electronic device connected to the earphone set.
  • the system 400 further includes a processor 430, which is coupled to the detection logic 420.
  • the processor 430 determines the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer 410a and the source of the source signal, and the second transducer 410b and the source of the source signal based on the difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer 410a and the source signal as received by the second transducer 410b.
  • the processor 430 is located in an earphone set.
  • the processor 430 is located in an electronic device connected to an earphone set.
  • the processor 430 is located at a location other than an earphone set or an electronic device connected to the earphone set.
  • the detection logic 420 or the processor 430 may employ sound signal analysis language routines.
  • Known sound signal analysis languages that may be used include MUSIC and SCOT.
  • other sound signal analysis languages and other signal processing methods and techniques may be used in the development of the detection logic 420, the processor 430, or other portions of the system 400 and associated systems.
  • the detection logic 420 determines a difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer 410a and the source signal as received by the second transducer 410b based on the electrical signals received from the transducers 410a-b.
  • the processor 430 determines the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer 410a and the source, and the second transducer 410b and the source based on the difference between the source signal as received by the first transducer 410a and the source signal as received by the second transducer 410b.
  • the processor 430 determines the approximate direction of the source relative to the face of a user wearing the earphone set of transducers 410a-b. In one embodiment the processor 430
  • the system 400 includes a gyroscope 440 on the earphone set and operatively connected to the processor 430.
  • the gyroscope 440 operates in
  • the processor 430 initially or periodically determines the approximate direction of the source 405 based on the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer 410a and the source 405, and the second transducer 410b and the source 405. The processor 430 determines subsequent changes in the approximate direction of the source 405 based on a signal received from the gyroscope 440.
  • the system 400 includes multiple gyroscopes operatively connected to the processor 430.
  • the gyroscopes operate in conjunction with the detection logic 410.
  • the processor 430 initially or periodically determines the approximate direction of the source based on the approximate difference in distance between the first transducer 410a and the source 405, and the second transducer 410b and the source 405.
  • the processor 430 determines subsequent changes in the approximate direction of the source 405 based on a signal received from the gyroscope 440.
  • an additional gyroscope associated with the source 405 may be used to compensate for rotation detected by the first gyroscope 440. As discussed above, this compensation may be necessary where rotation of the user's head and the source 405 occurs simultaneously.
  • the system 400 includes an accelerometer 450 such as one or more microelectromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometers or other types of accelerometers.
  • MEMS microelectromechanical system
  • the processor 430 may determine the approximate horizontal rotation of the head of the user relative to the source 405 based on a signal received from the detection logic 420, from the gyroscope 440, or combinations thereof.
  • the processor may further determine the approximate rotation of the head of the user in planes other than the horizontal plane based on a signal from the accelerometer 450.
  • the system 400 further includes speakers 460a-b for reproducing sound and an adjustment logic 470 operatively connected to the processor 430 and to the speakers 460a- b.
  • the speakers 460a-b are located in an earphone set.
  • the adjustment logic 470 adjusts signals sent to the speakers 460a-b based at least in part on the determined approximate direction of the source 405.
  • the adjustment logic 470 adjusts signals sent to the speakers of the earphone set such that sound from the speakers 460a-b appears as emanating from the determined approximate direction of the source 405 or from a specific location relative to the determined approximate direction of the source 405.
  • the adjustment logic 470 is located in an earphone set.
  • the adjustment logic 470 is located in an electronic device connected to an earphone set.
  • the adjustment logic 470 is located at a location other than an earphone set or an electronic device connected to the earphone set.
  • FIG. 5 a flowchart is shown that illustrates logical operations to implement an exemplary method 500 for determining approximate direction of a source relative to a user's face.
  • the exemplary method may be carried out by executing an embodiment of the systems disclosed herein, for example.
  • the flow chart of Figure 5 may be thought of as depicting steps of a method carried out by the above-disclosed systems.
  • Figure 5 shows a specific order of executing functional logic blocks, the order of executing the blocks may be changed relative to the order shown.
  • two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Certain blocks also may be omitted.
  • the logical flow for determining approximate direction of a source relative to a user's face may begin in step 510 where an earphone set operating in combination with a display receives a source signal from a source.
  • the source may correspond to a location adjacent to the display or the source may correspond to some other specific location relative to the display.
  • the source emits the source signal.
  • the earphone set receives the source signal at a first location. In one embodiment, the first location is adjacent to the right ear of the user.
  • the earphone set receives the source signal at a second location.
  • the second location is adjacent to the left ear of the user.
  • the receiving transducers are located in the earphone set in substantial symmetry relative to the user's head or face, if the user's head or face is pointing directly toward the source, the source signal or a specific phase angle of the source signal arrives to the first location adjacent to the right ear and to the second location adjacent to the second ear at approximately the same time.
  • the source signal or the specific phase angle of the source signal arrives at different times to the first location adjacent to the right ear and to the second location adjacent to the second ear.
  • the method 500 determines a difference between the source signal as received at the first location and the source signal as received at the second location.
  • the receiving transducers in the earphone set are located in substantial symmetry relative to the user's head or face, if the user's head or face is pointing directly toward the source, the difference is approximately zero. However, if the user's head is pointing in a direction to the right or left of the source, the absolute value of the difference is larger than zero.
  • the determining the difference between the source signal as received at the first location and the source signal as received at the second location includes determining a phase angle difference between the source signal as received at the first location and the source signal as received at the second location.
  • the receiving transducers in the earphone set are located in substantial symmetry relative to the user's head or face, if the user's head or face is pointing directly toward the source, the phase angle difference is approximately zero. However, if the user's head is pointing in a direction to the right or left of the source, the absolute value of the phase angle difference is larger than zero.
  • the determining the difference between the source signal as received at the first location and the source signal as received at the second location includes determining a difference between arrival time of the source signal at the first location and arrival time of the source signal at the second location.
  • the receiving transducers in the earphone set are located in substantial symmetry relative to the user's head or face, if the user's head or face is pointing directly toward the source, the source signal arrives at approximately the same time at the first location and at the second location, making the difference in arrival time approximately zero. However, if the user's head is pointing in a direction to the right or left of the source, the source signal arrives at different times at the first location and at the second location, making the absolute value of the difference in arrival time larger than zero.
  • the method 500 determines an approximate direction of the source based on the difference. In one embodiment, the method 500 determines the approximate direction of the source relative to the user's face. In one embodiment where the receiving transducers in the earphone set are located in substantial symmetry relative to the user's head or face, the difference indicates deviation from the zero angle where the user's head or face is pointing directly toward the source. From the difference, approximate direction of the source relative to the user's face may be determined as disclosed herein.
  • the method 500 further includes, at 550, adjusting signals sent to speakers based at least in part on the determined approximate direction of the source such that sound from the speakers appears as emanating from the determined approximate direction of the source or from specific locations relative to the determined approximate direction of the source.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Stereophonic System (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un système adapté pour déterminer la direction d'un écran d'affichage associé à un ensemble écouteur. Le système selon l'invention comprend un ensemble écouteur comprenant : des transducteurs, qui sont configurés de façon à recevoir un signal source en provenance d'une source, et à transmettre des signaux électriques correspondant au signal source reçu par chacun des transducteurs ; un circuit logique de détection, qui est configuré de façon à recevoir, des transducteurs, les signaux électriques correspondant au signal source, et à déterminer une différence entre le signal source reçu par un premier transducteur et le signal source reçu par un second transducteur, sur la base des signaux électriques ; et un processeur, qui est couplé au circuit logique de détection et qui est configuré de façon à déterminer une différence approximative dans la distance entre le premier transducteur et la source, et entre le second transducteur et la source, sur la base de la différence entre le signal source reçu par le premier transducteur et le signal source reçu par le second transducteur.
PCT/IB2012/000149 2011-11-21 2012-02-01 Détermination de la direction d'un écran d'affichage associé à un ensemble écouteur WO2013076534A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161562027P 2011-11-21 2011-11-21
US61/562,027 2011-11-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013076534A1 true WO2013076534A1 (fr) 2013-05-30

Family

ID=45607304

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2012/000149 WO2013076534A1 (fr) 2011-11-21 2012-02-01 Détermination de la direction d'un écran d'affichage associé à un ensemble écouteur

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013076534A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0744881A2 (fr) * 1995-05-22 1996-11-27 Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd. Appareil de reproduction par casque d'écoute
US6549630B1 (en) * 2000-02-04 2003-04-15 Plantronics, Inc. Signal expander with discrimination between close and distant acoustic source
US20080226087A1 (en) * 2004-12-02 2008-09-18 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Position Sensing Using Loudspeakers as Microphones
US7561700B1 (en) * 2000-05-11 2009-07-14 Plantronics, Inc. Auto-adjust noise canceling microphone with position sensor
US20110069585A1 (en) * 2004-01-22 2011-03-24 Baxter Kevin C Gunshot Detection Sensor with Display

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0744881A2 (fr) * 1995-05-22 1996-11-27 Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd. Appareil de reproduction par casque d'écoute
US6549630B1 (en) * 2000-02-04 2003-04-15 Plantronics, Inc. Signal expander with discrimination between close and distant acoustic source
US7561700B1 (en) * 2000-05-11 2009-07-14 Plantronics, Inc. Auto-adjust noise canceling microphone with position sensor
US20110069585A1 (en) * 2004-01-22 2011-03-24 Baxter Kevin C Gunshot Detection Sensor with Display
US20080226087A1 (en) * 2004-12-02 2008-09-18 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Position Sensing Using Loudspeakers as Microphones

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11629971B2 (en) Audio processing apparatus
US10657982B2 (en) Control parameter dependent audio signal processing
US9374647B2 (en) Method and apparatus using head movement for user interface
CN107071648B (zh) 声音播放调节系统、装置及方法
US20170245053A1 (en) Spatial Audio Apparatus
US9237393B2 (en) Headset with accelerometers to determine direction and movements of user head and method
US20140204014A1 (en) Optimizing selection of a media object type in which to present content to a user of a device
EP2984854B1 (fr) Appareil d'enregistrement et de lecture audio
US9525942B2 (en) Mobile apparatus and control method thereof
US10764670B2 (en) System having device-mount audio mode
CN110673751A (zh) 用于使音频均衡以便在电子设备上播放的系统和方法
CN109121047B (zh) 双屏终端立体声实现方法、终端及计算机可读存储介质
JP2022050516A (ja) 端末、音声連携再生システム及びコンテンツ表示装置
JP2015130574A (ja) オーディオシステム、オーディオシステムの制御方法、プログラム及び記録媒体
WO2013076534A1 (fr) Détermination de la direction d'un écran d'affichage associé à un ensemble écouteur
JP2012191611A (ja) 通信装置及び切替方法
CN113380248B (zh) 语音控制方法、装置、设备及存储介质
CN113380249B (zh) 语音控制方法、装置、设备及存储介质
CN115698936A (zh) 补充内容
KR101525112B1 (ko) WiFi 다이렉트 통신을 이용한 AV 리시버 제어시스템 및 그 제어방법
KR101655806B1 (ko) 오디오 출력기기와 근거리 통신을 이용하여 연결가능한 휴대 단말기 및 그 동작 제어방법

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12704119

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12704119

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1