Techniques for localized perceptual audio

Abstract

Audio perception in local proximity to visual cues is provided. A device includes a video display, first row of audio transducers, and second row of audio transducers. The first and second rows can be vertically disposed above and below the video display. An audio transducer of the first row and an audio transducer of the second row form a column to produce, in concert, an audible signal. The perceived emanation of the audible signal is from a plane of the video display (e.g., a location of a visual cue) by weighing outputs of the audio transducers of the column. In certain embodiments, the audio transducers are spaced farther apart at a periphery for increased fidelity in a center portion of the plane and less fidelity at the periphery.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 271,576, filed May 7, 2014, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 892,507, filed May 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,755,543, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 425,249, filed Mar. 20, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,172,901, which is a continuation application International Patent Application No. PCT / US2011 / 028783, having international filing date of Mar. 17, 2011, entitled “Techniques for Localized Perceptual Audio,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 316,579, filed Mar. 23, 2010. The contents of all of the above applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.TECHNOLOGY[0002]The present invention relates generally to audio reproduction and, in particular to, audio perception in local proximity with visual cues.BACKGROUND[00...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system that includes a transparent screen and two rows of audio transducers. These transducers are placed behind the screen to ensure that the audience can hear the audio clearly. The system can also have more rows of audio transducers, such as three rows in a cinema, to achieve a balance between performance and cost. Overall, this system allows for more immersive sound experiences for audience members.

Problems solved by technology

However, these systems suffer from imperfections, especially in localizing sounds in some directions, and often require a fixed single listener position for best performance (e.g., sweet spot 114, a focal point between loudspeakers where an individual hears an audio mix as intended by the mixer).

Mixing a larger number of channels incurs larger time and cost penalties on content producers, and yet the resulting perception fails to localize sound in proximity to a visual cue of sound origin.

In other words, reproduced sounds from these sound systems are not perceived to emanate from a video on-screen plane, and thus fall short of true realism.

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