Audio Reproduction Device Using Convolution Coefficients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio reproduction devices like headphones alter the psychoacoustic experience of sound by isolating the ears, diverging from the intended listening environment of music and film soundtracks created in studios, leading to challenges in content creation and consumption.
Innovation Solution
Generating convolution coefficients for a predefined space to modify digital audio signals, applying real-time convolution and middle-side filtering to recreate the perception of sound as if it were produced by loudspeakers in that space, enhancing audio reproduction by simulating the acoustic characteristics of a modeled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If headphones are used to listen to audio content, then portability and convenience are improved, but the psychoacoustic experience diverges from the intended listening environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual acoustic environments by copying the acoustic characteristics of physical spaces (concert halls, recording studios, etc.) and applying them through headphones. This allows the psychoacoustic experience of listening in a specific physical environment to be replicated and transmitted through portable headphone devices, resolving the contradiction between convenience and psychoacoustic fidelity.
2Measurement precision
If content is created using traditional studio monitor loudspeakers, then acoustic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic system of physical studio monitor loudspeakers and treated studio spaces with a digital signal processing system. By using convolution reverb and virtual acoustic environment technology, the system achieves accurate acoustic reproduction through computational methods rather than requiring complex physical acoustic environments, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining acoustic accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If headphones isolate the ears from environmental effects, then portability is improved, but spatial perception is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual acoustic environments as an intermediary between the audio signal and the listener's ear. These virtual environments simulate the spatial acoustic characteristics of physical spaces, acting as a mediator that restores spatial perception information that would otherwise be lost when using isolated headphones, thereby maintaining portability while improving spatial awareness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a more natural and immersive audio experience by recreating the intended listening environment, allowing content creators to work effectively with headphones and listeners to enjoy music as intended by producers, with improved spatial perception and reduced fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of convolution coefficients are generated for a predefined space. A digital audio signal is modified based on the generated convolved digital audio signal to generate a convolved digital audio signal.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for enhancing audio reproduced by an audio reproduction device is described. A plurality of convolution coefficients are generated for a predefined space. A digital audio signal is modified based on the generated convolved digital audio signal to generate a convolved digital audio signal. The convolved digital audio signal is converted to a convolved analog audio signal. The convolved analog audio signal is fed to the audio reproduction device.