Virtual Sound Source Audio Using Delay-Based Spatial Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio playback systems fail to accurately reproduce the spatial dimensions and depth of sound sources due to the inherent loss of spatial information, leading to a detached and less engaging listening experience.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating audio signals by modifying input audio signals using simple operations such as signal delay, inversion, amplification, and feedback to introduce spatial information, allowing the human hearing to perceive the sound as originating from a specific size, shape, distance, and position without requiring complex FFT synthesis techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex FFT synthesis techniques are used to accurately reproduce spatial dimensions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex, computationally intensive FFT synthesis techniques with simple delay operations and signal mixing. Instead of using heavy computational resources for accurate spatial reproduction, the invention uses lightweight signal processing operations (delay lines, adders, inverters) that achieve the same effect with minimal computational burden, effectively using 'cheap' simple operations instead of 'expensive' complex algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/computational system of FFT-based convolution with an electrical signal processing system using delay lines and signal mixers. This replacement transforms a computationally intensive mathematical operation into a simple analog or digital signal manipulation task, dramatically reducing processing requirements while maintaining spatial accuracy.
2Device complexity
If simple signal operations are used to generate audio signals, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from modifying frequency domain parameters (via FFT) to modifying time domain parameters (via delay operations). By introducing precise time delays corresponding to spatial distances and using signal inversion to create antiphase cancellation, the system achieves accurate spatial reproduction through simple time-based parameter adjustments rather than complex frequency-domain processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual sound sources by copying and modifying the original audio signal through delay operations. Instead of computing complex spatial responses, the system simply copies the input signal, applies a time delay proportional to the desired spatial distance, and mixes it with the original signal. This copying approach with minimal modification achieves realistic spatial effects without heavy computation.
3Ease of operation
If conventional audio playback is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing stage between the audio source and playback system. This intermediary uses delay lines and signal mixers to reconstruct spatial information that would otherwise be lost in conventional playback. The intermediary adds the necessary temporal and phase relationships to the signal, enabling spatial perception without complicating the overall playback operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating an audio signal associated with a virtual sound source is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an input audio signal x(t) and modifying the input audio signal x(t) to obtain a modified audio signal. The latter step comprises performing a signal delay operation. Optionally, modifying the input audio signal comprises a signal inverting operation and/or a signal amplification or attenuation and/or a signal feedback operation. The method further comprises generating the audio signal y(t) based on a combination, e.g. a summation, of the input audio signal x(t) and the modified audio signal.