Sound Signal Processing for Acoustic Localization and Space Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound signal processing methods fail to achieve clear sound image localization and richer space expansion in acoustic environments, as they rely on physical modifications to acoustic spaces or simplistic reverberant sound addition.

Innovation Solution

A sound signal processing method that convolves impulse responses of early reflection and reverberant sounds with sound signals to generate control signals, using a system of directional and omnidirectional microphones and speakers to recreate precise sound localization and space expansion, allowing for dynamic adjustment based on the sound source's location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical changes are made to the acoustic space (e.g., moving the ceiling) to change reverberant characteristics, then the acoustic characteristics can be changed, but the facility becomes very large-scale and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic characteristicsVSAvoidfacility scale

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical modifications to the acoustic space (moving ceilings, changing room dimensions) with electronic signal processing. By using digital signal processing techniques to generate and control reverberant sounds electronically, the system achieves adaptable acoustic characteristics without requiring large-scale physical facility changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of sound signals (timing, intensity, frequency characteristics) to control reverberant sound properties. By adjusting these signal parameters dynamically, the system can change acoustic characteristics for different genres and purposes without physically altering the space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If only reverberant sound is added to support the sound field, then the acoustic space is enhanced, but the sound image localization becomes blurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic spaceVSAvoidsound image localization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reverberant sound into multiple independent components with different characteristics (early reflection sounds, lateral reflection sounds, and late reverberant sounds). Each component is processed and controlled separately, allowing the system to maintain clear sound image localization through early reflections while adding spatial richness through other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different processing characteristics to different parts of the reverberant sound field. Early reflection sounds are handled with different timing and intensity parameters compared to late reverberant sounds, creating localized quality differences that preserve localization clarity while enhancing overall acoustic space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If early reflection sound and reverberant sound are both controlled separately, then clearer sound image localization and richer space expansion are achieved, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound image localizationVSAvoidsignal processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis and separation of the impulse response into distinct early reflection and reverberant components before processing the sound signal. By pre-defining these components and their characteristics, the system simplifies the subsequent processing steps while maintaining the ability to control both localization and space expansion effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method enhances sound image localization and space expansion, providing a more natural and immersive auditory experience without the need for physical changes to the acoustic space, enabling clearer sound image localization and richer space expansion.

Implementation Method 1

convolving, according to a location of the sound source an impulse response of an early reflection sound according to a location of the sound source with the sound signal to generate an early reflection sound control signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvolution:

Implementation Method 2

convolving an impulse response of a reverberant sound with the sound signal to generate a reverberant sound control signal that reproduces a reverberant sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpulse response:

Data Source

PatentUS11749254B2Sound signal processing method, sound signal processing device, and storage medium that stores sound signal processing program

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

The sound signal processing method includes obtaining a sound signal of a sound source, convolving, according to a location of the sound source an impulse response of an early reflection sound with the sound signal to generate an early reflection sound control signal that reproduces an early reflection sound, and convolving an impulse response of a reverberant sound with the sound signal to generate a reverberant sound control signal that reproduces a reverberant sound.