Dynamic Audio Upmixer for Natural Spatial Variations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Audio upmixer algorithms produce fixed and repetitive spatial presentations, which can lead to unnatural and fatiguing soundscapes in continuous audio loops, such as ocean or rainforest sounds, as they lack dynamic spatial variations.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic audio upmixer system that modifies mixer tuning parameters in real-time using a dynamic parameter modification algorithm, allowing for natural spatial variations by adjusting the interpretation of audio channels based on modification control parameters, preventing repetitive spatial presentations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed mixer tuning parameters are used in audio upmixer algorithms, then the spatial presentation is known and repeatable, but the sound becomes unnatural and fatiguing in continuous audio loops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial presentation consistencyVSAvoidspatial variation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the mixer tuning parameters variable over time rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as correlation, gain, and phase relationships between audio channels to simulate natural spatial variations that occur in real acoustic environments, thereby resolving the contradiction between consistency and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying multiple audio processing parameters including correlation coefficients, gain levels, and phase differences. These parameter modifications create temporal variations in the spatial presentation while maintaining overall system stability, addressing both the need for repeatability and natural variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic parameter modification is implemented to create spatial variations, then natural spatial variations are achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial variation capabilityVSAvoidparameter modification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by implementing rhythmic and temporal patterns in parameter modulation. Rather than using complex random variations, the system applies structured periodic changes that simulate natural acoustic phenomena, achieving spatial variation capability while controlling system complexity through pattern-based approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the dynamic parameter modifications are based on analysis of the audio signal characteristics and the resulting spatial presentation. This closed-loop approach allows the system to achieve natural spatial variations while automatically adjusting to maintain optimal performance, reducing the need for overly complex predetermined modification schemes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3777243B1Dynamic audio upmixer parameters for simulating natural spatial variations
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3777243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3777243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3777243B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for creating natural spatial variations in an audio output. At least one parameter in a set of mixer tuning parameters is dynamically modified over time and within a predetermined range that is defined by a set of modification control parameters. The set of mixer tuning parameters that includes the at least one dynamically modified parameter is applied to a mixer allowing the mixer to create natural spatial variations in the audio output to be played at one or more loudspeakers.