Binaural And Stereophonic Patents (Class 381/1)
  • Publication number: 20140133658
    Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for virtualizing an audio file. The virtualized audio file can be presented to a user via, for example, ear-speakers or headphones, such that the user experiences a change in the user's perception of where the sound is coming from and/or 3D sound. Embodiments can utilize virtualization processing that is based on head rotated transfer functions (HRTF's) or other processing techniques that can alter where the user perceives the sounds of the music file to originate from. A specified embodiment provides Surround Sound virtualization with DTS Surround Sensations software. Embodiments can utilize the 2-channel audio transmitted to the headphones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BIT CAULDRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: JAMES MENTZ, SAMUEL CALDWELL
  • Patent number: 8712058
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Won Jung, Hee Suk Pang, Hyen O Oh, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim
  • Patent number: 8705747
    Abstract: Provided are an object-based three dimensional (3-D) audio service system using preset audio scenes and a method thereof. The system and the method are suggested for enabling a user to easily and conveniently watch and listen an object based 3-D audio service by eliminating inconvenience that requires a user to control each of object audio signals of sound sources. The system includes: audio input means for inputting an audio signal; preset audio scene generating means for extracting object audio signals from the audio signal inputted through the audio input means and generating more than one of 3-D audio scene information by arranging the extracted object audio signals in a 3-D space and editing features of each object; and encoding means for encoding and multiplexing the audio signal and the 3-D audio scene information for each object audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Yong-Ju Lee, Tae-Jin Lee, Jae-Hyoun Yoo, Kyeong-Ok Kang, Jin Woo Hong, In-Seon Jang, Jeong-Il Seo, Dae-Young Jang
  • Patent number: 8705779
    Abstract: A surround sound virtualization apparatus and method. The surround sound virtualization apparatus may include an audio decoder to perform head-related transfer function (HRTF) filtering, and a time delay unit to provide a time delay to a plurality of output signals of the audio decoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kang Eun Lee, Do-Hyung Kim, Chang Yong Son
  • Patent number: 8699963
    Abstract: An audio subsystem in a mobile communication device has a speaker. In one implementation, the audio subsystem has a higher-gain power amplifier, a lower-gain power amplifier, and a switching system configured to route signals produced by the lower-gain power amplifier to the speaker while the device is operative in a first mode and configured to route signals produced by the higher-gain power amplifier to the speaker while the device is operative in a second mode. In another implementation, the audio subsystem has a power amplifier coupled to the speaker and a power supply control controlled to provide voltage at a first voltage level to the power amplifier while the device is operative in a first mode and controlled to provide voltage at a second, higher, voltage level to the power amplifier while the device is operative in a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Li Huang, Dan Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8693706
    Abstract: A pseudo bass generating apparatus includes a first 4th-order LPF, an absolute value circuit, a clip circuit, a multiplier, a first adder for subtracting an output signal of the multiplier from an output signal of the clip circuit, a second adder for adding an output signal of the first adder and an output signal of the absolute value circuit, a second 4th-order LPF, and a third adder for adding the input signal and an output signal of the second 4th-order LPF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasutomo Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8693951
    Abstract: A wireless audio frequency playing apparatus and a wireless playing system using the same are provided. The wireless playing system includes a wireless remote controller and the wireless audio frequency playing apparatus. The wireless audio frequency playing apparatus is operated under control of the wireless remote controller. The wireless audio frequency playing apparatus includes a digital broadcasting chip, an amplifier, and a speaker. Two-way communication is processed between the digital broadcasting chip and the wireless remote controller. A content of the digital radio broadcasting program includes audio, text, images, binary data or video. The wireless audio frequency playing apparatus can play digital radio broadcasting program. The wireless audio frequency playing apparatus can independently process the digital audio broadcasting signal, and the wireless remote controller can control channel selection and a sound volume of the wireless audio frequency playing apparatus through a wireless manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: KeyStone Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Chao-Tung Yang
  • Patent number: 8687829
    Abstract: A parameter transformer generates level parameters, indicating an energy relation between a first and a second audio channel of a multi-channel audio signal associated to a multi-channel loudspeaker configuration. The level parameter are generated based on object parameters for a plurality of audio objects associated to a down-mix channel, which is generated using object audio signals associated to the audio objects. The object parameters have an energy parameter indicating an energy of the object audio signal. To derive the coherence and the level parameters, a parameter generator is used, which combines the energy parameter and object rendering parameters, which depend on a desired rendering configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V., Dolby Sweden AB, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Hilpert, Karsten Linzmeier, Juergen Herre, Ralph Sperschneider, Andreas Hoelzer, Lars Villemoes, Jonas Engdegard, Heiko Purnhagen, Kristofer Kjoerling, Dirk Jeroen Breebaart, Werner Oomen
  • Publication number: 20140072121
    Abstract: An audio system comprises a receiver which receives an input audio signal. A decomposer (103) decomposes the audio signal into at least a transient component signal and a non-transient component signal. An output circuit (105, 107, 109) then generates a first output audio signal in response to a weighted combination of the transient component signal and the non-transient component signal. In the combination the weighting of the transient component signal is different than the weighting of the non-transient component signal. A new signal with different emphasis of specific sound characteristics can be achieved. The approach may be particularly suited to generation of new spatial audio channels from an existing spatial audio channel, such as in particular the generation of an elevated channel from audio signals of a lower channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Aki Sakari Harma, Mun Hum Park, Georgina Tryfou
  • Publication number: 20140072120
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an encoder for processing a digital audio stereo signal. A digital audio encoder for coding such audio signal comprises a predictive Temporal Noise Shaping (TNS) filter, a Mid-/Side (M/S) coding unit, a control unit for determining a first prediction gain related to the unmodified L/R signal processed by the TNS filter and for determining a second prediction gain related to the M/S-coded L/R signal processed by the TNS filter, wherein the control unit is adapted to disable TNS-filtering—i.e. to bypass the TNS filter—for a current signal frame, if the first and second prediction gains differ by more than a pre-determined mismatch range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: DOLBY INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventors: Michael Schug, Harald H. Mundt
  • Patent number: 8666081
    Abstract: A method for processing a media signal, comprising: receiving, by an audio processing apparatus, an audio signal including a first channel signal and a second channel signal; estimating center sound by applying a band-pass filter to the first channel signal and the second channel signal; obtaining a first ambient sound by subtracting the center sound from the first channel signal; obtaining a second ambient sound by subtracting the center sound from the second channel signal; applying at least one of delay and reverberation filter to at least one of the first ambient sound and the second ambient sound to generate a processed ambient sound; and, generating pseudo surround signal using the center sound and the processed ambient sound is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyen-O Oh, Jong Ha Moon, Myung Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8666080
    Abstract: Wearers of hearing apparatuses and in particular of hearing device systems having two speakers are to be able to enjoy the experience of spatial multi-channel reproduction. Provision is accordingly made to generate a dual-channel audio signal for a binaural hearing apparatus comprising a multi-channel audio signal having at least three individual channels. Accordingly at least one spatial impression-influencing signal level in at least one of the individual channels is changed, and a signal of at least one of the individual channels is connected with signals of the remaining individual channels to the dual-channel audio signal. A corresponding hearing apparatus and in particular a corresponding hearing device have a transformation system that takes over this preprocessing from the multi-channel audio signal to the dual-channel audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jens Hain, Robert Kasanmascheff
  • Publication number: 20140044266
    Abstract: The present invention provides a real-time noise reduction apparatus for a radio monitoring system, including a dual channel digitizing unit configured to convert signals, subject to frequency down-conversion and inputted to two channels, into digital signals and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) configured to reduce noise from time sample regions of the signals, received from the dual channel digitizing unit, in a time domain using a correlation method between samples through the delayed feedback means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Sang Tae KIM, Yong Seok CHOI, Gwang Moon PARK, Seong Yun LEE, Haeng Sook RO, Mi Kyung SUK
  • Patent number: 8638946
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating spatialized sound, including the operations of determining a spatial point in a spherical coordinate system, and applying an impulse response filter corresponding to the spatial point to a first segment of the audio waveform to yield a spatialized waveform. The spatialized waveform emulates the audio characteristics of a non-spatialized waveform emanating from the chosen spatial point. That is, when the spatialized waveform is played from a pair of speakers, the played sound apparently emanates from the chosen spatial point instead of the speakers. A finite impulse response filter may be employed to spatialize the audio waveform. The finite impulse response filter may be derived from a head-related transfer function modeled in spherical coordinates, rather than a typical Cartesian coordinate system. The spatialized audio waveform ignores speaker cross-talk effects, and requires no specialized decoders, processors, or software logic to recreate the spatialized sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GenAudio, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Mahabub
  • Patent number: 8638945
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Won Jung, Hee Suk Pang, Hyen O Oh, Dong Soo Kim, Jae Hyun Lim
  • Publication number: 20140016782
    Abstract: The system comprises a master controller and an audio plug connected to the master controller. The audio plug includes at least four contacts electrically connected to corresponding poles of an audio frequency interface. Electrical coupling devices are disposed on circuits which respectively connect a first contact and a second contact with the master controller. The circuits between each electrical coupling devices and the correspondent contact are short circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: BBPOS LIMITED
    Inventor: Hwai Sian TSAI
  • Publication number: 20140016783
    Abstract: An approach and device for optimizing a sound system by extracting a two-channel stereo source out of a set of multiple channels with unknown frequency responses, crosstalk, time delays and sample rate by employing a digital test sequence that utilizes maximum-length-sequences (MLS) that is fed into the sound system and results in a reconstructed stereo source that may be further used as an input to a signal processor that performs improved speaker and room equalization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Ulrich Horbach, Kirk Bushen, Adam Strauss, Andy Wehmeyer
  • Patent number: 8625820
    Abstract: An amplifier circuit which, includes a first input for receiving a first input signal and a second input for receiving a second input signal. A first amplifier section is connected to the first input and the second input is present. The first amplifier section can combine the first signal and the second signal into a first combined signal, the first amplifier being connected to a first output, for outputting the first combined signal. A second amplifier section is connected to the first input and the second input, for combining the first signal and the second signal into a second combined signal, the second amplifier being connected to a second output, for outputting the second combined signal. A common mode section is connected to the first input and the second input, for generating a common mode signal based on a combination of the first signal and the second signal and outputting the common mode signal at a common output connected to the common mode amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Ludovic Oddoart, Gerhard Trauth, Jean-Luc Charlet
  • Patent number: 8625811
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding and decoding a stereo signal or a multi-channel signal. According to the method and apparatus, a stereo signal or a multi-channel signal can be encoded and/or decoded by generating parameters based on a mono signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-hyun Choo, Eun-mi Oh, Jung-hoe Kim, Boris Kudryashov, Sergey Petrov
  • Patent number: 8625808
    Abstract: Provided are an audio encoding method and apparatus and an audio decoding method and apparatus in which audio signals can be encoded or decoded so that sound images can be localized at any desired position for each object audio signal. The audio decoding method includes extracting a downmix signal and object-based side information from an audio signal; generating channel-based side information based on object-based side information and control information for rendering the downmix signal; processing the downmix signal using a decorrelated channel signal; and generating a multi-channel audio signal using the processed downmix signal and the channel-based side information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: LG Elecronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Kim, Hee Suk Pang, Jae Hyun Lim, Sung Yong Yoon, Hyun Kook Lee
  • Patent number: 8619998
    Abstract: The present invention describes techniques that can be used to provide novel methods of spatial audio rendering using adapted M-S matrix shuffler topologies. Such techniques include headphone and loudspeaker-based binaural signal simulation and rendering, stereo expansion, multichannel upmix and pseudo multichannel surround rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Martin Walsh, Jean Marc Jot, Edward Stein
  • Patent number: 8620011
    Abstract: A method, medium, and system generating a 3-dimensional (3D) stereo signal in a decoder by using a surround data stream. According to such a method, medium, and system, a head related transfer function (HRTF) is applied in a quadrature mirror filter (QMF) domain, thereby generating a 3D stereo signal by using a surround data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junghoe Kim, Eunmi Oh, Kihyun Choo, Miao Lei
  • Patent number: 8620006
    Abstract: An audio system including a rendering processor for separately rendering a dialogue channel and a center music channel. The audio system may include circuitry for extracting one or both of the dialogue channel or the center music channel from program material that does not include both a dialogue channel and a center music channel. The dialogue channel and the center music channel may be radiated with different radiation patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: William Berardi, Hilmar Lehnert, Guy Torio
  • Patent number: 8620012
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing a stereo effect when playing an audio file at a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a component extractor for extracting a mono component and stereo components from an audio signal and a gain controller for determining a signal ratio of the stereo components to the mono component and for controlling a stereo gain according to the signal ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gang-Youl Kim
  • Patent number: 8615092
    Abstract: A sound processing device includes: a plurality of sound input units; a detecting unit for detecting a frequency component of each sound input to the plurality of sound signal unit, the each sound arriving from a direction approximately perpendicular to a line determined by arrangement positions of two sound input units among the plurality of sound input units; a correction coefficient unit for obtaining a correction coefficient for correcting a level of at least one of the sound signals generated from the input sounds by the two sound input units so as to match the levels of the sound signals with each other based on the sound of the detected frequency component; a correcting unit for correcting the level of at least one of the sound signals using the obtained correction coefficient; and a processing unit for performing a sound process based on the sound signal with the corrected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Naoshi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8611546
    Abstract: A radio configured to dynamically control cancellation of undesired signals in an audio stream. The radio includes a noise cancellation processor configured to receive an audio stream from a user and to alter information in the audio stream by filtering out undesired signals in the audio stream. The radio also includes a receiving component configured to receive a data packet from a remote device, to retrieve configuration information from the data packet, and to dynamically apply the configuration information, while the radio is being used by a user, to settings associated with the noise cancellation processor. A dynamically enabled noise cancellation processor suppresses undesired signals associated with a subsequent incoming audio stream provided by the user and transmits at least one of an altered audio stream or an unaltered audio stream to the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Williams, Blake C. Moselle, Matthew E. Simms, Charles B. Swope
  • Patent number: 8605914
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a system, a method and a circuit for processing a stereo audio signal. According to some embodiments, the system for processing a stereo audio signal may include an audio processing circuit. The audio processing module or circuit may be operatively connected to an audio input interface and to an output audio interface. Through the audio input interface, the audio processing circuit may be adapted for receiving a 2-channels stereo audio signal. The audio processing module may be adapted for determining an output mono audio signal representing the center sound and a stereo audio signal representing the stereo sound without the center. Through the output interface the audio processing circuit may provide each of an output mono audio signal representing the center sound and a stereo audio signal representing the stereo sound without the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Waves Audio Ltd.
    Inventor: Itai Neoran
  • Publication number: 20130315402
    Abstract: A method for encoding multiple directional audio signals using an integrated codec by a wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device records a plurality of directional audio signals. The wireless communication device also generates a plurality of audio signal packets based on the plurality of directional audio signals. At least one of the audio signal packets includes an averaged signal. The wireless communication device further transmits the plurality of audio signal packets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Erik Visser, Lae-Hoon Kim, Pei Xiang
  • Patent number: 8594336
    Abstract: A sound image localization apparatus comprises an L direct output section that produces an output signal by inputting an audio signal of a rear left audio input channel to a filter having a characteristic obtained by dividing RLD by LD, an L cross output section that produces an output signal by inputting the audio signal of the rear left audio input channel to a filter having a characteristic obtained by dividing RLC by LC, an R cross output section that produces an output signal by inputting an audio signal of a rear right audio input channel to a filter having a characteristic obtained by dividing RRC by RC, an R direct output section that produces an output signal by inputting the audio signal of the rear right audio input channel to a filter having a characteristic obtained by dividing RRD by RD, a first adding section that adds a difference signal between the output signal of the L direct output section and the output signal of the R cross output section to an audio signal of a front left audio input ch
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Katayama
  • Patent number: 8588947
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyen-O Oh, Yang Won Jung
  • Patent number: 8588440
    Abstract: An apparatus, such as a decoder is arranged to modify the sweet-spot of a spatial M-channel audio signal by modifying spatial parameters. Specifically, a receiver (201) receives an N-channel audio signal where N<M. The M-channel signal may specifically be an MPEG Surround sound signal and the N-channel signal may be a stereo signal. A parameter unit (203) determines spatial parameters relating the N-channel audio signal to the spatial M-channel audio signal and a modifying unit (207) modifies the sweet-spot of the spatial M-channel audio signal by modifying at least one of the spatial parameters. A generating unit (205) then generates the spatial M-channel audio signal by up-mixing the N-channel audio signal using the at least one modified spatial parameter. An efficient and/or low complexity sweet-spot manipulation is achieved by an integration of sweet-spot manipulation and multi-channel generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Gerardus Henricus Koppens, Erik Gosuinus Petrus Schuijers
  • Patent number: 8577045
    Abstract: An encoding apparatus comprises a frame processor (105) which receives a multi channel audio signal comprising at least a first audio signal from a first microphone (101) and a second audio signal from a second microphone (103). An ITD processor 107 then determines an inter time difference between the first audio signal and the second audio signal and a set of delays (109, 111) generates a compensated multi channel audio signal from the multi channel audio signal by delaying at least one of the first and second audio signals in response to the inter time difference signal. A combiner (113) then generates a mono signal by combining channels of the compensated multi channel audio signal and a mono signal encoder (115) encodes the mono signal. The inter time difference may specifically be determined by an algorithm based on determining cross correlations between the first and second audio signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan A. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 8565455
    Abstract: A method and a system are described providing multiple display systems with an enhanced acoustics experience. A source audio signal having a plurality of source audio channels is generated from an audio signal source. The system includes a plurality of speakers connected to a plurality of display systems. A speaker configuration gatherer determines the spatial configuration of the speakers. An audio signal processor is provided to generate synthesized audio signal based on the contents of the source audio signal and spatial configuration of the speakers. The synthesized audio signal is mapped and delivered to the speakers to produce an enhanced sound field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Devon Worrell, Vishnu Balraj, Srikanth Kambhatla, Kar Leong Wong
  • Publication number: 20130272526
    Abstract: An apparatus for decomposing an input signal having a number of at least three input channels includes a downmixer for downmixing the input signal to obtain a downmixed signal having a smaller number of channels. Furthermore, an analyzer for analyzing the downmixed signal to derive an analysis result is provided, and the analysis result is forwarded to a signal processor for processing the input signal or a signal derived from the input signal to obtain the decomposed signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Andreas WALTHER
  • Publication number: 20130272525
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing audio metadata, the apparatus including an audio data generating unit to generate audio metadata including channel information of raw audio data, and an audio metadata transmitting unit to transmit the generated audio metadata to an apparatus for reproducing audio data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae Hyoun YOO, Jeong Il SEO, Tae Jin LEE, Kyeong Ok KANG
  • Patent number: 8559644
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sound comprising a sound source generating unit for generating an electric signal from a sound source, N (N?2) amplifiers which are connected in series so that the output part of one amplifier is connected with the input part of the other amplifier and one of them is connected with the sound source generating unit, and 2N speakers which are respectively connected with left and right output parts of each of the N amplifiers. According to one aspect of the invention there is formed a multiple stereo imaging including a first stereo imaging, a first mono imaging, a second mono imaging and a second stereo imaging generated by the first mono imaging and the second mono imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Won Sup Chung, Uk Don Choi
  • Patent number: 8559653
    Abstract: A multi-channel decoding method includes: receiving an input signal to generate a channel output signal; providing a first test signal serving as the input signal in a first calibration mode; and adjusting a DC voltage level of the channel output signal with a first calibration signal by reducing a difference between a first predetermined reference signal level and a DC voltage level of the channel output signal generated from the first test signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Chieh-Hung Chen, Tsung-Ling Li, Chia-Huang Fu
  • Patent number: 8553890
    Abstract: A sound reproduction system includes low frequency speaker units for reproducing low frequency sounds by receiving audio signals on low frequency channels among a plurality of channels, and a holder for holding the low frequency speaker units so as to be disposed in the vicinity of both ears of a listener without being mounted on baffle boards so that sounds from front and back surfaces of diaphragms of the low frequency speaker units are added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Teppei Yokota
  • Patent number: 8553891
    Abstract: A stereo audio decoder generates a set of stereo output channels in response to a parametric audio input including signal parameters and stereo related parameters. A parameter processor generates two different set of parameters based on the input signal parameters thus up-mixing the signal parameters by altering or manipulating the signal parameters corresponding to the stereo related parameters. The two different parameters are synthesized by separate signal synthesizers to form respective stereo output channels. The signal synthesizers may be sinusoidal synthesizers, and the decoder also includes transient and noise synthesizers to generate transient and noise signal portions to be applied to the stereo output channels. Further, different transient and noise signal portions to the output channels may be provided by applying different gains based on the stereo related parameter. The two different parameters may be determined from current and previous signal parameter inputs using an input delay line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Marek Zbigniew Szczerba, Erik Gosuinus Petrus Schuijers, Paulus Henricus Antonius Dillen
  • Patent number: 8553892
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for processing an audio signal with two or more channels into a monaural signal are provided. For example, an electronic device configured to perform such techniques may include audio signal processing circuitry, which may receive a first audio channel signal and a second audio channel signal. Based on these signals, the audio signal processing circuitry may output a monaural signal as a sum or a difference of the first and second audio channel signals, or as a combination thereof, depending at least in part on a phase relationship between the first and second audio channel signals. Additionally or alternatively, the audio signal processing circuitry may adjust a timing relationship between the first and second audio channel signals depending at least in part on the phase relationship, before combining a proportion of the first and second audio channel signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aram Lindahl, Joseph M. Williams, Gints Valdis Klimanis
  • Publication number: 20130259236
    Abstract: An audio apparatus and a method of converting an audio signal are provided. The method includes: receiving a first audio signal including a plurality of channels; comparing audio signals of the plurality of channels to estimate a source position of the first audio signal; localizing a source of the first audio signal toward a three-dimensional (3D) position having an elevation component based on the estimated source position; converting the first audio signal into a second audio signal including the plurality of channels and at least one channel having, based on the localized source, a different elevation from the plurality of channels; and outputting the second audio signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-bae CHON, Sun-min KIM, Jeong-su KIM
  • Patent number: 8532495
    Abstract: A method performed by a networked device for energy efficient operation of an optical transceiver of the networked device is described herein. It is determined whether a port control of the networked device is enabled to operate in an energy efficient state. Where the port control is enabled to operate in the energy efficient state and an absence of a valid receive energy from a link partner is determined, a laser transmitter of the optical transceiver is pulsed by asserting and de-asserting a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Keng Hua Chuang, Daniel Joseph Dove, Mark Gravel, Yee Hong Tan, Lawrence Lee Chee How
  • Patent number: 8520871
    Abstract: A device for processing parameters representing Head-Related Transfer Functions includes an input stage configured to receive audio signals of sound sources, a determinor configured to receive reference parameters representing Head-Related Transfer Functions and configured to determine, from the audio signals, position information representing positions and/or directions of the sound sources. A processor is configured to process the audio signals; and an influencer is configured to influence the processing of the audio signals based on the position information yielding an influenced output audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Dirk Breebaart, Michel Machiel Willem Van Loon
  • Patent number: 8520873
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for improving sound localization of the human ear. In some embodiments, the method may include creating virtual movement of a plurality of localized sources by applying a periodic function to one or more location parameters of a head related transfer function (HRTF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Jerry Mahabub, Stephan M. Bernsee, Gary Smith
  • Publication number: 20130202114
    Abstract: A first apparatus performs the following: determining, using at least two microphone signals corresponding to left and right microphone signals and using at least one further microphone signal, directional information of the left and right microphone signals; outputting a first signal corresponding to the left microphone signal; outputting a second signal corresponding to the right microphone signal; and outputting a third signal corresponding to the determined directional information. Another apparatus performs the following: performing at least one of the following: outputting first and second signals as stereo output signals; or converting the first and second signals to mid and side signals, and converting, using directional information for the first and second signals, the mid and side signals to at least one of binaural signals or multi-channel signals, and outputting the corresponding binaural signals or multi-channel signals. Additional apparatus, program products, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Mikko T. Tammi, Miikka T. Vilermo
  • Publication number: 20130201398
    Abstract: A mixer for a touchscreen device is disclosed. The mixer includes a body. A dock on the body is configured and arranged to receive a touchscreen device therein. The mixer also includes a number of audio inputs and a main audio output. An integrated data interface is configured and arranged to connect to the touchscreen device. An audio codec processor configured and arranged to receive audio through the audio inputs and selectively route mixed audio to the main audio output and through the integrated data interface to the touchscreen device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: ALESIS, L.P.
    Inventor: ALESIS, L.P.
  • Patent number: 8503682
    Abstract: A head-related transfer function (HRTF) convolution method arranged, when an audio signal is reproduced acoustically by an electro-acoustic conversion unit disposed in a nearby position of both ears of a listener, to convolute an HRTF into the audio signal, which allows the listener to listen to the audio signal such that a sound image is localized in a perceived virtual sound image localization position, the method including the steps of: measuring, when a sound source is disposed in the virtual sound image localization position, and a sound-collecting unit is disposed in the position of the electro-acoustic conversion unit, a direct-wave direction HRTF regarding the direction of a direct wave, and reflected-wave direction HRTFs regarding the directions of selected one or more reflected waves, from the sound source to the sound-collecting unit, separately beforehand; and convoluting the obtained direct-wave direction HRTF, and the reflected-wave direction HRTFs into the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Fukui, Ayataka Nishio
  • Patent number: 8494192
    Abstract: An audio reproducing system includes a pair of speaker units, a mounting unit for mounting the pair of speaker units, without being attached to a baffle board, to the vicinity of a listener's ears in a manner such that sounds emitted from the front and back of a diaphragm of each speaker unit are mixed, and an audio signal output unit for virtual sound imaging an input audio signal and outputting the virtual sound imaged signal to the pair of speaker units in a manner such that the listener listens to a sound reproduced by the pair of speaker units feeling as if the sound is emitted from a different speaker device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Teppei Yokota, Nobuyuki Kihara
  • Patent number: 8494189
    Abstract: In a virtual sound source localization apparatus, a distance between two loudspeakers and a shortest distance between a line connecting the loudspeakers and a listening position are set beforehand, and a listener operates an operating section to localize a Cch sound source at an approximately center of the loudspeakers, thereby adjusting a sound balance of the loudspeakers. In addition, a controller calculates a difference in distance from the loudspeakers to the listening position, sets a delay amount of delay correctors such that sound emitted from the loudspeakers substantially reaches the listening position simultaneously, and adjusts sound output timing of the loudspeakers. In this way, even though the listening position is changed, the listener can operate the operating section to optimize a virtual surround effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Katayama
  • Publication number: 20130182850
    Abstract: A channel selection circuit in a serial audio communication device provides channel selection for insertion or extraction of data to or from a multiplexed serial data stream without the requirement of extra channel selection inputs. The channel selection circuit has multiple counters structured such that each counter represents a channel of the serial data stream. The input of each counter receives one of the multiple synchronizing timing signals. The input of the designated counter receives one timing signal that has the greatest frequency. The remaining counters receive the word select timing signals for determining which channel is being selected. A ready output of each counter is a channel indicator in communication with multiple signal selection circuits for selecting the multiple timing signals to be transferred to a data processing device for inserting or extracting data to or from the multiplexed serial data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: DIALOG SEMICONDUCTOR B.V.
    Inventors: Marinus Wilhelmus Kruiskamp, Jakobus Johannes Verhallen