Renderers, Decoders, Encoders, Methods and Bitstreams Using Spatially Extended Sound Sources

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

This patent presents an advanced method and system for rendering spatially extended sound sources in virtual or augmented reality acoustic scenes. It enables accurate and efficient simulation and reproduction of diffuse sounds (such as reverberations) that originate in one spatial region (like a room) and are heard in another, by using spatially extended sound source models rather than traditional point sources. The approach allows for realistic, dynamic sound propagation between areas, considers geometry and occlusions, and manages audio encoding and decoding for efficient transmission and rendering.

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

• Virtual reality (VR) applications with immersive, multi-room environments (e.g., games, training simulations, architectural walkthroughs).
• Augmented reality (AR) apps that simulate authentic spatial audio experiences in physical spaces.
• Telepresence or remote collaboration tools requiring realistic sound propagation across multiple spaces.
• Advanced audio for 3D movies, games, or installations requiring authentic inter-room reverberation effects.
• Architectural/acoustic modeling tools for simulating sound behavior in building designs.
• Spatial audio research requiring accurate rendering of diffuse sound fields.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables highly realistic and immersive audio experiences by accurately modeling diffuse sound transfer between distinct spaces.
• Supports dynamic listener and sound source movement, maintaining authentic audio rendering without precomputing every possible position.
• Improves computational efficiency compared to full geometric simulations and reduces data transmission/storage needs via efficient encoding methods.
• Handles occlusion and geometric complexity (walls, doors, portals) for authentic scene rendering, including smooth transitions between areas.
• Flexibly supports various audio setups (headphones, multi-speaker arrays) and binaural rendering.
• Allows content creators to control and optimize the acoustic coupling between spaces (e.g., for creative or functional purposes).

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Embodiments according to the invention comprise a renderer for rendering, e.g. spatially rendering, an acoustic scene, wherein the renderer is configured to render, e.g. to reproduce, an acoustic impact of a diffuse sound (e.g. of a reverberation; e.g. of a late reverberation), which originates in a first spatial region (e.g. in a first Acoustically Homogenous Space, AHS; e.g. in a first room), in a second spatial region (e.g. in a second Acoustically Homogenous Space; e.g. in a second room; e.g. in a spatial region outside the first spatial region), using a spatially extended sound source, e.g. a SESS, e.g. a s a spatially extended sound source, e.g. a spatially extended sound source which reproduces the diffuse sound, e.g. using a homogenous extended sound source algorithm. Furthermore, encoders, methods and bitstreams are disclosed.