Stereo Sound Stage Enhancement Using Localization Cue Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 method for processing audio signals using a computing device with processors and speakers, which extracts localization cues, performs crosstalk cancellation, and generates immersive sound effects without the need for physical speakers, allowing for 3D-like sound experiences regardless of the number of input and output channels.
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 device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual speakers through signal processing that simulates the acoustic effect of physical speakers. Instead of using actual multiple speakers, the system processes audio signals to create the perception of sound coming from specific spatial locations, effectively copying the acoustic behavior of physical speaker arrangements through digital signal manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple physical speakers with an electronic signal processing system. By using crosstalk cancellation and spatial audio processing techniques, the system achieves immersive sound effects through software-based spatial positioning rather than through physical speaker arrangements, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic processing.
2Measurement precision
If Head-Related Transfer Functions are applied 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 implements dynamic spatial audio processing that adapts to listener movement. The system continuously tracks head position and orientation using sensors, and dynamically adjusts the spatial audio rendering in real-time. This allows the directional sound effects to remain accurate regardless of the listener's position or movement, making the system both precise and mobile-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from motion sensors and head tracking data to continuously adjust the spatial audio rendering. The system monitors listener position and movement, then feeds this information back into the audio processing pipeline to maintain accurate directional sound effects, enabling both precision and listener mobility.
3Reliability
If more loudspeakers are incorporated into the sound system, then the immersive sound effect is improved, but the cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing speakers multi-functional by using them to create both direct sound and spatial effects through signal processing. A single pair of speakers can produce immersive three-dimensional sound effects by manipulating the audio signal to create virtual sound sources in various positions, making the speaker system universally capable of producing multiple spatial configurations without adding physical speakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different spatial audio configurations by changing signal processing parameters rather than physical speaker arrangements. By adjusting parameters such as interaural time differences, interaural level differences, and spectral characteristics through digital processing, the system creates various immersive sound scenarios using the same physical speaker hardware, avoiding the need to increase speaker quantity.
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.