Delay unit for a conference audio system, method for delaying audio input signals, computer program and conference audio system

Abstract

A delay unit (16) for a conference audio system (1) adapted to delay audio input signals for an adjustable time delay, thereby generating audio output signals, is proposed. The delay unit (16) comprising a circular buffer (17); a write pointer (W) to write a sample (S1) of a first input signal to the circular buffer (17) at a first write position; a read pointer (R) to read a sample from the circular buffer (17) at a first read position as a sample of a first output signal, whereby the distance between the first write position and the first read position determines a first time delay dold; a buffer control module adapted to move the write pointer W to a next position after writing and to move the read pointer (R) to a next position after reading; characterized in that the buffer control module is adapted to adjust a second time delay dnew by moving the write pointer (W) to a second write position, whereby the distance between the first read position and the second write position determines the second time delay dnew.

Description

STATE OF THE ART[0001]The invention relates to a delay unit allocated to a single delegate unit of a conference audio system adapted to delay audio input signals for an adjustable time delay, thereby generating audio output signals.[0002]More specifically, the invention relates to a delay unit allocated to a single delegate unit of a conference audio system adapted to delay audio input signals for an adjustable time delay, thereby generating audio output signals, the delay unit comprising a circular buffer, a write pointer to write a sample of a first audio input signal to the circular buffer at a first write position, a read pointer to read a sample from the circular buffer at a first read position as a sample of a first output signal, whereby the distance between the first write position and the first read position determines a first time delay, and a buffer control module adapted to move the write pointer to the next position after writing and to move the read pointer to a next p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution minimizes noise and enhances audio directivity by allowing listeners to correctly identify the sound source based on the Haas effect, even in large rooms, by ensuring each delegate unit receives audio signals with unique time delays, reducing confusion and improving sound localization.

Problems solved by technology

In this case it can be nearly impossible to localize the position of the speaker and thus any directivity of the audio atmosphere is lost.

Another problem is that it is difficult to distinguish two speakers, again because the sound does not have (different) directions.

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