IDUN audio Granted US Patent for Dynamic Spatial Audio Technology

IDUN audio announced that it has been granted a key US patent for its cutting-edge technology enabling real-time, dynamic spatial audio through time-varying HRTFs. The patent, US2023-0403528 A1, listing Pauli Minnaar as the inventor on behalf of the Danish spatial audio company, is an important milestone that further validates its longstanding efforts. The technology at the core of IDUN audio's advanced spatial audio engine for personal audio devices has been embedded on leading platforms and chipsets from Qualcomm, Airoha, or BES Technic. Denmark has a long history in the pursuit of binaural audio reproduction and techniques for performing spatial audio processing on headphones, in-ear earphones, and even hearing aids. As earlier patents from companies such as Bang & Olufsen and Oticon demonstrate, the pursuit of spatial audio processing determined based on the listening mode, and spatial audio rendering algorithms, including head-tracking, evolved consistently even if the technology itself wasn't viable for mainstream products, and applications have been held back by the lack of processing power directly on the listening device, which caused critical latency issues.

Pauli Minnaar, the CEO of IDUN Audio, is listed in some of those earlier patents until his company, founded in 2018, focused solely on the effort to perfect a binaural rendering solution for advanced spatial audio, based on signal processing embedded software.

"This innovation marks a major milestone — not just for us, but for the entire global headset industry. With ultra-low latency and precise head tracking, our solution sets a new standard for immersive audio in gaming, AR/VR, telepresence, and wellness tech. The patent strengthens our IP portfolio. Opens doors for global licensing and OEM partnerships, and positions IDUN Audio as a leader in next-gen audio experiences," commented Minaar when receiving the patent confirmation.
 
The patent, titled "A method and system for real-time implementation of time-varying head-related transfer functions," describes the following abstract: 

"The invention relates to a method and corresponding system for real-time simulation of N moving or stationary sound sources in a space surrounding a listener, which method processes N input signals, each of which represents one of the N sound sources, thereby obtaining one or more output signals for a listening device, such as a left output signal (yL(t)) and a right output signal (yR(t)) for a stereophonic headphone or the like, which method comprises using solely a single set of fixed filters to simulate all of said N moving or stationary sound sources. The method and system of the invention provide an efficient method for creating many simultaneous sound sources relative to a listener using very low signal processing power. By application of the principles of the invention, there is provided a method and corresponding system by means of which it is possible to support head-movements of the listener as well as movements of the simulated sound sources relative to the listener, that offer a good spatial resolution of simulated sound sources and that enables real-time simulation of spatial sound images without the use of detailed or even individualized head-related transfer functions (HRTFs)."
  According to the Copenhagen-based company, this US patent represents a major leap forward in spatial audio rendering, allowing for ultra-precise, low-latency head tracking and immersive sound experiences across headphones and wearable devices. The newly patented technology positions IDUN audio at the forefront of the next generation of audio experiences.

"This patent is not just a technical milestone - it’s a commercial game-changer," adds Minnaar. "It validates years of R&D and opens the door for global licensing opportunities, OEM partnerships, and integration into consumer electronics at scale."
 
IDUN Audio dynamic spatial audio (DSA) software was built on this technology, allowing the simulation of a complete interactive virtual environment, including fast tracking of the listener's head movements. It can render multiple moving sound sources in any acoustical space, from a small room to a large concert hall. The signal processing is done inside the headphones, as opposed to on a smartphone or a computer. This makes it possible to create high-quality audio experiences, avoiding the detrimental effects of Bluetooth latency, with fast head tracking enabling users to pinpoint audio sources with accuracy. And furthermore, being an embedded software solution, it works across all playback devices, including iPhones, Android, PCs, Macs, TVs, and consoles. 

The software can be configured to improve many everyday listening situations and for creating an abundance of novel applications. One of the key applications is enhancing the audio in wireless headphones and earbuds when used with mobile devices. Another is the reproduction of multichannel surround sound setups for gaming and movies. And yet another is improving online communication, especially when several people are talking at the same time. By hearing people from different directions, it is much easier to understand what is being said, as compared to when they are talking inside the head. And in general, we get much less tired after a long day of using headphones.

With this US patent, IDUN Audio strengthens its IP portfolio and reinforces Denmark's growing reputation as a hub for technical innovation in audio and neurotechnology. The company's spatial audio engine is already attracting attention from major players in the audio industry, and this patent is expected to accelerate adoption worldwide.
www.idun-audio.com