Audio Signal Processing Device for Accurate Virtual Sound Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods using front and near-ear speakers for virtual sound localization often result in virtual sound being localized inside the listener's head, rather than at the intended position, due to high correlation between L and R channels, leading to inadequate sense of sound localization.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processing device that analyzes the correlation between input signals and controls the output ratio between front and near-ear speakers to accurately localize sound, using a correlation analysis unit and output signal control unit to determine the optimal distribution of signals between speakers, ensuring sound is localized at the desired virtual position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If near-ear speakers are used for sound reproduction, then sound localization accuracy is improved, but when L and R channels have high correlation, virtual sound is localized inside the head instead of at the desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the signal distribution ratio between front speakers and near-ear speakers based on the correlation degree between L and R channels. When correlation is high, the system reduces near-ear speaker output to prevent internal localization; when correlation is low, it increases near-ear speaker output for accurate localization. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between localization accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of signal distribution ratio based on the correlation parameter between channels. By monitoring correlation degree and adjusting the distribution ratio accordingly, the system optimizes virtual sound localization performance under different signal conditions, preventing internal localization while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If front speakers are used for sound reproduction, then virtual sound localization is achieved, but sound localization accuracy is insufficient compared to near-ear speakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of front speakers and near-ear speakers into a unified sound reproduction system. Both speaker types work together with dynamically adjusted distribution ratios, combining the localization reliability of front speakers with the accuracy of near-ear speakers to achieve optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the contribution of front speakers versus near-ear speakers based on signal characteristics. This dynamic control allows the system to leverage the strengths of each speaker type, improving overall localization accuracy while maintaining reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If high correlation between L and R channels is present, then coherent sound reproduction is achieved, but virtual sound is localized inside the head instead of at the desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting high correlation between L and R channels and proactively reducing the signal distribution to near-ear speakers before internal localization occurs. This preventive measure counteracts the tendency toward internal localization while preserving signal coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the signal distribution ratio parameter in response to correlation parameter changes. When correlation exceeds a threshold, the distribution ratio is adjusted to reduce near-ear speaker contribution, thereby preventing internal localization while maintaining coherent sound reproduction.
Data Source
AI summary
When a correlation between an L channel and an R channel of a reproduction-target sound source is considerably high, virtual sound obtained from a reproduction signal is often more likely to be localized inside the head of a listener. A device includes: a correlation analysis unit (3) that analyzes a degree of correlation between a surround L channel signal (SL signal) and a surround R channel signal (SR signal); and an output signal control unit 4 that controls, based on the degree of correlation between the SL signal and the SR signal obtained as a result of the analysis performed by the correlation analysis unit (3), a ratio between: the signals outputted from a front L speaker (7) and a front R speaker (8); and the signals outputted from a near-ear L speaker (9) and a near-ear R speaker (10).