77 - Synesthetic Connections, Real-Time, and Immersive Experiences
May 17, 2024
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Audio and graphics experts discuss synesthetic connections in games, exploring real-time immersive experiences. Topics include analogies between audio and graphics, spherical harmonics for spatial audio representation, efficient lighting with harmonic coefficients, latency in audio and graphics processing, evolution of audio and graphics in gaming, and precise timing synchronization for audio events in games development.
Synesthetic connections enhance user experiences by mirroring audio and graphics elements within games.
Convolution reverb in both audio and graphics simulates complex environments for immersive spatial interactions.
Challenges in latency and threading for audio and graphics impact user experiences, emphasizing the importance of optimization.
Deep dives
Synestatic Connections of Real-Time Audio and Graphics in Games
The fusion of audio and graphics in games creates a cross-disciplinary overlap that enhances user experiences. Concepts like reverb, occlusion, and obstruction in audio rendering mirror the visual aspects of light, shadow, and transparency in graphics. By simulating wave phenomena and using techniques like convolution reverb, both audio and graphics achieve immersive spatial interactions that elevate the overall gaming experience.
Innovative Techniques: Convolution Reverb and Impostors
In audio, convolution reverb is a foundational technique where impulse responses of systems are used to simulate complex environments. This method allows for realistic reverberation effects without directly understanding the physical properties of the environment. Similarly, in graphics, techniques like cubemaps, light probes, and impostors are employed to efficiently render high-quality visuals by representing complex elements like reflections and lighting with simplified, pre-calculated data.
Latency and Threading: Impact on User Experience
Both audio and graphics face challenges related to latency and threading that significantly influence user experiences. In audio, maintaining low latency is crucial for real-time rendering, while jitter can disrupt the perceptual quality of sound. Likewise, graphics systems aim to optimize throughput and reduce input latency to enhance interactive gameplay experiences, emphasizing the importance of consistent frame rates and minimal delays for immersive gaming environments.
Evolution of Dynamic Range in Audio
The podcast delves into the evolution of dynamic range in audio, highlighting the shift from low dynamic range in audio prior to 2010 to the current focus on high dynamic range. This change has been significant in the gaming industry, where previously audio was compressed heavily to maintain loudness levels. The advancement towards high dynamic range audio has led to more balanced and immersive sound experiences in modern games, focusing on utilizing the full potential of dynamic ranges for enhanced fidelity.
Opportunities for Cross Collaboration and Innovation in Audio and Graphics
The episode also explores the potential for collaboration between audio and graphics, particularly in leveraging GPU capabilities for audio processing. While there may be resource contention between graphics and audio on the GPU, there are opportunities for shared computations and innovations. Machine learning applications offer a promising avenue for cross-domain collaboration, with possibilities for applying ML techniques to enhance both audio and graphics rendering. The discussion underscores the need for pushing innovation in audio rendering, akin to the advancements seen in graphics, highlighting the vast potential for creative exploration and improvement in the field of audio technology.
ABOUT THE EPISODE
In this episode of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, SIGGRAPH 2024 Courses Chair Ruth West engages in an insightful conversation with audio and graphics experts Aaron McLeran, Felipe Romero, and Max Hayes. Together, they delve into the fascinating realm of synesthetic connections between real-time audio and graphics within games, contemplating the future landscape of spatial and multimodal immersive experiences.
MUSIC
Podcast theme, "SIGGRAPH," composed by Julius Dobos.
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LINKS
*Episode*
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronmcleran/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/romeroadames/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxhayes/
*Social Media*
http://blog.siggraph.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/SIGGRAPHConferences | https://twitter.com/siggraph | https://www.youtube.com/user/ACMSIGGRAPH | https://www.instagram.com/acmsiggraph/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/acm-siggraph/
*Conference Website*
https://s2024.siggraph.org/
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