Stereo Sound Stage Enhancement Using Localization Cues
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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 the listener to stay at a fixed point.
Innovation Solution
A sound stage enhancement method using a computing device with processors 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 physical speakers or complex transfer functions.
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 replaces the mechanical system of multiple physical speakers with a computational approach using crosstalk cancellation algorithms. The system uses signal processing techniques to create immersive sound effects through software-based processing of stereo or multi-channel audio signals, eliminating the need for complex physical speaker arrangements while maintaining sound immersion quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of audio signal processing by applying crosstalk cancellation filters that modify the transfer functions between speakers and listener ears. By adjusting these acoustic parameters through digital signal processing, the system achieves immersive sound effects without requiring changes to the physical speaker configuration
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 a dynamic sound stage enhancement system that adapts to listener movement. The crosstalk cancellation processing is designed to maintain effective sound localization and immersion quality even when the listener moves from the optimal fixed position, providing dynamic adjustment of acoustic parameters to preserve both directional accuracy and listener flexibility
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 creates virtual sound sources through computational copying of audio signals. By using crosstalk cancellation to synthesize binaural-like effects from standard stereo or multi-channel signals, the system replicates the immersive sound experience of complex speaker systems using only two speakers, eliminating the need to physically incorporate multiple loudspeakers
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.