Audio Signal Processor for Expanding Sweet Spot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel audio reproduction systems face challenges in creating a realistic listening experience due to the precedence effect, which limits the sweet spot to a small area, and require a direct relationship between recorded channels and speakers, making it difficult to provide immersive sound for a wider audience and independent of speaker configurations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an encoding and decoding process using time delays and signal processing to create a realistic soundscape, independent of the number of loudspeakers and audio source channels, by establishing time relationships between sound sources and listeners, allowing for a wider sweet spot and accurate localization of sound sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multi-channel audio reproduction systems are used, then the fidelity of reproduced sound is improved, but the sweet spot is limited to a small area due to the precedence effect
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts time delays between audio channels based on the listener's position and room acoustics. The time delay processor continuously modifies delay parameters to maintain optimal sound localization and imaging across different listening positions, transforming the static audio reproduction into a dynamic adaptive system that expands the effective sweet spot area while preserving sound fidelity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the time delay parameter between audio channels to overcome the precedence effect. By introducing controlled time delays that compensate for the Haas effect, the system creates a wider sweet spot where multiple listeners can experience accurate sound positioning simultaneously, while maintaining high audio fidelity through precise parameter control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of audio channels is increased to create immersive sound, then the realism of sound reproduction is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The time delay processor serves multiple functions: it creates immersive sound experiences, adapts to different room configurations, compensates for the precedence effect, and maintains sound localization accuracy. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve high adaptability and realism without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as a single processor handles multiple audio processing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The time delay processor acts as an intermediary between the audio source and the listener, mediating the interaction by introducing controlled time delays that create immersive sound experiences. This intermediary device simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling complex audio processing capabilities, allowing multiple audio channels to work together cohesively without excessive system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If time delays are introduced to widen the sweet spot, then the listening area is expanded, but the precision of sound localization may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor listening conditions and adjust time delay parameters in real-time. This feedback control ensures that sound localization precision is maintained even as the listening area is expanded, as the system adapts to changing acoustic conditions and listener positions to preserve accurate spatial audio perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of time delays allows the system to expand the listening area while maintaining localization precision. By continuously optimizing delay parameters based on real-time acoustic analysis and listener position data, the system creates a wider effective listening area without sacrificing the precision of sound localization, as the parameters are dynamically tuned to balance both objectives.
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
This approach enhances the listening experience by maintaining directional information and intelligibility across a larger audience area, providing a more immersive and realistic sound experience by ensuring the direct sound arrives first, reducing listener stress, and improving message impact.
Implementation Method 1
The precedence effect, in which the human brain localizes to the first sound heard of a sample, forces the image to the audio source closest to the listener
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for processing multiple channel audio signals to create a realistic soundscape in a space largely independent of the number of loudspeakers and audio source channels is provided. The system includes an encoding system in the recording process and a decoding system in the local listening area.