Patents by Inventor Guangji Shi

Guangji Shi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11622220
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are described for estimating a position of a loudspeaker and notifying a listener if an abnormal condition is detected, such as an incorrect loudspeaker orientation or an obstruction in a path between the loudspeaker and a microphone array. For example, a front component of a multi-channel surround sound system may include the microphone array and a position estimation engine. The position estimation engine may estimate the distance between the loudspeaker and the microphone array. In addition, the position estimation engine may estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a first technique. The position estimation engine may also estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a second technique. The two angles can be processed to determine whether the abnormal condition exists. If the abnormal condition exists, a listener can be notified and be provided with suggestions for resolving the issue in a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Michael M. Goodwin, Edward Stein
  • Patent number: 10959018
    Abstract: A system that performs wall detection, range estimation, and/or corner detection to determine a position of a device relative to acoustically reflective surfaces. The device generates output audio using a loudspeaker, generates microphone audio data using a microphone array, performs beamforming to generate directional audio data and then generates impulse response data for each of a plurality of directions. The device may detect a peak in the impulse response data and determine a distance and/or direction to a reflective surface based on the peak. Based on a number of reflected surfaces and/or direction(s) of the reflected surfaces detected by the device, the device may classify the different directions and estimate where it is in the room, such as whether the device is in a corner, along one wall, or in an open area. By knowing its position relative to the room surfaces, the device may improve sound equalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Jan Aage Abildgaard Pedersen, Trausti Thor Kristjansson, Philip Ryan Hilmes
  • Patent number: 10887716
    Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a surround sound system are disclosed. The calibration system can provide a graphical user interface for display comprising a visual representation of the room hosting a multichannel surround sound system. The graphical user interface can permit user input of gestures to place or make changes to the placement of icons representing one or more loudspeakers and a listener. The calibration system can estimate the positions of the one or more loudspeakers or the listener based on the placement of the icons in the model room. A spatial calibration based on the estimated positions can then be performed such that the multichannel surround sound system can render sound scenes more accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Michael M. Goodwin, Martin Walsh
  • Patent number: 10820134
    Abstract: The method and apparatus described herein make use of multiple sets of head related transfer functions (HRTFs) that have been synthesized or measured at various distances from a reference head, spanning from the near-field to the boundary of the far-field. Additional synthetic or measured transfer functions maybe used to extend to the interior of the head, i.e., for distances closer than near-field. In addition, the relative distance-related gains of each set of HRTFs are normalized to the far-field HRTF gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Stein, Martin Walsh, Guangji Shi, David Corsello
  • Publication number: 20200322747
    Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein can provide three-dimensional audio virtualization with sweet spot adaptation. In an example, an audio processor circuit can be used to update audio signals for sweet spot adaptation based on information from at least one depth sensor or camera about a listener position in a listening environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Vlad Ionut Ursachi, Guangji Shi, Daekyoung Noh, Themis George Katsianos, Antonius Kalker, Petronel Bigioi, Jean-Marc Jot
  • Patent number: 10777214
    Abstract: A system that performs wall detection, range estimation, and/or corner detection to determine a position of a device relative to acoustically reflective surfaces. The device generates output audio using loudspeaker(s), generates microphone audio data using a microphone array, and generates impulse response data for each of the microphones. The device may generate the impulse response data using an acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) component or multi-channel AEC (MC-AEC). The device may detect a peak in the impulse response data and determine a distance to a reflective surface based on the peak. Based on a number of reflected surfaces detected by the device, the device may classify a position of the device within the room, such as whether the device is in a corner, along one wall, or in an open area. By knowing the position relative to the room surfaces, the device may improve sound equalization and other processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Trausti Thor Kristjansson, Jan Aage Abildgaard Pedersen, Philip Ryan Hilmes
  • Publication number: 20200267489
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are described for estimating a position of a loudspeaker and notifying a listener if an abnormal condition is detected, such as an incorrect loudspeaker orientation or an obstruction in a path between the loudspeaker and a microphone array. For example, a front component of a multi-channel surround sound system may include the microphone array and a position estimation engine. The position estimation engine may estimate the distance between the loudspeaker and the microphone array. In addition, the position estimation engine may estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a first technique. The position estimation engine may also estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a second technique. The two angles can be processed to determine whether the abnormal condition exists. If the abnormal condition exists, a listener can be notified and be provided with suggestions for resolving the issue in a graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Michael M. Goodwin, Edward Stein
  • Patent number: 10728683
    Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein can provide three-dimensional audio virtualization with sweet spot adaptation. In an example, an audio processor circuit can be used to update audio signals for sweet spot adaptation based on information from at least one depth sensor or camera about a listener position in a listening environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Vlad Ionut Ursachi, Daekyoung Noh, Themis George Katsianos, Antonius Kalker, Petronel Bigioi, Jean-Marc Jot
  • Patent number: 10575114
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are described for estimating a position of a loudspeaker and notifying a listener if an abnormal condition is detected, such as an incorrect loudspeaker orientation or an obstruction in a path between the loudspeaker and a microphone array. For example, a front component of a multi-channel surround sound system may include the microphone array and a position estimation engine. The position estimation engine may estimate the distance between the loudspeaker and the microphone array. In addition, the position estimation engine may estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a first technique. The position estimation engine may also estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a second technique. The two angles can be processed to determine whether the abnormal condition exists. If the abnormal condition exists, a listener can be notified and be provided with suggestions for resolving the issue in a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Michael M. Goodwin, Edward Stein
  • Publication number: 20190394599
    Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a surround sound system are disclosed. The calibration system can provide a graphical user interface for display comprising a visual representation of the room hosting a multichannel surround sound system. The graphical user interface can permit user input of gestures to place or make changes to the placement of icons representing one or more loudspeakers and a listener. The calibration system can estimate the positions of the one or more loudspeakers or the listener based on the placement of the icons in the model room. A spatial calibration based on the estimated positions can then be performed such that the multichannel surround sound system can render sound scenes more accurately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Michael M. Goodwin, Martin Walsh
  • Publication number: 20190349705
    Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein can provide three-dimensional audio virtualization with sweet spot adaptation. In an example, an audio processor circuit can be used to update audio signals for sweet spot adaptation based on user information input to a graphical user interface information about a listener position in a listening environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Themis George Katsianos, David Cortes Provencio, Anthony Hand, Leslie Jensen-Link, Daekyoung Noh, Vlad Ionut Ursachi
  • Publication number: 20190268710
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are described for estimating a position of a loudspeaker and notifying a listener if an abnormal condition is detected, such as an incorrect loudspeaker orientation or an obstruction in a path between the loudspeaker and a microphone array. For example, a front component of a multi-channel surround sound system may include the microphone array and a position estimation engine. The position estimation engine may estimate the distance between the loudspeaker and the microphone array. In addition, the position estimation engine may estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a first technique. The position estimation engine may also estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a second technique. The two angles can be processed to determine whether the abnormal condition exists. If the abnormal condition exists, a listener can be notified and be provided with suggestions for resolving the issue in a graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Michael M. Goodwin, Edward Stein
  • Patent number: 10375498
    Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating a surround sound system are disclosed. The calibration system can provide a graphical user interface for display comprising a visual representation of the room hosting a multichannel surround sound system. The graphical user interface can permit user input of gestures to place or make changes to the placement of icons representing one or more loudspeakers and a listener. The calibration system can estimate the positions of the one or more loudspeakers or the listener based on the placement of the icons in the model room. A spatial calibration based on the estimated positions can then be performed such that the multichannel surround sound system can render sound scenes more accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Michael M. Goodwin, Martin Walsh
  • Publication number: 20190215638
    Abstract: The method and apparatus described herein make use of multiple sets of head related transfer functions (HRTFs) that have been synthesized or measured at various distances from a reference head, spanning from the near-field to the boundary of the far-field. Additional synthetic or measured transfer functions maybe used to extend to the interior of the head, i.e., for distances closer than near-field. In addition, the relative distance-related gains of each set of HRTFs are normalized to the far-field HRTF gains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Edward Stein, Martin Walsh, Guangji Shi, David Corsello
  • Patent number: 10313817
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods are described for estimating a position of a loudspeaker and notifying a listener if an abnormal condition is detected, such as an incorrect loudspeaker orientation or an obstruction in a path between the loudspeaker and a microphone array. For example, a front component of a multi-channel surround sound system may include the microphone array and a position estimation engine. The position estimation engine may estimate the distance between the loudspeaker and the microphone array. In addition, the position estimation engine may estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a first technique. The position estimation engine may also estimate an angle of the loudspeaker using a second technique. The two angles can be processed to determine whether the abnormal condition exists. If the abnormal condition exists, a listener can be notified and be provided with suggestions for resolving the issue in a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Michael M. Goodwin, Edward Stein
  • Publication number: 20190116452
    Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein can provide three-dimensional audio virtualization with sweet spot adaptation. In an example, an audio processor circuit can be used to update audio signals for sweet spot adaptation based on user information input to a graphical user interface information about a listener position in a listening environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Themis George Katsianos, David Cortes Provencio, Anthony Hand, Leslie Jensen-Link, Daekyoung Noh, Vlad Ionut Ursachi
  • Patent number: 10231073
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus described herein optimally represent full 3D audio mixes (e.g., azimuth, elevation, and depth) as “sound scenes” in which the decoding process facilitates head tracking. Sound scene rendering can be modified for the listener's orientation (e.g., yaw, pitch, roll) and 3D position (e.g., x, y, z). This provides the ability to treat sound scene source positions as 3D positions instead of being restricted to positions relative to the listener. Sound scene rendering can be augmented by encoding depth to a source directly. This provides the ability to modify the transmission format and panning equations to support adding depth indicators during content production. Unlike typical methods that apply depth cues such as loudness and reverberation changes in the mix, this method would enable recovering the distance of a source in the mix so that it can be rendered for the final playback capabilities rather than those on the production side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Stein, Martin Walsh, Guangji Shi, David Corsello
  • Publication number: 20190075418
    Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein can provide three-dimensional audio virtualization with sweet spot adaptation. In an example, an audio processor circuit can be used to update audio signals for sweet spot adaptation based on information from at least one depth sensor or camera about a listener position in a listening environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Guangji Shi, Vlad Ionut Ursachi, Daekyoung Noh, Themis George Katsianos, Antonius Kalker, Petronel Bigioi, Jean-Marc Jot
  • Patent number: 10200806
    Abstract: The method and apparatus described herein make use of multiple sets of head related transfer functions (HRTFs) that have been synthesized or measured at various distances from a reference head, spanning from the near-field to the boundary of the far-field. Additional synthetic or measured transfer functions maybe used to extend to the interior of the head, i.e., for distances closer than near-field. In addition, the relative distance-related gains of each set of HRTFs are normalized to the far-field HRTF gains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Stein, Martin Walsh, Guangji Shi, David Corsello
  • Patent number: 10075789
    Abstract: A GPEQ filter and tuning methods for asymmetric transaural audio reproduction on mobile consumer devices. The GPEQ filter includes an asymmetric FIR filter bank configured to normalize the magnitude responses of at least two audio speakers to a target response above a low frequency cross-over of the audio speakers as reproduced at the listener position and a symmetric IIR filter bank component configured to high pass filter above the low frequency cross-over and equalize the magnitude responses of the at least two audio speakers. In some embodiments the FIR filter bank is configured to normalize the group delay of the audio channels and in some embodiments the IIR filter bank includes an asymmetric IIR filter bank component configured to correct any residual asymmetry in the magnitude responses of the at least two audio speakers. Phase preservation may be accomplished using phase-balanced or phase-compensated IIR filter sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: DTS, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Stein, David Corsello, Guangji Shi