Multi-Channel Audio Processing for Voice Clarity and Sound-Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-channel audio equipment struggles to maintain clear articulation of talking voices while producing effective sound field effects, especially when channel assignments deviate from conventional movie content standards, leading to deterioration in audio quality for both talking voices and musical sounds.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus that identifies the acoustic type of audio signals on multiple channels by analyzing energy ratios, spectral structures, and frequency changes, and adjusts sound-field effects accordingly to optimize the audio experience based on the content type, reducing excessive reverberation on talking voices and enhancing sound field effects for musical sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If sound-field effect is added strongly to talking voices, then atmosphere and immersion are improved, but articulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sound-field effect levels to different channels based on their acoustic types. Talking voice channels receive reduced sound-field effects to maintain articulation, while musical sound channels receive enhanced effects to create atmosphere. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by tailoring effect application to specific channel characteristics rather than applying uniform effects across all channels.
2Measurement precision
If conventional center channel setting is used, then talking voice articulation is maintained, but non-standard channel assignment content cannot be properly reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically determines the appropriate sound-field effect level for each channel based on real-time acoustic type analysis. Instead of using fixed conventional settings, the system adapts its behavior according to the actual content being reproduced. When talking voices are detected on any channel, the system reduces sound-field effects for that channel; when musical sounds are detected, it enhances effects. This dynamic adaptation enables proper reproduction across both standard and non-standard channel assignments.
3Measurement precision
If sound-field effect is reduced for center channel, then talking voice articulation is improved, but musical sounds on center channel cannot enliven atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent analyzes the acoustic type of each channel independently and applies differentiated sound-field effects accordingly. When a channel contains talking voices, sound-field effects are reduced to preserve articulation. When a channel contains musical sounds, sound-field effects are enhanced to create atmospheric immersion. This local quality differentiation allows the center channel to serve different functions depending on the content, resolving the contradiction between articulation and atmosphere enhancement.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing apparatus is provided. The signal processing apparatus comprises: an inputting section for inputting audio signals on a plurality of channels; an acoustic type acquiring section which is adapted to acquire an acoustic type of an audio signal on at least one channel of the audio signals; and a process controlling section which is adapted to control a characteristic of sound-field effect applied to the audio signals based on the acquired acoustic type.