System and method for processing audio signals for playback on an audio device

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for processing audio signals for playback on an audio device. Decomposes the frequency spectrum of an audio signal into multiple subband signals using a bandpass filter. Each of said subband signals is provided to a respective modulator and then from a modulator output to a respective first processing path comprising a first dynamic range compressor DRC. Each sub-band signal is feed-forward compressed by the corresponding first DRC to obtain a feed-forward compressed sub-band signal, wherein the first DRC is slowed down relative to the instantaneous DRC. Each feedforward compressed subband signal is then provided to a second processing path comprising a second DRC, wherein the feedforward compressed subband signal is compressed by the corresponding second DRC and output to corresponding to the modulator. Modulation of the subband signals is then performed based on the output of the second processing path. Finally, the feedforward compressed subband signals are recombined.

Description

[0001] field of invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to the fields of digital signal processing (DSP), audio engineering and audiology, and more particularly to methods for processing audio signals for playback on audio devices (e.g., for providing an enhanced listening experience on audio devices) systems and methods. Background technique [0003] Traditional DSP sound personalization methods typically rely on equalization techniques that apply compensating frequency gain based on the user's hearing profile (see eg US Pat. Nos. 9,138,178, 9,468,401, 9,680,438, 9898248). Typically, a pure tone threshold (PTT) hearing test is employed to identify frequencies at which a user exhibits an elevated hearing threshold. Based on the audiogram data, the frequency output is then modulated accordingly. In this regard, the approach to enhancing the user's sound experience is one-dimensional. Gain may enable the user to recapture frequencies that were previously in...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] However, this algorithm is only used as a framework for modeling the hearing system, not specifically for sound enhancement

As such, there are some downsides to the subjective listening experience due to the lack of control over distortion products

These include reduced ability to control distortion, limited frequency resolution, and phase distortion that can lead to temporal smearing of the sound (if used in conjunction with narrowband filters) and thus reduced intelligibility

That is, while this algorithm could potentially improve certain aspects of real-world use cases if used by hard-of-hearing users, it would fail to improve the listening experience for a broader class of listeners in audio scenarios

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