Mono-Spatial Audio Processing for Single Speaker Spatial Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spatial audio systems are limited in their ability to provide spatial effects using monophonic sources, as they primarily rely on binaural and stereo signals, making them unsuitable for applications involving single speakers or data capture devices like wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
A mono-spatial audio processor generates spatially-modulated message audio signals using a single speaker, allowing users to perceive audio messages as originating from different locations and directions, even in monaural audio environments, by applying modulation parameters such as phase-shift, frequency-shift, and volume-shift based on the type of message.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spatial audio systems use multiple speakers and binaural signals, then spatial localization effects are achieved, but device complexity and system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial audio signal into multiple frequency bands using filter banks. Each frequency band is processed independently with different spatial parameters, allowing monophonic sources to create spatial effects through frequency-dependent modulation rather than requiring multiple physical speakers
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes acoustic parameters (interaural time difference, interaural level difference, spectral characteristics) across different frequency bands to simulate spatial location. By modulating these parameters dynamically based on frequency content, the system creates convincing spatial effects from a single speaker
2Reliability
If binaural and stereo signals are used for spatial audio, then sound localization is improved, but compatibility with monophonic sources and devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal spatial audio processing system that can handle both monophonic and stereo inputs. The frequency-domain spatial processing approach works effectively with single-channel inputs while maintaining compatibility with multi-channel sources, making the system adaptable to various device configurations including wearables with single speakers
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediate frequency-domain representation as a mediator between the monophonic time-domain signal and the spatial output. By transforming to frequency domain, applying spatial modulation, and transforming back, the system bridges the gap between simple monophonic inputs and complex spatial effects
3Reliability
If conventional spatial audio techniques are applied to monophonic sources, then spatial effects are reduced, but processing complexity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamic spatial processing where modulation parameters (time delays, level differences) vary over time based on the instantaneous frequency content of the signal. This dynamic adaptation allows monophonic sources to generate rich spatial effects that respond naturally to the audio material, improving perceived spatial quality without requiring static complex hardware
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and wearable computing and audio devices for communication audio. More specifically, disclosed are an apparatus and a method for processing audio signals to include spatially modulated message audio signals as a portion of a monaural signal. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a message for a loudspeaker. The method can determine whether an audio signal is in communication with the loudspeaker and a type of a message of the message. Message audio for the message can be spatially modulated as a function of the type of message. A mono-spatial audio signal can be formed based on the audio signal and the spatially-modulated message. Thus, a monaural audio signal can be modulated to generate mono-spatial effects for presenting the messages.