Psychoacoustic Loudspeaker Control for 3D Sound Localization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current broadband loudspeaker arrangements and headphones have limitations in sound localization and reproduction of low-frequency vibrations, and existing DSP techniques for virtual height effects impose high computational loads or rely on room geometries.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing psychoacoustic directional bands and narrow-band loudspeakers, controlled by a controller that determines energy levels for sub-bands to generate loudspeaker driving signals, enhancing 3D immersive sound without relying on loudspeaker placement or physical height channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If broadband loudspeaker arrangements are used, then sound coverage is provided, but sound localization is limited and consistent with loudspeaker positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the broadband audio signal into multiple narrow-band frequency sub-bands. Each sub-band is processed independently and assigned to specific loudspeakers based on psychoacoustic directional bands, enabling precise sound localization without requiring complex spatial loudspeaker arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter by analyzing and processing different frequency sub-bands separately. By applying psychoacoustic principles that map frequency to perceived direction, the system achieves improved sound localization through frequency-based parameter transformation rather than spatial arrangement.
2Measurement precision
If DSP techniques are used to achieve virtual height effects, then 3D sound is improved, but computational load increases with limited listener sweet spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes natural psychoacoustic directional bands that exist in human hearing perception. By leveraging these pre-existing psychoacoustic properties rather than creating artificial 3D effects through complex DSP, the system reduces computational load while maintaining 3D sound immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the human auditory system to perform the 3D localization function naturally through psychoacoustic directional bands. Instead of requiring intensive computational processing to create artificial spatial cues, the approach lets the listener's own hearing system provide the 3D effect through frequency-based directional perception.
3Measurement precision
If headphones are used, then 3D immersive sound is achieved, but low-frequency vibration reproduction is lost and usage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a loudspeaker-based system that can serve multiple functions: providing 3D immersive sound like headphones, reproducing low-frequency vibrations like subwoofers, and working in various usage situations including mobile environments. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate headphone and subwoofer systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of headphones with a psychoacoustic loudspeaker system that uses narrow-band frequency processing. This substitution maintains the 3D immersive effect while adding the capability to reproduce low-frequency vibrations through conventional loudspeaker mechanics.
4Measurement precision
If narrow-band loudspeaker arrangements are used, then psychoacoustic directional bands are utilized, but the number of loudspeaker channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio signal into narrow-band frequency sub-bands and maps these to psychoacoustic directional bands. By processing frequency segments rather than requiring multiple physical loudspeaker segments, the system achieves precise sound directionality without proportionally increasing the number of loudspeaker channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from a spatial segmentation approach (multiple loudspeakers in different positions) to a frequency parameter approach (narrow-band filtering). This parameter transformation allows the system to achieve directional precision through frequency-based psychoacoustic mapping rather than through increasing the number of physical loudspeaker channels.
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
The system provides enhanced 3D immersive sound with increased spatial awareness, minimizing the number of loudspeaker channels and DSP computation, while maintaining sound directionality and reproducing a wide frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
The psychoacoustic relation between the signal frequency and the direction of the sound sensation can be described by the Blauert directional bands (BDB).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~6
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system for providing three-dimensional (3D) immersive sound is provided. The system includes a loudspeaker and at least one controller. The loudspeaker transmits an audio output signal in a listening environment. The at least one controller is programmed to store a plurality of directional bands with each directional band being defined by a narrowband frequency interval and to store at least psychoacoustic scale including a sub-band for each directional band. The at least one controller is further programmed to determine an energy for the sub-band and generate a loudspeaker driving signal based at least on the energy for the sub-band to drive the loudspeaker to transmit the audio output signal.