Multi-channel Acoustic Signal Processing Device Arithmetic Load Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-channel acoustic signal processing devices face significant arithmetic operation loads, particularly in the pre-matrix processing, post-matrix processing, and arithmetic units, which increase processing complexity and resource requirements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution reduces arithmetic operation loads by performing matrix operations using matrices indicating signal intensity level and reverberation distribution after the generation of the decorrelated signal, allowing for combined arithmetic operations that were previously separate, thereby reducing memory capacity and downsizing the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate pre-matrix processing and post-matrix processing are performed before and after decorrelated signal generation, then processing accuracy is maintained, but arithmetic operation loads become considerable and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidarithmetic operation loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate pre-matrix processing and post-matrix processing operations into a unified processing framework that operates on the decorrelated signal. By combining these previously separate arithmetic operations into a single integrated process, the patent reduces the overall arithmetic operation loads and simplifies device complexity while maintaining processing accuracy through the unified mathematical framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If separate pre-matrix processing and post-matrix processing are performed, then processing accuracy is maintained, but memory capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidmemory capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate processing stages that previously required separate memory allocations into a unified processing pipeline. By merging pre-matrix and post-matrix operations into a single integrated process operating on decorrelated signals, the patent reduces memory capacity requirements by eliminating redundant data storage and intermediate buffer requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional separate processing methods are used, then sound quality can be maintained, but processing complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate processing operations into a unified decorrelated signal processing framework. This consolidation maintains sound quality by preserving the essential audio information while improving processing efficiency through reduced computational overhead and streamlined operation sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies decorrelation processing as a preliminary step before subsequent matrix operations. By pre-processing the signal to remove correlations between channels before the main processing stages, the patent simplifies subsequent operations and reduces computational requirements while maintaining audio quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1921605B1Multi-channel acoustic signal processing device
Publication Date: 2014.03.12 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP1921605B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1921605B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1921605B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a multi-channel acoustic signal processing device by which loads of arithmetic operations are reduced. The multi-channel acoustic signal processing device (100) includes: a decorrelated signal generation unit (181), and a matrix operation unit (187) and a third arithmetic unit (186). The decorrelated signal generation unit (181) generates a decorrelated signal w' indicating a sound which includes a sound indicated by an input signal x and reverberation, by performing reverberation processing on the input signal x. The matrix operation unit (187) and the third arithmetic unit (186) generate audio signals of m channels, by performing arithmetic operation on the input signal x and the decorrelated signal w' generated by the decorrelated signal generation unit (181), using a matrix R3 which indicates distribution of a signal intensity level and distribution of reverberation.