Stereo Audio Processing Apparatus for Sweet Spot Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for enhancing the 'sweet spot' in stereo audio output, such as surround sound systems, are inefficient and user-unfriendly due to the need for complex setups and precise speaker placement, which can detract from listener experience.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus that processes audio signals by combining and filtering input signals to produce output signals that can be driven by a minimal speaker array, effectively widening the stereo width and enhancing listener experience without the need for complex setups or precise speaker placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional surround sound systems are used to enlarge the sweet spot, then the area for faithful audio reproduction is improved, but the device complexity and setup requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple audio signals (center channel, surround channels, and stereo signals) into a unified processing framework. The mixing unit integrates these signals with optimized weight coefficients to create a simplified speaker system that achieves enlarged sweet spot without requiring multiple separate speakers positioned around the listener.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical solution of surrounding the listener with multiple speakers (conventional surround sound) with a signal processing solution. By using optimized signal mixing and weight coefficients in the audio processing unit, the system achieves spatial audio distribution without the mechanical complexity of multiple speakers and their precise placement.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional surround sound systems are used to enlarge the sweet spot, then the area for faithful audio reproduction is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to precise placement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the optimized weight coefficients that automatically adjust signal distribution. The system does not require manual setup or precise speaker placement by the user; instead, the processing unit autonomously optimizes the audio signal mixing to achieve enlarged sweet spot, making the system user-friendly and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of audio signal processing by introducing optimized weight coefficients for different audio channels. This parameter optimization allows the system to dynamically adjust signal distribution without requiring physical repositioning of speakers, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining enlarged sweet spot area.
3Area of stationary object
If complex speaker systems are used to surround the listener, then the sweet spot area is improved, but the loss of time for setup and configuration worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical setup of positioning multiple speakers around the listener with a rapid signal processing approach. The optimized weight coefficients and mixing algorithms enable the system to achieve enlarged sweet spot through software-based signal optimization, eliminating the time required for physical speaker placement and configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-optimizing the weight coefficients and signal mixing parameters before actual use. This pre-computed optimization allows the system to be deployed quickly without requiring time-consuming setup and adjustment, as the optimal signal distribution parameters are already determined and ready for immediate operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise speaker placement is required for surround sound systems, then the audio reproduction quality is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the requirement for precise mechanical speaker placement with a signal processing solution. The optimized weight coefficients and mixing algorithms compensate for the absence of precise physical positioning, allowing the system to achieve high audio reproduction quality without requiring the user to precisely position speakers, thereby improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing method and processing apparatus suitable for stereo audio output enhancement. The processing apparatus can include an input portion configurable to receive a set of input signals, an intermediate portion coupled to the input portion and an output portion coupled to the intermediate portion. The input portion can be configured to produce processed input signals based on the set of input signals. The intermediate portion can be configured to produce a compensated signal based on the processed input signals. The intermediate portion can also be configured to produce a first mixed signal and a second mixed signal based on the set of input signals and at least a portion of the compensated signal. The output portion can be configured to produce a set of output signals based on the first and second mixed signals.