Speaker Delay Alignment for Accurate Sound Image Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies do not sufficiently improve sound image localization bias due to asymmetrical speaker placement in vehicle interiors, causing a difference in sound arrival times that affect sound image localization.
Innovation Solution
A sound processing system that calculates an interaural cross-correlation function to determine a target position and applies delay and phase correction to audio signals output from multiple speakers, using a delay unit and phase correction unit to align sound waves and improve localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If speakers are installed at symmetrical positions in vehicle interior, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but sound image localization bias occurs due to asymmetrical listening positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the interaural cross-correlation function to detect sound arrival time differences, then applies preliminary time alignment correction before actual audio playback, thereby resolving the localization bias caused by asymmetrical speaker installation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the time delay parameter of audio signals based on the measured interaural cross-correlation function, changing the temporal parameter to compensate for the fixed spatial asymmetry of speaker installation, thereby improving sound image localization accuracy
2Loss of time
If conventional time alignment processing is applied, then sound arrival time differences are reduced, but sound image localization bias is not sufficiently improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the interaural cross-correlation function to obtain feedback information about sound arrival time differences, then uses this feedback to iteratively adjust the time alignment of audio signals, achieving more accurate sound image localization than conventional fixed time alignment methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static time alignment to dynamic time alignment by continuously measuring the interaural cross-correlation function and adjusting delay amounts in real-time according to actual listening conditions, thereby sufficiently improving sound image localization accuracy
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 effectively reduces sound image localization bias by aligning sound waves, providing a more accurate and immersive audio experience in vehicles and other environments with asymmetrical speaker setups.
Implementation Method 1
a delay unit that delays an audio signal, which is a signal of the sound, output to at least one of the plurality of speakers, based on the delay amount calculated by the delay amount calculation unit
Implementation Method 2
a function acquisition unit that acquires an interaural cross correlation function when listening to sound output from a plurality of speakers at a predetermined listening position
Data Source
AI summary
A sound processing system includes: a function acquisition unit that acquires an interaural cross correlation function when listening to sound output from a plurality of speakers at a predetermined listening position; a position determination unit that determines a target position based on an interaural cross correlation function of a predetermined range of interaural cross correlation functions acquired by the function acquisition unit; a delay amount calculation unit that calculates a delay amount based on the target position determined by the position determination unit; and a delay unit that delays an audio signal, which is a signal of the sound, output to at least one of the plurality of speakers, based on the delay amount calculated by the delay amount calculation unit. The interaural cross correlation function of the predetermined range is an interaural cross correlation function in a range of ±n (where n is a positive value greater than 1) milliseconds.