Signal Processing Device for HRTF Measurement Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring head-related transfer functions (HRTF) are prone to errors due to improper microphone placement, environmental disturbances, and require expert knowledge, making it difficult for general users to determine the accuracy of sound pickup signals.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing device and method that generates measurement signals, acquires sound pickup signals from microphones, applies filters based on sound source information, detects phase differences, and determines measurement accuracy by comparing these differences with set ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If expert knowledge is used to determine measurement appropriateness, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases and ease of use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated determination unit that acts as an intermediary between the sound pickup signal acquisition and the measurement process. This unit automatically evaluates whether sound pickup signals are appropriately acquired by analyzing phase differences and signal characteristics, eliminating the need for expert manual analysis while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs self-evaluation through the determination unit, which automatically assesses the quality of sound pickup signals by comparing phase differences against reference values. The system serves itself by internally determining measurement appropriateness without requiring external expert intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If expert analysis of signal waveforms is performed, then measurement reliability is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual expert waveform analysis with an automated electronic determination unit. This unit uses algorithmic processing to evaluate phase differences and signal characteristics, maintaining measurement reliability while dramatically reducing the time required from minutes of expert analysis to instant automated evaluation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The determination unit evaluates measurement appropriateness by analyzing specific parameters such as phase differences between sound pickup signals and comparing them against reference ranges. By focusing on key parameters rather than comprehensive waveform analysis, the system maintains reliability while reducing processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If phase difference detection is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase difference detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing into distinct functional units: a sound pickup signal acquisition unit, a phase difference detection unit, and a determination unit. Each unit handles a specific aspect of the measurement process, making the overall complex system manageable through modular organization and clear separation of concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables users to accurately determine the appropriateness of sound pickup signals, facilitating better measurement and localization of sound sources, even for non-experts, by simplifying the analysis process and improving measurement reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a filter configured to have a passband set based on the sound source information, and output a filter passing signal in response to input of the sound pickup signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a phase difference detection unit configured to detect a phase difference between two sound pickup signals based on the filter passing signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase difference detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11039251B2Signal processing device, signal processing method, and program

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 JVC KENWOOD CORP

AI summary

A signal processing device of an embodiment includes a measurement signal generation unit that generates a measurement signal to be output from the sound source, a sound pickup signal acquisition unit that acquires sound pickup signals picked up by a plurality of microphones, a sound source information acquisition unit that acquires sound source information about a horizontal angle of a sound source, filters that have a passband set based on the sound source information and output a filter passing signal in response to input of the sound pickup signals, a phase difference detection unit that detects a phase difference between two sound pickup signals based on the filter passing signal, and a determination unit that determines a result of measurement of the sound pickup signals by comparing the phase difference with an effective range set based on the sound source information.