Stereo Sound Stage Enhancement Using Localization Cue Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating immersive sound effects are limited by the need for multiple speakers or Head-Related Transfer Functions, which are costly and impractical, and fail to provide a true 360° sound experience that requires listeners to stay at a fixed point.
Innovation Solution
A sound stage enhancement method using a computing device with processors, memory, and program modules that processes audio signals by extracting localization cues, performing crosstalk cancellation, and generating stereo or mono audio output signals, allowing for immersive sound creation without the need for simulated or physical speakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple speakers or Head-Related Transfer Functions are used to create immersive sound effects, then the sound immersion quality is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple physical speakers with a signal processing system that uses crosstalk cancellation algorithms. Instead of adding more acoustic transducers, the invention processes audio signals computationally to achieve the same immersive effect, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining sound immersion quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the audio signal itself rather than changing the physical system. By applying crosstalk cancellation processing to the left and right audio channels, the system modifies signal parameters (phase, amplitude, timing) to create immersive sound effects without adding physical components
2Measurement precision
If Head-Related Transfer Functions are used to simulate virtual speakers, then the directional sound effect is improved, but the listener must stay at a fixed point reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability to the sound field processing system. Rather than using fixed HRTF filters that require stationary listening positions, the system dynamically adjusts the audio signal processing to maintain immersive effects regardless of listener position or movement, making the system adaptable to changing listening conditions
3Reliability
If more loudspeakers are incorporated into the sound system, then the sound immersion is improved, but the cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of multiple loudspeakers and implements it through signal processing alone. By taking out the core purpose of multi-speaker systems (creating immersive sound fields) and implementing it through crosstalk cancellation algorithms, the invention eliminates the need for additional physical loudspeakers while maintaining the immersion effect
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing an audio signal is performed at a computing device. The method includes the following steps: receiving a digital stereo audio input signal; extracting localization cues from the digital stereo audio input signal; generating a left-side component and a right-side component from the digital stereo audio input signal, at least partially, in accordance with the localization cues; performing crosstalk cancellation to the left-side component and the right-side component, respectively, to obtain a crosstalk-cancelled left-side component and a crosstalk-cancelled right-side component; and generating a digital stereo audio output signal including the crosstalk-cancelled left-side component and the crosstalk-cancelled right-side component.