Multiple-channel audio frequency replaying apparatus and method

Abstract

A multi-channel audio reproduction apparatus and method for loudspeaker reproduction using virtual sound images whose positions can be adjusted is provided. The multi-channel audio reproduction apparatus includes a virtual sound image forming unit for compensating for the occurrence of cross-talk in at least one input audio signal according to the arrangement of loudspeakers, obtaining transfer functions occurring when sound from a position in a three dimensional space is transmitted to both ears of a listener, and forming a plurality of first virtual sound images in a three dimensional space using the transfer functions. A controller generates adjusting factors for adjusting the position of at least one second virtual sound image. An output position adjustor controls the at least one audio signal, with respect to which the plurality of first virtual sound images are formed by the virtual sound image forming unit, with the adjusting factors generated by the controller and adjusts positions of the at least one second virtual sound image. An adder sums up left output related signals of the at least one audio signal with respect to which the position of the at least one second virtual sound image is adjusted, and sums up right output related signals of the at least one audio signal with respect to which the position of the at least one second virtual sound image is adjusted, to generate left and right audio signals for forming the at least one second virtual sound image.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a three-dimensional audio playback device, in particular to a loudspeaker audio playback device and method using a position-adjustable virtual sound image. The apparatus and method can be used in portable / personal multi-channel audio players, portable / personal digital audio broadcasting receivers, multimedia personal computers, HD televisions, audio / video home theaters and video conferencing. Background technique [0002] Usually, when a listener wants to adjust the speaker position or the space between the speakers to his liking, he has to directly move the speaker units, changing their position and orientation. However, due to the development of technology, it is possible to perform a process such that corresponding sound images are formed at some virtual speaker positions within a virtual space. [0003] When changing the position of a virtual sound image using traditional three-dimensional audio playback, it is nec...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

That is, the amount of computation increases in proportion to the number of virtual sound images to be formed, and these transfer functions for providing virtual sound images at predetermined positions must be stored in a memory, resulting in a problem that the memory capacity must be increased.

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