Virtual Height Filter for Immersive Audio Playback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle loudspeaker systems struggle to effectively play back immersive audio due to space and industrial design constraints, which limit the integration of multiple height loudspeakers and result in poor spatial resolution of sound in the height plane.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to generate multiple audio channels from immersive audio formats using a virtual height filter. This filter is applied to portions of height audio channels, attenuating direct spectral components and amplifying reflected components, allowing for the creation of virtual height cues when played back through non-height loudspeakers, while the remaining portions are played back directly by height loudspeakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple height loudspeakers are integrated into the vehicle, then the spatial resolution of sound in the height plane is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to space and industrial design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual height loudspeakers by processing audio signals through filters that simulate the acoustic characteristics of physical height loudspeakers. These virtual copies are generated using existing non-height loudspeakers, eliminating the need for actual overhead speakers while maintaining the perception of height channels. The virtual height loudspeakers are positioned in the audio signal path rather than physical space, resolving the contradiction between achieving height resolution and avoiding system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic system of physical height loudspeakers with an electronic signal processing system. Instead of installing speakers in the vehicle roof, the invention uses digital signal processing to generate virtual height channels that are mixed with existing audio channels and played back through conventional loudspeakers. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical installation while achieving the same acoustic effect.
2Reliability
If multiple height loudspeakers are integrated into the vehicle, then the immersive audio playback quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional components and installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual representations of height loudspeaker output through signal processing, eliminating the need to manufacture and install physical height loudspeakers. The virtual height channels are generated by filtering and mixing audio signals to simulate the acoustic response of overhead speakers, thereby maintaining immersive audio quality without the associated manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables existing non-height loudspeakers to perform multiple functions: playing back both conventional audio channels and virtual height channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated height loudspeakers, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to deliver immersive audio with height perception.
3Device complexity
If a limited number of height loudspeakers are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the spatial resolution of sound in the height plane deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates virtual height loudspeaker channels that can be positioned anywhere in the vertical audio space,不受物理限制。These virtual copies provide precise spatial resolution in the height plane by directing audio energy to specific virtual positions, achieving the same effect as multiple physical height loudspeakers without the complexity of actual hardware installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the physical dimension of loudspeaker placement to the acoustic dimension of virtual sound positioning. By using signal processing to create virtual height channels, the system achieves precise spatial resolution in the vertical dimension without being constrained by physical space, thereby improving height plane resolution without increasing device complexity.
4Ease of operation
If physical height loudspeakers are installed in the vehicle roof, then the height audio channels can be played back directly, but the industrial design is compromised due to low roof height and sunroof integration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical installation of physical height loudspeakers in the vehicle roof with an electronic signal processing approach. Virtual height channels are generated and mixed with existing audio channels, allowing height audio playback without any modification to the vehicle's physical structure, sunroof, or roof design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual height loudspeaker outputs that simulate the acoustic effect of physical overhead speakers without requiring actual installation in the vehicle roof. This copying approach preserves the vehicle's original industrial design while still enabling direct playback of height audio channels through virtual positioning.
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
The method enhances the audio experience by improving the spatial resolution of sound in the height plane, even with a limited number of height loudspeakers, thereby providing a more immersive listening experience without the need for complex and costly loudspeaker systems.
Implementation Method 1
amplifying spectral components of the at least one height channel reflected from a roof or an area close to the roof inside the listening environment
Data Source
AI summary
A method (1000) of generating a plurality of audio channels from audio containing height and non-height audio channels for playing back them with an immersive loudspeaker system of with at least one height loudspeaker (5) inside a listening environment, comprising: applying (1500) a virtual height filter (1300) to a portion of each height channel (1010) for, when playing back the height channel by one of the loudspeakers, attenuating spectral components of the height channel directly emanating from said loudspeaker (1;2;3;4) and for amplifying spectral components of the height channel reflected from a roof or an area close to the roof inside the listening environment, to generate a plurality of virtual height filtered audio signals which are added to the corresponding non-height audio channels for playback by corresponding loudspeakers; and playing back the remaining portions of each height audio channel with the at least one height loudspeaker (5).