Multi-Zone Audio Signal Alignment for Crosstalk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio signal processing systems face challenges in reproducing multiple audio signals at different control points efficiently, leading to substandard sound quality outside 'sweet spots' and requiring dedicated processing systems that are computationally expensive, while crosstalk occurs between control points.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for sound reproduction that separates master and zone-specific input signals, allowing them to be processed by different hardware with tailored algorithms, and aligns these signals using alignment logic to optimize sound reproduction across multiple listening zones, minimizing crosstalk and improving sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated processing systems are designed to perform audio signal processing algorithms, then signal processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio signal processing into two distinct stages: alignment logic that performs time alignment and delay compensation, and output logic that handles the actual audio output. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment logic is designed to be reusable across multiple listening zones and different audio signals. By creating a universal alignment component that can serve multiple purposes, the system avoids needing dedicated processing systems for each zone, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
2Manufacturing precision
If audio signals are processed for multiple control points, then sound reproduction quality is improved, but computational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs time alignment and delay compensation as preliminary steps before final audio output. By pre-aligning signals for multiple listening zones in advance, the system avoids computationally expensive real-time processing during audio playback, thereby reducing computational cost while maintaining sound reproduction quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of audio signals by applying specific time delays and alignment adjustments. These parameter changes are calculated once and applied systematically to multiple zones, reducing the computational burden compared to processing each zone independently with complex algorithms.
3Device complexity
If optimization is performed for a single set of positions, then processing complexity is reduced, but sound reproduction quality deteriorates outside sweet spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different time alignment and delay parameters to different listening zones, creating zone-specific optimization. Each zone receives customized alignment parameters tailored to its specific position and acoustic characteristics, ensuring high sound reproduction quality throughout the room rather than just at single sweet spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends optimization from single-point sweet spots to three-dimensional listening zones by defining spatial regions with multiple control points. This dimensional expansion allows listeners throughout the entire zone to experience high-quality sound reproduction, not just at specific optimized positions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple output audio signals are reproduced at control points, then personalized audio experience is improved, but crosstalk occurs between zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and compensates for crosstalk effects by calculating the interference between adjacent listening zones and applying corrective measures. By identifying and removing the harmful crosstalk components from the audio signals, the system maintains personalized audio experiences while eliminating unwanted interference between zones.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method of processing signals for sound reproduction in a reproduction environment comprising one or more listening zones, the method comprising: at alignment logic of a system for sound reproduction: receiving a master input signal for reproduction or for use as a reference signal in each of the one or more listening zones; receiving one or more zone-specific input signals each for reproduction in a respective one of the one or more listening zones; obtaining, from the master input signal, an aligned master signal; and aligning, with respect to the aligned master signal, the one or more zone-specific input signals to yield one or more respective aligned zone-specific signals; and at output logic of the system for sound reproduction: receiving the aligned master signal and receiving the one or more aligned zone-specific signals; processing the aligned master signal to yield a processed master signal; and processing the one or more aligned zone-specific signals to yield one or more processed zone-specific signals.