Late Reverberation Distance Attenuation

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method and apparatus for rendering virtual audio scenes with improved realism by making the level of late reverberation (the echo-like sound tail that persists after the initial sound) depend on the distance between a sound source and the listener. Unlike standard methods where this late reverberation is kept constant regardless of distance, this invention introduces a configurable attenuation—typically a decrease of 1-2 dB per distance doubling—so the reverberation becomes quieter as the listener moves further from the sound source, more closely mimicking real acoustic environments. The approach can be implemented in software or hardware and utilized via encoded audio bitstreams containing the necessary parameters.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Virtual reality (VR) applications requiring immersive positional audio, such as gaming or simulation environments.
• Augmented reality (AR) experiences where virtual sounds must blend seamlessly with real-world acoustics.
• Binaural or spatial audio rendering in film, television, or music production to enhance acoustic realism.
• Interactive audio experiences for museums or themed attractions that simulate environmental acoustics based on user movement.
• Architectural acoustics modeling and interior design visualization with realistic aural feedback.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a more realistic and immersive audio experience by simulating how reverberation actually diminishes with distance in physical spaces.
• Improves the plausibility and user perception of virtual environments, enhancing presence and engagement.
• Allows configurable attenuation (e.g., 1-2 dB per distance doubling) to suit different room acoustics or creative requirements.
• Facilitates standardized parameter signaling in audio bitstreams for seamless integration across various audio rendering systems.
• Can be flexibly implemented in software, hardware, or as part of an encoder/decoder pipeline, supporting diverse platforms and content workflows.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A renderer (100) according to an embodiment is provided. The renderer (100) is configured for rendering a virtual audio scene depending on one or more audio channels of each sound source of one or more sound sources emitting sound into the virtual audio scene, wherein, to process the one or more audio channels of said sound source. The renderer (100) comprises a late reverberation module (110) configured for generating one or more late reverberation channels depending on the one or more audio channels of the sound source, wherein the one or more late reverberation channels represent a late- reverberation part of the sound emitted into the virtual audio scene by the sound source. Moreover, the renderer (100) comprises a sound scene generator (120) for generating, using the one or more late-reverberation channels, one or more audio output channels for reproducing the virtual audio scene. The late reverberation module (110) is configured to generate the one or more late reverberation channels depending on the one or more audio channels of the sound source depending on a distance between the sound source and a listener in the virtual audio scene.