Audio Signal Processing Apparatus for Stereo Binaural Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio processing technologies require manual intervention from listeners to distinguish between stereo and binaural audio signals, leading to a reduced immersive listening experience for binaural audio due to default application of stereo widening methods.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processing apparatus that automatically determines whether an audio signal is stereo or binaural using an indicator signal generated from localization cues, applying stereo widening techniques only to stereo signals to enhance the acoustic scene without altering binaural signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If stereo widening methods are applied to audio signals, then the width of the acoustic scene is increased, but the immersive listening experience of binaural audio signals is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the audio processing based on the detected signal type. The stereo widening effect is applied only when stereo signals are detected, while binaural signals are processed differently to preserve their immersive qualities. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the processing flexible rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the processing parameters based on the audio signal characteristics. For stereo signals, stereo widening parameters are applied to expand the acoustic scene. For binaural signals, different parameters are used to maintain the original immersive experience. This parameter-based differentiation allows the system to optimize for each signal type independently.
2Measurement precision
If manual intervention is required to distinguish between stereo and binaural audio signals, then processing accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic signal type detection and processing without requiring manual intervention from the listener. The audio processing apparatus analyzes the incoming audio signal characteristics and automatically determines whether it is stereo or binaural, then applies the appropriate processing. This self-service capability eliminates the need for user action while maintaining accurate signal type identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from audio signal analysis to automatically adjust processing. By continuously monitoring signal characteristics and comparing them against known patterns for stereo and binaural signals, the system can accurately classify the input and apply appropriate processing without user involvement.
3Productivity
If stereo widening is applied by default to all audio signals, then productivity of audio processing is improved, but the quality of binaural audio presentation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the detected signal type. Rather than applying a fixed processing chain to all inputs, the system adjusts its processing path in real-time based on whether the input is stereo or binaural. This dynamic approach maintains high processing efficiency while ensuring optimal quality for each signal type.
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing qualities are applied to different parts of the signal flow based on signal type. Stereo signals receive stereo widening processing to enhance their spatial characteristics, while binaural signals receive processing optimized for preserving their immersive qualities. This localized quality approach ensures each signal type gets the most appropriate processing.
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
Provides an immersive listening experience for both stereo and binaural audio signals without manual intervention, preserving the original 3-dimensional scene for binaural audio and widening the perception for stereo audio.
Implementation Method 1
determine a number of first original signals and a number of second original signals for the first audio channel signal and the second audio channel signal by means of inverse filtering by a number of head-related-transfer-function pairs
Implementation Method 2
a number of head-related-transfer-function pairs
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an audio signal processing apparatus (400) for processing an audio signal, the audio signal processing apparatus (400) comprising: a converter (401) configured to convert a stereo audio signal into a binaural audio signal; and a determiner (403) configured to determine upon the basis of an indicator signal (405) whether the audio signal is a stereo audio signal or a binaural audio signal, the indicator signal (405) indicating whether the audio signal is a stereo audio signal or a binaural audio signal, the determiner (403) being further configured to provide the audio signal to the converter (401) if the audio signal is a stereo audio signal.