Sound Signal Processing Device Spatial Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound signal processing technologies fail to effectively achieve sound image localization corresponding to the position of a sound source in a space, leading to a lack of richness and spatial expansion in sound experiences.

Innovation Solution

A sound signal processing method and device utilizing a combination of directional and omnidirectional microphones, FIR filters, and a sound signal processor to generate and control early reflected and reverberant sound signals, adjusting gain and delay to accurately replicate sound waves and enhance spatial awareness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reverberant sound is added to support sound field, then acoustic characteristics are improved, but sound image localization becomes blurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic characteristicsVSAvoidsound image localization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reverberant sound into multiple early reflected sound components, each with distinct spatial characteristics. By processing and controlling each component separately through individual gain and delay adjustments, the system maintains sound image localization while providing rich reverberant effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different processing parameters (gain and delay) to different reflected sound components based on their specific spatial characteristics. This local quality approach allows each reflected sound to be optimized for its particular direction and timing, preserving localization accuracy while enhancing overall acoustic quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical changes are made to alter reverberation characteristics, then acoustic performance is improved, but facility complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverberation characteristicsVSAvoidfacility structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical changes to the facility structure with electronic signal processing. By using digital processing to generate and control reflected sound components, the system achieves variable reverberation characteristics without any physical modifications to the hall architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes acoustic characteristics by adjusting processing parameters (gain and delay) rather than physical parameters. This allows dynamic control of reverberation properties through software, eliminating the need for physical facility changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If multiple reflected sound components are processed with different parameters, then sound image localization is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound image localizationVSAvoidsignal processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary separation of the reverberant sound into distinct early reflected sound components before processing. By pre-organizing the sound field data and identifying specific reflection paths in advance, the system simplifies subsequent processing while maintaining accurate localization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3869500B1Sound signal processing method and sound signal processing device
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP3869500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3869500B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3869500B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sound signal processing method includes: obtaining a plurality of sound signals respectively collected by a plurality of microphones (11A-11C, 12A-12C) arranged in a space; adjusting respective levels of the plurality of sound signals in accordance with respective positions of the plurality of microphones (11A-11C, 12A-12C); mixing the plurality of sound signals having the adjusted respective levels to thereby obtain a mixed signal; and generating a reflected sound by using the obtained mixed signal.