BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO. has recently filed a patent with the US Patent and Trademark Office, titled "Audio signal processing method, electronic apparatus, and storage medium" (Patent Number: US11950087B2). This patent aims to address a common problem in the audio industry concerning the inconsistent perception of sound direction when using mobile and wearable gadgets. With this invention, the sound output on these devices can be optimized, providing an enhanced audio experience for users.
The core problem that this patent solves lies in the discrepancy between the fixed position of an imaginary sound source and the dynamic movement of mobile and wearable gadgets. In typical scenarios, when a user rotates a mobile device, the perceived sound source remains fixed at the initial position, resulting in an inconsistent spatial audio effect. Similarly, when a mobile device and a wearable gadget are rotated together, the user continues to hear the sound from the original direction, even though the relative position of the devices has changed. These inconsistencies lead to a subpar user experience.
To tackle this issue, the patented technology utilizes the relative position information between the wearable gadget and the mobile device to process the audio signals, enabling spatial surround sound. By measuring the distance and azimuth angle between the two devices, the system can accurately determine the positioning of the sound source and adjust the audio output accordingly.
Once this problem is solved, the world of mobile and wearable gadgets will be enriched with immersive audio experiences. For example, imagine watching a video on your smartphone while wearing wireless earbuds. With this technology, the sound will appear to come from the direction on the screen, regardless of the rotation of the mobile device or your head. This creates a realistic audio environment, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Similarly, in gaming, users will be able to pinpoint sound sources with precision, heightening the immersion and strategic gameplay. The benefits of this patent extend to various other applications, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and entertainment systems.
It is important to note that, as with any patent, the realization and market availability of this technology cannot be guaranteed. Nonetheless, if successfully implemented, this invention has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with audio on mobile and wearable gadgets, offering users a truly immersive and seamless audio experience.
P.S. Please be aware that this article discusses a recently published patent filed by BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO. While this patent presents a potential solution to the problem mentioned, there is no guarantee that the technology will be fully developed or released in the market.