Predicting Spatial Audio Quality Using Psychoacoustic Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the perceived spatial quality of audio processing and reproduction systems are time-consuming and expensive, requiring human listening tests, which are not feasible for rapid product development and quality control, especially in applications like virtual reality and home entertainment where spatial immersion is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that predicts perceived spatial quality using psychoacoustically informed metrics derived from audio signals, allowing for both single-ended and double-ended evaluations, where the latter compares modified signals against a reference, to provide ratings that match human listener responses without the need for extensive testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human listening tests are used to evaluate spatial quality, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational model that copies human spatial perception behavior through algorithms. The model uses objective audio signal measurements to predict spatial quality attributes (envelopment, spaciousness, directionality) that match human listener responses, replacing the need for actual human listening tests while maintaining assessment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human listening tests with an automated computational system. The model processes audio signals through psychoacoustic metrics and regression analysis to generate spatial quality predictions, substituting human biological perception with mathematical modeling and computer-based analysis
2Measurement precision
If human listening tests are used to evaluate spatial quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational model that copies human spatial perception behavior through algorithms. The model uses objective audio signal measurements to predict spatial quality attributes (envelopment, spaciousness, directionality) that match human listener responses, replacing the need for actual human listening tests while maintaining assessment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to evaluate itself and other audio systems without external human observers. The computational model autonomously processes audio signals, applies psychoacoustic metrics, and generates spatial quality assessments, making the evaluation process self-sufficient and eliminating the need for human test panels
3Productivity
If objective metrics are used to predict spatial quality, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms physical audio signal parameters into perceptual quality parameters through psychoacoustic modeling. The system calculates objective metrics (interaural time differences, interaural level differences, spectral characteristics) and uses regression models to map these to subjective spatial quality attributes, achieving both speed and accuracy through parameter transformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback from listening test data to calibrate and validate the computational model. The model is trained and adjusted using actual human listener responses, ensuring that the objective metric predictions accurately reflect subjective spatial quality perceptions while maintaining rapid automated evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and corresponding system for predicting the perceived spatial quality of sound processing and reproducing equipment. According to the invention a device to be tested, a so-called device under test (DUT), is subjected to one or more test signals and the response of the device under test is provided to one or more means for deriving metrics, i.e. a higher-level representation of the raw data obtained from the device under test. The derived one or more metrics is/are provided to suitable predictor means that “translates” the objective measure provided by the one or more metrics to a predicted perceived spatial quality. To this end said predictor means is calibrated using listening tests carried out on real listeners. By means of the invention there is thus provided an “instrument” that can replace expensive and time consuming listening tests for instance during development of various audio processing or reproduction systems or methods.