MOTION-DRIVEN AUDIO FOR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Motion-driven audio generation hardware for mechanical/robotic systems.

A computer implemented method for generating a motion-driven sound effect includes: determining, via a processor, a mechanical characteristic of a mechanical system; modifying, via the processor, an audio clip based on the mechanical characteristic; and outputting, via the processor, the audio clip based on the mechanical characteristic.

BACKGROUND

Film and television portrayals of robotic characters are often accompanied by physically-inspired sound effects that emulate whining motors, whirring gears, and other noises related to electro-mechanical, hydraulic, or steam-powered systems. These sound effects are typically added in post-production, allowing artists to author soundtracks that match the timing, speed, and physical characteristics of a robot's motion in each scene.

Similar approaches may be used to add artificial sound effects that accompany a physical robot, enhancing or modifying the mechanical sounds accompanying the robot's movements in an environment. In such cases, the use of a predefined soundtrack or accompanying set of sound clips is typically only valid so long as the robot's motion is also predefined, i.e., a trajectory that is known ahead of time. When a robotic character is driven by an on-line planner, AI, or human operator, this is typically not the case, as the robot's movements will vary in response to any number of factors related to its interaction with the environment, humans, or other robots. In general, interactive robots adapt their motion on the fly to effectively locomote, manipulate, observe, and communicate in uncertain environments. As a result, predefined sound tracks cannot accurately match the timing, speed, etc. of the generated motions.

Furthermore, it may be desirable for the robotic character to play audio or sound effects in response to the ro