Stereophonic Sound Phase Control for Rear Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current binaural technology struggles to accurately reproduce a 3D space with sound sources positioned on the rear, upper, or lower sides, due to limitations in head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) and the inability to effectively simulate sound localization beyond the front.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a phase control technique that uses multiple delay devices to control the phase angle of sound signals, simulating the acoustic feeling of a sound source being present on the rear side by adjusting delay time, phase, and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If HRTF-based binaural rendering is used, then sound localization is achieved, but rear-side and vertical sound source reproduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sound field into different spatial regions (front, rear, upper, lower) and applies different phase delay control strategies to each region. By dividing the complex task of 3D sound reproduction into manageable spatial segments, the system can optimize phase delays for each direction independently, thereby improving rear-side and vertical sound source reproduction while maintaining front-side localization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase delay control as an additional dimension to the traditional HRTF approach. Instead of relying solely on frequency-based HRTF filtering, the system adds temporal phase manipulation to create spatial perception. This dimensional extension enables the system to represent sound sources in three-dimensional space more effectively, particularly for rear and vertical positions that are difficult to reproduce with HRTF alone.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated HRTF measurement is performed for each listener, then individual accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase delay control to create a simplified model of sound localization that can be universally applied without requiring individual HRTF measurements. By using delay devices to manipulate phase angles, the system creates a copyable, parameter-based representation of spatial sound that works for multiple listeners without the need for complex individual calibration, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining localization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter from fixed HRTF filters to variable phase delay values. Instead of using pre-measured HRTF data that requires individual calibration, the system uses adjustable phase delay parameters that can be modified to create different spatial perceptions. This parameter-based approach simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex HRTF measurement and processing while still achieving accurate sound localization.
3Ease of operation
If phase delay control is applied to simulate rear sound localization, then subjective evaluation of mental space is improved, but sound source positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric phase delay control to create more realistic rear-side sound localization. By applying different phase delays to different frequency components and different channels, the system creates asymmetric temporal patterns that better simulate the acoustic characteristics of rear sound sources. This asymmetric approach enhances the subjective perception of spatial presence while maintaining reasonable positioning precision through careful phase angle selection.
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 approach enhances the subjective evaluation of the mental space by effectively simulating the localization of sound sources on the rear side, improving the reproduction of pseudo-stereophonic sound and creating a more immersive audio experience.
Implementation Method 1
a method for generating a stereophonic sound by performing phase delay control
Implementation Method 2
controlling a phase angle with respect to an original sound by changing time, phase, and direction in delay devices
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for generating stereophonic sound. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a phase angle relative to an original sound is controlled by focusing on a rearward sense of localization, which is difficult to express, and using a plurality of delay devices (delay machines) to change the time, phase, and direction thereof. Thereby provided is a technology having the purpose of improving a subjective evaluation in a psychological space by using a rearwardly-localized sound source to emphasize and effectively simulate there actually being a sound source toward the rear.