Apparatus and Method for Rendering a Virtual Audio Scene Employing Information on a Default Acoustic Environment

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

This invention provides an apparatus and method for rendering virtual audio scenes (such as in VR or AR applications) when detailed information about the specific acoustic environment is unavailable. Instead of producing unrealistic or dull sound (like anechoic or dry audio), the system uses default acoustic environment parameters (such as reverberation, early reflections, and background noise) to generate plausible audio output. This ensures a more realistic and immersive virtual sound experience even in sections of a scene where acoustic data is missing.

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

• Virtual reality (VR) gaming or simulation environments where parts of a scene lack detailed acoustic information.
• Augmented reality (AR) applications where virtual objects blend with real-world spaces lacking mapped acoustics.
• Interactive 3D audio content creation for films or media, where not all environments are acoustically specified.
• Teleconferencing or remote collaboration in immersive environments, helping maintain audio realism when scene specifics are missing.
• Rapid prototyping for VR/AR developers, enabling them to test scenes without recording complex acoustic data for every space.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improves realism and plausibility of audio rendering in virtual scenes, even when environment details are incomplete.
• Avoids unnatural, silent, or 'dead' zones in the audio experience that could break immersion.
• Flexible and scalable for use with many different applications and platforms.
• Reduces development time and costs by not requiring explicit acoustic measurements or modeling for every region of a virtual space.
• Allows pre-installed or selectable default environments for various scenarios (e.g., outdoor, large hall), improving user and developer experience.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

An apparatus (100) for rendering a virtual audio scene according to an embodiment is provided. One or more sound sources are emitting sound in the virtual audio scene. The apparatus (100) comprises an input interface (110) configured for receiving audio information, wherein the audio information comprises audio information for the virtual audio scene. Moreover, the apparatus (100) comprises a renderer (120) configured for generating, depending on the audio information for the virtual audio scene, one or more audio output channels for reproducing the virtual audio scene. If information on a current acoustic environment of the virtual audio scene is not available for the renderer (120), the renderer (120) is configured to generate the one or more audio output channels for reproducing the virtual audio scene depending on information on a default acoustic environment.