Audio Filter Band Splitting for Out-of-Head Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic processing devices lack a method to appropriately determine the band split point during frequency band splitting, which can undermine the effectiveness of sound localization techniques like out-of-head localization.

Innovation Solution

A processing device and method that acquires the frequency response of audio filters, smooths it, determines candidate split points based on the bottom position of the smoothed response, and sets optimal band split points to ensure effective signal processing without degrading sound localization effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If band splitting is performed with random band split points, then the processing can be implemented, but the sound localization effect cannot be sufficiently obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound localization effectVSAvoidband split point determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of band split point from random to data-driven selection based on frequency response characteristics. By analyzing the frequency response of spatial acoustic transfer characteristics and selecting split points at local minima, the system optimizes the parameter to achieve both reliable sound localization and automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining optimal band split points through frequency response analysis without requiring manual intervention. The processing device autonomously identifies local minima in the frequency response and uses these as band split points, making the determination process self-optimizing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If inappropriate band split points are used, then processing can be performed, but the filter effects are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter effectVSAvoidfrequency response analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing frequency response analysis and determining optimal band split points before the actual audio processing. The system pre-calculates the frequency response of spatial acoustic transfer characteristics, identifies local minima, and establishes band split points in advance, ensuring filter effects are preserved during subsequent processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If individual user measurements are used for band split point determination, then out-of-head localization is enhanced, but measurement and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveout-of-head localization precisionVSAvoidmeasurement and processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical measurement processes with automated computational analysis. Instead of requiring complex manual measurement procedures, the system uses frequency response analysis and automated local minimum detection algorithms to determine band split points, significantly reducing measurement and processing time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11044571B2Processing device, processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 JVC KENWOOD CORP

AI summary

A filter determination system, a filter determination device, a filter determination method and a program with which a filter can be appropriately determined are provided.A processing device according to this embodiment includes a frequency response acquisition unit that acquires a frequency response of a filter for an audio signal, a smoothing unit that smoothes the frequency response and obtains a smoothed response, a candidate point determination unit that determines candidate split points based on a bottom position of the smoothed response, and a split point determination unit that determines one or more band split points from the candidate split points.