Binaural And Stereophonic Patents (Class 381/1)
  • Patent number: 7515935
    Abstract: A method and system for flexible FM tuning are provided and may include tuning to a particular frequency within a range of FM channels based on an IF frequency that includes an integer multiple of the channel spacing between neighboring allocated FM channels within the range of FM channels, offset by at most one-half the channel spacing. The method may further include determining whether the particular frequency comprises an on frequency channel, utilizing a frequency error that is based on the IF frequency. A local oscillator frequency may be selected for the tuning based on the frequency offset. An intermediate frequency (IF) channel may be generated utilizing the particular frequency and the selected local oscillator frequency. The generated IF channel may be between neighboring channels selected from the range of FM channels. The frequency error may be determined for the particular frequency within the range of FM channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Brima Ibrahim, Bojko Marholev, Lijun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090086983
    Abstract: A system and method of transmitting audio signals. Frequency modulated carrier signals that each have an audio signal are mixed. The mixed signal is converted into a low voltage signal into which a feed voltage is coupled. The coupled signal is transmitted through a single line of a transmission cable to an audio signal infrared transmitter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Lear Corporation GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Thiele, Reinhold Schaef
  • Publication number: 20090086982
    Abstract: A technique for canceling acoustic crosstalk is provided including a pre-processing filter and a crosstalk cancellation device. The pre-processing filter may be configured to obtain first and second channel signals and compensate or adjust the first and/or second channel signals for anticipated subsequent stage distortion by the crosstalk cancellation device. The crosstalk cancellation device maybe configured to receive the compensated first and second channel signals from the pre-processing filter. The crosstalk cancellation device then modifies the first channel signal to cancel anticipated acoustic crosstalk from the second channel signal, and modifies the second channel signal to cancel acoustic crosstalk from the first channel signal. The modified first channel signal is then transmitted over a first speaker and the modified second channel signal is transmitted over a second speaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Prajakt V. Kulkarni, Pei Xiang
  • Patent number: 7512246
    Abstract: A stereo sounding method which can provide realistic sounds such as stereo sounds for a large number of listeners while reducing the number of speakers. A stereo sounding system is comprised of a plurality of stereo sound sources, and a plurality of speakers. A smaller number of speakers than twice the number of the plurality of stereo sound sources are arranged, and an R-channel output from at least one stereo sound source among the plurality of stereo sound sources and an L-channel output from a stereo sound source other than the at least one stereo sound source are mixed, and the mixing result is output to at least one of the arranged speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nishitani, Kenichi Miyazawa, Akira Miki, Kenji Ishida
  • Patent number: 7502477
    Abstract: A distributing circuit distributes audio signals of a predetermined number of channels to audio signals of a predetermined number of channels. A first signal processing circuit processes audio signals that are output from the distributing circuit in parallel, reproduces the resultant signals with a plurality of speakers, and localizes sound images of the individual audio signals at predetermined positions. A second signal processing circuit inputs audio signals that are output to the plurality of speakers and performs signal processes equivalent to the transfer functions from the individual speakers to both the ears of the listener. The output signals of the second signal processing circuit are reproduced with the headsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyofumi Inanaga, Yuji Yamada
  • Publication number: 20090060205
    Abstract: An encoding method and apparatus and a decoding method and apparatus are provided. The decoding method includes extracting an arbitrary down-mix signal and compensation information necessary for compensating for the arbitrary down-mix signal from the input bitstream, compensating for the arbitrary down-mix signal using the compensation information, and generating a three-dimensional (3D) down-mix signal by performing a 3D rendering operation on the compensated arbitrary down-mix signal. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently encode multi-channel signals with 3D effects and to adaptively restore and reproduce audio signals with optimum sound quality according to the characteristics of an audio reproduction environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yang-Won Jung, Hee Suk Pang, Hyen-O Oh, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim
  • Publication number: 20090060203
    Abstract: Rebalancing of an audio signal refers to achieving a balance of perceived loudness, typically of right and left channels, given an unbalanced input. A flexible method to automatically rebalance an audio input signal is robust against noise in extreme cases through the individual channels combined in various ways as a function of the loudness ratio between input channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Steven David Trautmann, Atsuhiro Sakurai, Ryo Tsutsui
  • Publication number: 20090060204
    Abstract: An audio spatial environment engine for converting from an N channel audio system to an M channel audio system, where N is an integer greater than M, is provided. The audio spatial environment engine includes one or more correlators receiving two or more of the N channels of audio data and eliminating delays between the channels that are irrelevant to an average human listener. One or more Hilbert transform systems each perform a Hilbert transform on one or more of the correlated channels of audio data. One or more summers receive at least one of the correlated channels of audio data and at least one of the Hilbert transformed correlated channels of audio data and generate one of the M channels of audio data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Reams, Jeffrey K. Thompson, Aaron Warner
  • Publication number: 20090052703
    Abstract: A binaural technology method includes: determining positions related to position of both ears of a listener, receiving a wireless RF signal including binaural audio data is received, and presenting the binaural audio data to the listener By determining ear positions of a listener e.g. in 3D, information of the listener's position e.g. in a virtual environment is known, and further by wireless transmitting binaural audio signals to the listener, it becomes possible to transmit 3D audio data matching the listener's position and movements accordingly. Further, since the position of both ears is known, it is possible to individually match the binaural audio data to the listener, since it is possible to derive from the ear positions a distance between the listener's ears, and hereby a valuable parameter is known that can be used to generate binaural signals that individually fits the listener. Thus, the listener can be provided with a better 3D audio experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: AALBORG UNIVERSITET
    Inventor: Dorte Hammershoi
  • Publication number: 20090052676
    Abstract: A system for decorrelating audio data is provided. The system includes a noise generator generating a random noise signal. A phase shift system receives an input channel of audio data and the random noise signal and generates a phase shifted channel of audio data having a phase shift based on the random noise signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Robert W. Reams
  • Publication number: 20090046863
    Abstract: A method of directing an audio signal to an intended user by a remote-control device coupled to an audio/video device is described. The remote-control device sends an instruction to the audio/video device to transmit an audio signal. The remote-control device receives the audio signal and process the audio signal to generate a directional audio. The directional audio is then routed to an intended user such that the directional audio signal is audible to the intended user, other recipients in the vicinity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Dasaradha Gude, Gunjan Porwal, Murli Krishna Kocherla
  • Patent number: 7492907
    Abstract: An audio enhancement system and method for use receives a group of multi-channel audio signals and provides a simulated surround sound environment through playback of only two output signals. The multi-channel audio signals comprise a pair of front signals intended for playback from a forward sound stage and a pair of rear signals intended for playback from a rear sound stage. The front and rear signals are modified in pairs by separating an ambient component of each pair of signals from a direct component and processing at least some of the components with a head-related transfer function. Processing of the individual audio signal components is determined by an intended playback position of the corresponding original audio signals. The individual audio signal components are then selectively combined with the original audio signals to form two enhanced output signals for generating a surround sound experience upon playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: SRS Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold I. Klayman, Alan A. Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20090041254
    Abstract: Equipment (1) for producing binaural sound signals for virtual spatial audio includes a receiver (4) for receiving signals that should be rendered as virtual spatial audio. A signal processor (3) is in communication with the receiver (4) for processing the received audio signals, performing computations using a distance variation function for varying a target distance of the virtual sound and rendering the received signals as virtual spatial audio. The equipment (1) further includes a connector (6) to which an output device is connectable, the output device being controlled by the signal processor (3) to output binaural sound signals for virtual spatial audio at the target distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: PERSONAL AUDIO PTY LTD
    Inventors: Craig Jin, Alan Ho Lun Kan, Andre van Schaik
  • Publication number: 20090034744
    Abstract: A device (10) for enhancing a multi-channel (e.g. stereo) audio signal has a parameter adjustment unit (13) for adjusting an original parameter (?, ILD, ICC) which represents an original inter-channel property of the audio signal. The device further comprises a processing unit (11) for processing the audio signal so as to produce an enhanced audio signal having the adjusted parameter (??, ILD?, ICC?). The device allows stereo widening or other multi-channel signal enhancements without introducing artifacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Machiel Willem Van Loon, Dirk Jeroen Breebaart
  • Publication number: 20090034745
    Abstract: Provided is a sound image localization control apparatus for allowing, when sound is reproduced so as to perform sound image localization for a plurality of users, each of the plurality of users to variably adjust an acoustical effect individually without diminishing a sound image localization effect. The sound image localization control apparatus comprises: processing characteristic setting means (13; 14) for setting a processing characteristic in controlling means such that acoustic transfer functions for at least two predetermined positions each represent a desired characteristic; controlling means (12) for receiving an acoustic signal and the processing characteristic which is set by the processing characteristic setting means and performing signal processing; and sound reproducing means (3) for receiving an output from the controlling means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Ko Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20090034766
    Abstract: In a situation where a plurality of virtual sound sources are fixedly located, a mixing system allows a listener to increase or decrease the sound volumes of the virtual sound sources with a simple operation. Directional angle difference detection means 24 detects a directional angle difference between a predetermined reference directional angle and an indicated directional angle which is determined by the listener by pointing with an operation unit 7 a certain direction in a virtual space where the virtual sound sources exist. Mixing means 5 mixes a plurality of audio signals supplied from a plurality of audio channels and outputs a mixed audio signal without adjustment, when the directional angle difference is zero degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Masatoshi Hamanaka, Yuuya Iketuki
  • Publication number: 20090028345
    Abstract: An encoding method and apparatus and a decoding method and apparatus are provided. The decoding method includes skipping extension information included in an input bitstream, extracting a three-dimensional (3D) down-mix signal and spatial information from the input bitstream, removing 3D effects from the 3D down-mix signal by performing a 3D rendering operation on the 3D down-mix signal, and generating a multi-channel signal using a down-mix signal obtained by the removal and the spatial information. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently encode multi-channel signals with 3D effects and to adaptively restore and reproduce audio signals with optimum sound quality according to the characteristics of an audio reproduction environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yang-Won Jung, Hee Suk Pang, Hyen-O Oh, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim
  • Publication number: 20090028344
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a media signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which the media signal can be converted to a surround signal by using spatial information of the media signal. The present invention provides a method of processing a signal, the method comprising of generating source mapping information corresponding to each source of multi-sources by using spatial information indicating features between the multi-sources; generating at least one rendering information by using the source mapping information and filter information having a surround effect; and performing smoothing by using neighbor rendering information of the at least one rendering information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hee Suk Pang, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim, Hyen-O Oh, Yang-Won Jung
  • Publication number: 20090022327
    Abstract: A system, a device and a method for pulse width modulation is disclosed. One embodiment includes a pulse width modulation device, a first pulse width modulation mapper for pulse width modulation of a data signal, or a signal derived therefrom, and a second pulse width modulation mapper for pulse width modulation of a reference signal, or a signal derived therefrom. In one or more embodiments, the data signal e.g., can be a signal for a mono audio channel, or a signal for a stereo audio channel. The reference signal can be a signal including a constant signal level or a signal including a non-constant signal level an offset signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Christoph Braun
  • Publication number: 20090010440
    Abstract: An encoding method and apparatus and a decoding method and apparatus are provided. The decoding method includes extracting a down-mix signal and spatial information regarding a plurality of channels from an input bitstream, and generating a three-dimensional (3D) down-mix signal by performing a 3D rendering operation on the down-mix signal using the spatial information and a filter, wherein the sum of the number of valid signals of the down-mix signal, the number of valid signals of the spatial information, and the number of valid signals of co-efficients of the filter is less than the number of valid signals of the 3D down-mix signal. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently encode multi-channel signals with 3D effects and to adaptively restore and reproduce audio signals with optimum sound quality according to the characteristics of an audio reproduction environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yang-Won Jung, Hee Suk Pang, Hyen-O Oh, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim
  • Publication number: 20090009467
    Abstract: A method for controlling a shooting sound according to the present invention includes the steps of receiving an operation of a player and generating an operation signal, detecting at which area on a display screen a machine gun is pointing based on the operation signal, and determining one set of sound data at random from sets of sound data on at least two types of shooting sounds in accordance with detected position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Takeshi Isozaki, Kenji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20090003610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device with an enhanced stereo image, and more particularly a device in which an unsymmetrical placement of loudspeakers is compensated by means of electronic adjustment of the phase and level of the sound. The present invention provides a device (1) comprising a sound source outputting audio channels in stereo, a sound reproduction system delivering electronic sound signals based on the audio channels to at least two loudspeakers (2, 3) for sound reproduction with a stereo image. The device further comprises means for adjusting the level and phase of one of the sound signals to one loudspeaker (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Stefan Gustavsson, Markus Mimer, Dag Glebe
  • Patent number: 7466831
    Abstract: The present invention relates to audio signal processing such as equalisation and spatial enhancement functions. The present invention provides an audio signal processing circuit arrangement for two audio channels, and which combines spatial enhancement or acoustic mixing (crosstalk) cancelling with graphic equalisation functions. This is achieved with a circuit structure having a reduced filter count compared with known cascaded circuits dedicated to each function. The circuit structure processes the sum and difference signals through separate filters and then recombines them to recover the separate channels (adding and subtracting respectively).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Wolfson Microelectronics plc
    Inventor: Anthony J. Magrath
  • Publication number: 20080298611
    Abstract: A sound processor includes N (N is an integer of five or more) speakers, a sound source configured to output N sound signals an additional sound source configured to output an additional sound signal and a coefficient data input section configured to input N pieces of position information indicating respectively positions of the N speakers and N coefficients indicating respectively volumes of sounds outputted from the N speakers based on the additional sound signal a coefficient data analysis section configured to generate M (M is an integer equal to or greater than two and smaller than N) adjustment coefficients based on said N pieces of position information and the N coefficients wherein the M adjustment coefficients indicate volumes of sounds outputted from M speakers of the N speakers based on the additional sound signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeharu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7460673
    Abstract: The system of the present invention includes, briefly, a point source speaker system, comprising a processor which produces a left minus right (L?R) audio signal, a right plus left (R+L) and a right minus left (R?L) audio signal; three speakers each for audibly transmitting one of the L?R, R+L and R?L audio signals; and a point source speaker enclosure for housing the three speakers in a single enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Kentech Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Allen Miller
  • Patent number: 7460676
    Abstract: This invention may provide a headphone driving circuit needless of coupling condenser even if the power supply supplies a single output voltage. The headphone driving circuit comprises (1) a first amplifier to amplify a first composite signal generated by subtracting a second channel audio signal from a first channel audio signal, then driving one end of a first voice coil of a stereo-headphone, (2) a second amplifier to amplify a second composite signal generated by subtracting the first channel audio signal from the second channel audio signal, then driving one end of a second voice coil of the stereo-headphone, (3) a third amplifier to amplify a third composite signal generated by adding the first channel audio signal and the second channel audio signal for driving the other end of the first and the second voice coil of the stereo-headphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20080292106
    Abstract: The sound reproduction system provided for in-vehicle use includes: a music signal source; a first group of a first transducer, a second transducer, a third transducer and a fourth transducer connected to the music signal source; a signal processor to shift the phase of first sound signals output from the music signal source; and a second group of a first transducer, a second transducer, a third transducer and a fourth transducer connected to the signal processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Toshiya Nakagaki
  • Publication number: 20080285760
    Abstract: An audio system performing a class-D amplification includes a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generation unit and a second PWM signal generation unit. The first PWM signal generation unit generates a first switching signal based on a first audio signal. The second PWM signal generation unit generates a second switching signal based on a second audio signal. The second switching signal has a frequency difference with respect to the first switching signal such that a harmonic frequency component generated by interference between the first switching signal and the second switching signal is removed. Accordingly, the audio system performing the class-D amplification may improve a signal to noise ratio by minimizing influence of the harmonic frequency components on the first and second switching signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jong-Hang Lee
  • Publication number: 20080279388
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a media signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which the media signal can be converted to a surround signal a surround signal by using spatial information of the media signal. The present invention provides a method of processing a signal, the method comprising of generating source mapping information corresponding to each source of multi-sources by using spatial information indicating features between the multi-sources; generating at least one rendering information by using the source mapping information and filter information having a surround effect; and performing interpolation by using neighbor rendering information of the at least one rendering information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyen-O Oh, Hee Suk Pang, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim, Yang-Won Jung
  • Publication number: 20080267413
    Abstract: A perceptually motivated spatial decomposition for two-channel stereo audio signals, capturing the information about the virtual sound stage, is proposed. The spatial decomposition allows to re-synthesize audio signals for playback over other sound systems than two-channel stereo. With the use of more front loudspeakers, the width of the virtual sound stage can be increased beyond +/?30° and the sweet spot region is extended. Optionally, lateral independent sound components can be played back separately over loudspeakers on the two sides of a listener to increase listener envelopment. It is also explained how the spatial decomposition can be used with surround sound and wavefield synthesis based audio system. According to the main embodiment of the invention applying to multiple audio signals, it is proposed to generate multiple output audio signals (y1 . . . yM) from multiple input audio signals (x1, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Christof Faller
  • Patent number: 7443987
    Abstract: A sound processing system increases the robustness of surround sound in various playback situations. The system may process an incoming signal, such as a five channel surround sound signal, with a first and a second matrix. The first and second matrices produce outputs signals from the input incoming signals. At least one of the output signals may be combined before being sent to the speakers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Harman International Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: David H. Griesinger
  • Patent number: 7440575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, signal processing device and computer program for stereo widening (SW) of stereo format signals to become suitable for headphone listening. The invention also relates to a mobile appliance performing signal processing according to the invention. According to the invention a separate monophonic signal path (ME) is formed in order to equalize the frequency spectrum of the monophonic component of the left and right output signals (Lout,Rout) by at least extracting from the left and right input signals (Lin,Rin) an at least substantially monophonic signal component contained in said signals (Lin,Rin), processing the extracted monophonic signal component to obtain a processed monophonic signal component, and combining said processed monophonic signal component with at least one of the left (Lout) or the right (Rout) output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Ole Kirkeby
  • Publication number: 20080247555
    Abstract: Separating a source in a stereo signal having a left channel and a right channel includes transforming the signal into a short-time transform domain; classifying portions of the signals having similar panning coefficients; segregating a selected one of the classified portions of the signals corresponding to the source; and reconstructing the source from the selected portions of the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Carlos M. Avendano, Jean-Marc M. Jot
  • Publication number: 20080247552
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for actively correcting acoustic properties of a listening zone (27) of an acoustic space (1), comprising means for converting a signal to be reproduced (2, 4) in an acoustic space (1), means for attenuating resonance including at least means for measuring the perturbed sound signal (15), means for processing an electric signal (6) and at least one secondary sound reproduction source (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Philippe Herzog
  • Publication number: 20080232616
    Abstract: An input multi-channel representation is converted into a different output multi-channel representation of a spatial audio signal, in that an intermediate representation of the spatial audio signal is derived, the intermediate representation having direction parameters indicating a direction of origin of a portion of the spatial audio signal; and in that the output multi-channel representation of the spatial audio signal is generated using the intermediate representation of the spatial audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Ville Pulkki, Juergen Herre
  • Publication number: 20080232601
    Abstract: An audio signal having at least one audio channel and associated direction parameters indicating a direction of origin of a portion of the audio channel with respect to a recording position is reconstructed to derive a reconstructed audio signal. A desired direction of origin with respect to the recording position is selected. The portion of the audio channel is modified for deriving a reconstructed portion of the reconstructed audio signal, wherein the modifying comprises increasing an intensity of the portion of the audio channel having direction parameters indicating a direction of origin close to the desired direction of origin with respect to another portion of the audio channel having direction parameters indicating a direction of origin further away from the desired direction of origin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Ville PULKKI
  • Patent number: 7428308
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for transmitting and reproducing stereophonic audio signals are disclosed. The method comprises splitting first and second channels into two frequency bands, combining the lower frequency band signals of the two channels, and transmitting the combined signals of the two channels or signals representative thereof. The apparatus comprises: a splitter for splitting each of the two channels into two frequency bands, a combiner, for combining the lower frequency band signals of the two channels, and a transmitter for transmitting the combined signals, or signals representative thereof, and the higher frequency band signals of the two channels, or signals representative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Zarlink Semiconductor Limited
    Inventors: Marcus Richard Jones, Terence Christopher Aliwell
  • Publication number: 20080212784
    Abstract: A sound decoding device (1) is arranged for decoding sound represented by sets of parameters, each set comprising sinusoidal parameters (SP) representing sinusoidal components of the sound and further parameters (NP, TP) representing further components of the sound, such as noise and/or transients. The device comprises a separate sinusoids generator unit (17, 18) for each output channel (L, R), while the further component generator units (20; 21) are shared between the channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Marek Szczerba, Andreas Johannes Gerrits, Marc Klein Middelink, Dieter Ernest Michel Therssen
  • Patent number: 7412380
    Abstract: Modifying an audio signal comprising a plurality of channel signals is disclosed. At least selected ones of the channel signals are transformed into a time-frequency domain. The at least selected ones of the channel signals are compared in the time-frequency domain to identify corresponding portions of the channel signals that are not correlated or are only weakly correlated across channels. The identified corresponding portions of said channel signals are modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Carlos Avendano, Michael Goodwin, Ramkumar Sridharan, Martin Wolters, Jean-Marc Jot
  • Patent number: 7412220
    Abstract: Signal processing apparatus produces an audio signal suitable for conveying a psychoacoustic perception of a low frequency audio signal to a listener, the apparatus generates harmonics of the low frequency signal by shaping the waveform of the low frequency signal with respect to time and/or level. This may be achieved using a peak-hold generator and a rectifier, or using a peak-hold-decay generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Patrick Beyer
  • Publication number: 20080175394
    Abstract: An audio signal is processed to determine primary and ambient components by transforming the signal into frequency-domain vectors, and decomposing the left and right channel vectors into ambient and primary components by orthogonal projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Michael M. Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20080165987
    Abstract: A constant balance volume control according to the present disclosure may provide a user with the ability to listen to program material originally mixed at a known “reference” level at any other suitable level without experiencing a substantial shift in tonal balance. A constant balance volume control may include two 2nd order biquad filters that are controlled in a continuous manner by the volume control of a system. The filters could be implemented in analog or digital form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Casey Divine
  • Publication number: 20080159544
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to reproduce stereo sound, which generates optimal stereo sound designed for individual auditory properties. The method includes generating a one or more virtual surround filters corresponding to each of a plurality of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) classified according to one or more individual auditory properties, generating stereo sound for the one or more virtual surround filters, and selecting at least one from the one or more virtual surround filters, and reproducing the stereo sound based on a filter value of the selected at least one virtual surround filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sun-min KIM
  • Patent number: 7391877
    Abstract: Optimal head related transfer function spatial configurations designed to maximize speech intelligibility in multi-talker speech displays by spatially separating competing speech channels combined with a method of normalizing the relative levels of the different talkers in a multi-talker speech display that improves overall performance even in conventional multi-talker spatial configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Douglas S. Brungart
  • Patent number: 7388959
    Abstract: A Harmonic Generator for audio applications and a Pre-Amplifier circuit are combined to form a Harmonic Generator and Pre-Amplifier circuit. The Harmonic Generator is formed from a Buffer Circuit responsive to an input program signal for buffering the input program signal and for providing a buffered input program signal. A Modulator Circuit is coupled to receive the buffered input program signal and generates harmonics in response to changes in amplitude of the program input signal to provide a modulated input program signal. A Summing Circuit adds the buffered input program signal and the modulated input program signal to provide a composite modulated input program signal. The Pre-Amplifier is coupled to receive the composite modulated input programing signal and process the signal in three audio frequency bands to provide a compensated output signal that includes harmonics generated by the modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: BBE Sound, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Gagon
  • Publication number: 20080130922
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a sound field reproduction system that can enhance the sound separation between the front and rear seats or left and right seats of a vehicle. The sound field reproduction system includes a control unit for creating a first sound signal and a second sound signal from one or a plurality of sources, a narrow-directional speaker mounted on the front seat side of the vehicle, a speaker mounted on the rear seat side of the vehicle, and a signal processing unit for driving the narrow-directional speaker based on the first sound signal that has been processed according to frequency range, and for driving the speaker based on the second sound signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Kiyosei Shibata, Masanobu Maeda
  • Publication number: 20080130924
    Abstract: Systems provide an audio/visual output to each of a plurality of listeners in a manner that permits individualized audio adjustment, wherein audio comprises a first signal that is substantially voice and a second signal that is substantially other than voice. The systems may include a video device, a storage medium, and a transmitter that transmits the first and second signals to a plurality of personal listening devices. Each of the plurality of personal listening devices may include first and second receivers, first and second adjustment devices, an audio signal combining device, and one or more transducers, wherein the systems permit each of the plurality of listeners to adjust the first and second signals independently of other ones of the plurality of listeners in an audience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Vaudrey, William R. Saunders
  • Patent number: 7382885
    Abstract: A multi-channel audio reproduction apparatus and method for loudspeaker reproduction using virtual sound images whose positions can be adjusted is provided. The multi-channel audio reproduction apparatus includes a virtual sound image forming unit for compensating for the occurrence of cross-talk in at least one input audio signal according to the arrangement of loudspeakers, obtaining transfer functions occurring when sound from a position in a three dimensional space is transmitted to both ears of a listener, and forming a plurality of first virtual sound images in a three dimensional space using the transfer functions. A controller generates adjusting factors for adjusting the position of at least one second virtual sound image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-wook Kim, Doh-hyung Kim, Yang-seock Seo
  • Publication number: 20080123864
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a wave field synthesis renderer with audio objects includes a provider for providing a scene description, wherein the scene description defines a temporal sequence of audio objects in an audio scene and further includes information on the source position of a virtual source as well as on a start or an end of the virtual source. Furthermore, the audio object includes at least a reference to an audio file associated with the virtual source. The audio objects are processed by a processor, in order to generate a single output data stream for each renderer module, wherein both information on the position of the virtual source and the audio file itself are included in mutual association in this output data stream. With this, high portability on the one hand and high quality due to secure data consistency on the other hand are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Katrin REICHELT, Gabriel GATZSCHE, Sandra BRIX
  • Publication number: 20080107276
    Abstract: A signal processing system is provided, which includes a first converter for converting first information in to second information, a superimposer for superimposing on the second information control information corresponding to any missing information lost from the first information due to its conversion by the first converter. Furthermore, the signal processing system includes a transmitter for transmitting the second information, a receiver for receiving the second information transmitted from the transmitter, and an extractor for extracting the control information from the second information. The signal processing system also includes a second converter for converting the second information in to third information based on the control information extracted by the extractor, and an output portion for outputting the third information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Gen ICHIMURA