Spatially Extended Sound Source Synthesis Using Cue Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reproducing spatially extended sound sources in audio processing require a large number of decorrelated signals, leading to high computational complexity and potential timbre alterations, which limits their effectiveness in applications like virtual and augmented reality where listener movement is involved.
Innovation Solution
The method synthesizes spatially extended sound sources using a limited spatial range indication, processing audio signals with only two or three channels that have specific cues derived from cue information items, such as inter-channel correlation values and phase differences, to efficiently reproduce the spatial extent without the need for numerous peripheral sound sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of decorrelated signals are used to reproduce spatially extended sound sources, then the spatial extent and realism are improved, but the computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential spatial cues (inter-channel correlation, phase differences, level differences) from the complex multi-signal approach, using just two or three channels to represent the spatially extended sound source. This extraction of key features maintains spatial realism while dramatically reducing computational requirements compared to using many decorrelated signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameters from multiple independent decorrelated signals to a compact set of spatial cue parameters (correlation values, phase differences, level differences) applied to fewer channels. This parameter transformation achieves equivalent spatial reproduction with reduced computational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple decorrelated signals are used to increase source width, then the spatial distribution is improved, but the original timbre is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial cue parameters as intermediaries between the audio signal and the spatial reproduction process. Instead of directly using multiple decorrelated signals that alter timbre, the cues (correlation, phase, level differences) mediate the spatial effect while preserving the original signal's timbral characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If numerous peripheral sound sources are used to reproduce spatial extent, then the spatial realism is improved, but the processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the spatially extended sound source using only two or three channels with applied spatial cues, rather than reproducing the full complexity of multiple peripheral sound sources. This copy maintains the essential spatial realism while being computationally efficient to process.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for synthesizing a spatially extended sound source includes: a spatial information interface for receiving a spatial range indication indicating a limited spatial range for the spatially extended sound source within a maximum spatial range; a cue information provider for providing one or more cue information items in response to the limited spatial range; and an audio processor for processing an audio signal representing the spatially extended sound source using the one or more cue information items.