Abstract: A method comprises the steps of: receiving a first audio signal (S1); generating a digital representation (S1?) of the first audio signal (S1) by applying a head-related transfer function (HRTF) in a first sound reproduction position (r1); and changing the first sound reproduction position (r1) to a second sound reproduction position (r3) in response to receiving a second audio signal S2) or a precursor signal for a second audio signal (S2).

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for providing virtualized audio files. Specific embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for providing virtualized audio files to a user via in-ear speakers or headphones. A specified embodiment can provide Surround Sound virtualization with DTS Surround Sensations software. Embodiments can utilize the 2-channel audio transmitted to the headphones. In order to accommodate for the user moving the headphones in one or more directions, and/or rotating the headphones, while still allowing the user to perceive the origin of the audio remains is a fixed location, heading data regarding the position of the headphones, the angular direction of the headphones, the movement of the headphones, and/or the rotation of the headphones can be returned from the headphones to a PC or other processing device.

Abstract: Provided are sound field reproducing apparatus and method. The sound field reproducing apparatus includes an input unit for receiving reflection reproducing information, a signal processor for selecting loudspeakers and calculating reflection signal for applying a panning algorithm based on the reflection reproducing information, a signal treatment unit for localizing the calculated reflection signal on a virtual sound image according to the panning algorithm; and a reproducer for reproducing the localized reflection signals through the selected loudspeakers.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling sounds in a three dimensional listening environment. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling the apparent localization of sounds in a 3-dimensional listening environment. The method can include receiving one or more audio channels, receiving decode data associated with the one or more audio channels, routing the one or more audio channels to a plurality of processing channels, selectively processing audio associated with the plurality of processing channels based at least in part on the received decode data, and outputting processed audio to a plurality of speakers.

Abstract: A sound processing system for a vehicle includes a sound processor that is configured to mix at least one real audio input signal to form at least one virtual output signal. At least one audio signal that is available to drive at least one loudspeaker may be formed using the combination of the virtual output signal and the real audio input signal. The virtual output signal may be post processed to form a predetermined frequency range of the audio signal prior to being combined with the real audio input signal. The audio signal may be created by mixing the real audio input signal with the post processed virtual output signal. Alternatively, the audio signal may be formed by mixing the real audio input signal to form a real audio output signal, and then summing the real audio output signal with the post processed virtual output signal. Mixing may be performed with a crossbar mixer included in the sound processor.

Abstract: A sound processing apparatus includes: sound image localization processing means for performing a sound image localization process on a sound signal to be reproduced; a speaker section placeable over an ear of a user and supplied with the sound signal to emit sound in accordance with the sound signal; turning detection means provided in the speaker section to detect turning of the head of the user; inclination detection means provided in the speaker section to detect inclination of the turning detection means; turning correction means for correcting detection results from the turning detection means on the basis of detection results of the inclination detection means; and adjustment means for controlling the sound image localization processing means so as to adjust the localized position of a sound image on the basis of the detection results from the turning detection means corrected by the turning correction means.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing head related transfer function (HRTF) storage requirements for 3-D sound processing of an input sound having a specified source angle increment is provided. Interaural time difference (ITD) values are selected based directly on the source angle increment; and HRTFs for processing the input sound are stored in angle increments larger than the source angle increment.

Abstract: An apparatus for calculating filter coefficients for a predefined loudspeaker arrangement has a multi-channel renderer. The multi-channel renderer calculates a filter coefficient for each loudspeaker of a virtual loudspeaker arrangement, being different from the predefined loudspeaker arrangement, based on a property (e.g. position or type) of a virtual source of an audio object to be reproduced by the predefined loudspeaker arrangement. Further, the multi-channel renderer determines an adapted filter coefficient for a loudspeaker of the predefined loudspeaker arrangement based on one or more calculated filter coefficients of one or more loudspeakers of the different virtual loudspeaker arrangement.

Abstract: Provided is a voice communication device for carrying out voice communication among a plurality of locations, including: a sound source direction identification block for identifying a direction of a sound source; a voice sender block for sending the collected voice to a different location; a voice receiver block for receiving a voice from a different location; a player block for playing the received voice; a playing information setting block for setting playing information for the voice being played; a speaker volume storage block for acquiring the direction of the sound source for which the playing information is set from the sound source direction identification block and storing the direction of the sound source in association with the playing information; and a voice manipulating block for acquiring the playing information corresponding to the direction of the sound source of the voice and manipulating the voice based on the playing information.

Abstract: A stereo sound generation apparatus and method of reproducing multi-channel sound input signals through two-channel speakers.

Abstract: A spatial audio system for implementing a head-related transfer function (HRTF). A first stage implements a lateral HRTF that reproduces the median frequency response for a sound source located at a particular lateral distance from a listener, and second stage implements a vertical HRTF that reproduces the spectral changes when the vertical distance of a sound source changes relative to the listener. The system improves the vertical localization accuracy provided by an arbitrary measured HRTF by introducing an enhancement factor into the second processing stage. The enhancement factor increases the spectral differentiation between simulated sound sources located at different positions within the same “cone of confusion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing synthetic audio placement are described herein. In different aspects, the methods and systems may include a connection port to receive a plurality of remote audio signals included in a conference call, at least one of the plurality of remote audio connections being a single channel audio signal, a processor configured with the connection port to provide a sound field for placing the plurality of audio signals, the sound field providing synthetic audio placement of each of the plurality of remote audio signals, and a rendering output configured with the processor to project the plurality of remote audio within the sound field to a listener.

Abstract: In a system capable of outputting an audio signal as beams from an array speaker and performing multi-channel reproduction, a plurality of beam setting patterns (reproduction modes) are stored in the memory of a controller. The beam setting patterns include a single basic pattern and a plurality of deformed patterns that use the beam control data of the basic pattern. When the user specifies a reproduction mode via an interface, the beam setting pattern corresponding to the mode is read and set to the signal processor of each channel.

Abstract: A system and method for rendering a virtual sound source using a plurality of speakers in an arbitrary arrangement includes expanding a wave field of the virtual sound source and a composite wave field generated by the plurality of speakers into multi-pole expansions, and equating the multi-pole expansions to each other to form a continuous equation. A set of constraints is applied to the continuous equation that minimize an error in a sweet spot region resulting in a linear system of equations. The linear system of equations is solved using singular-value decomposition to arrive at a pseudo-inverse representing a multi-dimensional transfer function between the virtual sound source and the plurality of speakers. The multi-dimensional transfer function is then applied to a signal of the virtual sound source to render the virtual sound source in the sweet spot region using the plurality of speakers in the arbitrary arrangement.

Abstract: A frequency-domain method for format conversion or reproduction of 2-channel or multi-channel audio signals such as recordings is described. The reproduction is based on spatial analysis of directional cues in the input audio signal and conversion of these cues into audio output signal cues for two or more channels in the frequency domain.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a number of loudspeaker signals for a loudspeaker array defining a reproduction space includes a prestage configured to generate a plurality of output audio signals while using one or more audio signals associated with one or more virtual positions, each output audio signal being associated to a loudspeaker position such that the plurality of output audio signals together replicate a reproduction of the input audio signal(s) at the virtual position(s), and a number of output audio signals being smaller than a number of loudspeaker signals. The apparatus further includes a main stage configured to obtain the plurality of output audio signals and further to obtain, as a virtual position for each output audio signal, the loudspeaker positions, and to generate the number of loudspeaker signals for the loudspeaker array such that the loudspeaker positions are replicated as a virtual sources by the loudspeaker array.

Abstract: A method of processing a signal is disclosed. The present invention includes receiving a downmix signal generated from plural channel signal and spatial information indicating attribute of the plural channel signal to upmix the downmix signal; obtaining inter-channel phase difference (IPD) coding flag indicating whether IPD value is used to the spatial information from header of the spatial information; obtaining IPD mode flag based on the IPD coding flag from the frame of the spatial information, the IPD mode flag indicating whether the IPD value is used to a frame of the spatial information; obtaining the IPD value of parameter band of parameter time slot in the frame, based on the IPD mode flag; smoothing the IPD value by modifying the IPD value by using IPD value of previous parameter time slot; and generating plural channel signal by applying the smoothed IPD value to the downmix signal.

Abstract: A method of processing a signal is disclosed. The present invention includes receiving (a) downmix signal being generated from plural-channel signal and (b) spatial information indicating attribute of the plural-channel signal in order to upmix the downmix signal and including phase shift flag indicating whether phase of a frame of at least one channel of the plural-channel signal is shifted; obtaining inter-channel phase difference (IPD) coding flag indicating whether IPD value is used to the spatial information from a header of the spatial information; obtaining IPD mode flag indicating whether the IPD value is used to frame of the spatial information from the frame based on the IPD coding flag; obtaining the IPD value of parameter band in the frame, based on the IPD mode flag; upmixing plural-channel signal by applying the IPD value to the downmix signal; and shifting the phase of the frame of the at least one channel of the plural-channel signal based on the phase shift flag.

Abstract: A frequency domain method for phase-amplitude matrixed surround decoding of 2-channel stereo recordings and soundtracks, based on spatial analysis of 2-D or 3-D directional cues in the recording and re-synthesis of these cues for reproduction on any headphone or loudspeaker playback system.

Abstract: A method of processing a 2-channel stereo sound signal into a spatial stereo sound includes generating stereo signals of first and second channels from a first input channel signal and a second input channel signal by applying a time difference of times taken for each channel signal to arrive at two ears, and a sound pressure difference formed between the two ears and varying with respect to a frequency band or constant, to each of the first and second input channel signals, generating a center channel of the first and second channel by adding the first and second input channel signals, generating a surround signal of the first channel by subtracting one of the first and second input channel signals, from the other one of the first and second input channel signals, and generating a surround signal of the second channel by making the surround signal of the first channel out of phase, generating a plurality of reflected sounds from the generated surround signals, and applying the time difference and the sound p

Abstract: A method for operating a hearing aid in a hearing aid system where the hearing aid is continuously learnable for the particular user. A sound environment classification system is provided for tracking and defining sound environment classes relevant to the user. In an ongoing learning process, the classes are redefined based on new environments to which the hearing aid is subjected by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reproducing a virtual sound of two channels which adaptively reproduces a 2-channel stereo sound signal reproduced through a recording medium such as DVD, CD, or MP3 player etc., based on a listener's position. The method includes sensing a listener's position and recognizing distance and angle information about the listener's position, determining output gain values and delay values of two speakers based on the distance and angle information about the sensed listener's position and selecting localization filter coefficients in a predetermined table, and updating filter coefficients of a localization filter based on the selected localization filter coefficients and adjusting output levels and time delays of the two speakers from the determined gain values and delay values.

Abstract: A sound field measuring apparatus includes a microphone set having a first and second microphones arranged at a prescribed interval, which collects audio signals outputted from a first and second speakers, a measuring unit measuring distances between the first and second speakers, and the first and second microphones based on audio signals collected by the first and second microphones, and a position calculating unit calculating a position of the first and second microphones and a position of the second speaker when the first speaker is taken as a reference position based on the respective measured distances.

Abstract: A method of modeling a room impulse response according to an embodiment of the invention includes receiving a sound pressure signal that is obtained by a microphone when an impulse-type sound source is excited and detecting a room impulse response; determining boundaries between a plurality of intervals of the room impulse response such that the room impulse response is divided into the plurality of intervals on a time domain; and modeling the room impulse response for each of the plurality of divided intervals using at least two different modeling schemes.

Abstract: A person is provided with the ability to auditorily determine the spatial geometry of his current physical environment. A spatial map of the current physical environment of the person is generated. The spatial map is then used to generate a spatialized audio representation of the environment. The spatialized audio representation is then output to a stereo listening device which is being worn by the person.

Abstract: An output control system includes a plurality of output control apparatuses, the output control apparatuses controlling audio signals supplied to respective two-dimensionally arranged loudspeakers, including at least two loudspeakers in a vertical direction, and at least two loudspeakers in a horizontal direction, the audio signals respectively corresponding to images displayed on an array of a plurality of displays forming a multi-display apparatus. Each of the output control apparatuses includes a communication unit for exchanging information relating to one of a state and a process result of own apparatus with another output control apparatus, and a signal processing unit for processing an audio signal to be output to the corresponding loudspeaker based on the information relating to the other output control apparatus received via the communication unit.

Abstract: A binaural decoder for an MPEG surround stream, which decodes an MPEG surround stream into a stereo 3D signal, and a decoding method thereof. The method includes dividing a compressed audio stream and head related transfer function (HRTF) data into subbands, selecting predetermined subbands of the HRTF data divided into subbands and filtering the HRTF data to obtain the selected subbands, decoding the audio stream divided into subbands into a stream of multi-channel audio data with respect to subbands according to spatial additional information, and binaural-synthesizing the HRTF data of the selected subbands with the multi-channel audio data of corresponding subbands.

Abstract: A method, implemented by electronic data processing resources, for audio conference between conference participants via their respective terminals, the participants including at least one listener and at least one speaker, the method comprising, for at least said listener and for at least said speaker, the steps consisting in, estimating, as a function of a digital signal coming from a terminal of the speaker, at least one characteristic specific to said speaker, and determining, using said at least one estimated characteristic, a setpoint for positioning the speaker within a virtual space of the listener.

Abstract: A delay time calculation apparatus that enables all of speaker units constituting a speaker array to contribute to the formation of a combined wavefront directed to an area specified by a user. The delay time calculation apparatus includes a delay time calculation unit that calculates delay times of delayed audio signals supplied to the speaker units such that a ratio at which an evaluation object area is occupied by an area to which an acoustic wave output from each speaker unit reaches earlier than acoustic waves output from the other speaker units falls within a predetermined range. The evaluation object area is a target area to which a combined wavefront of acoustic waves output from the speaker units is directed, or is a perspective projection image of the target area onto a predetermined evaluation plane.

Abstract: A media playback media playback apparatus having user-selectable shapes is disclosed. In accordance with the media playback apparatus having user-selectable shapes in accordance with the present invention, speakers are attached to a media playback unit via rotatable connecting means such that a user may select a shape of the media playback apparatus according to his or her preference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for reproducing sound from a first input audio signal (1) using a plurality of first loudspeakers (4) and producing a target binaural impression to a listener (6) within a listening area (55).

Abstract: An acoustic processing device, includes an inputting section which receives a first audio signal and a second audio signal, a first input signal amplifying section which amplifies the first audio signal at an amplification factor, a second input signal amplifying section which amplifies the second audio signal at an amplification factor, a first initial delayed amplifying section, a first adding section which adds the first audio signal amplified by the first amplifying portion and the first audio signal amplified by the first input signal amplifying section, a second adding section which adds the first audio signal amplified by the second amplifying portion and the second audio signal amplified by the second input signal amplifying section, a first supplying section which supplies an audio signal output from the first adding section to a first sound emitting section, and a second supplying section which supplies an audio signal output from the second adding section to a second sound emitting section differen

Abstract: A headphone apparatus includes sound reproduction units which respectively reproduce sound signals and are arranged so as to be separated from ear auricles of a headphone user, wherein each of the sound reproduction unit is configured by a speaker array including a plurality of speakers.

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.

Abstract: A multi-channel audio decoder reconstructs multi-channel audio of more than two physical channels from a reduced set of coded channels based on correlation parameters that specify a full power cross-correlation matrix of the physical channels, or merely preserve a partial correlation matrix (such as power of the physical channels, and some subset of cross-correlations between the physical channels, or cross-correlations of the physical channels with coded or virtual channels).

Abstract: The method and apparatus described herein generates realistic audio for a virtual reality simulation based on the position (location and orientation) of a participant's head. The audio may be generated based on independent and dependent audio profiles. The independent audio profile represents the participant-independent propagation of sound from a virtual source to each of one or more virtual objects in the simulation. The dependent audio profile represents the propagation of the sound from each of the one or more virtual objects to the head or ears of the participant based on a position of the participant's head or ears. An audio processor generates the desired audio signal at the head of the participant by combining the dependent and independent audio profiles to determine a total audio profile for the virtual source, and filtering an audio wave corresponding to the virtual source based on the total audio profile.

Abstract: A method of generating parameters representing Head-Related Transfer Functions, the method comprising the steps of a) sampling with a sample length (n) a first time-domain HRTF impulse response signal using a sampling rate (fs) yielding a first time-discrete signal, b) transforming the first time-discrete signal to the frequency domain yielding a first frequency-domain signal, c) splitting the first frequency-domain signal into sub-bands, and d) generating a first parameter of the sub-bands based on a statistical measure of values of the sub-bands.

Abstract: A system for adjusting audiovisual content having a server including a receiver for receiving a first content from a media source, a first circuitry configured to generate a second content based on the first content, the second content having multiple audio channels, a first transceiver for sending the second content to one or more clients, each client including a second transceiver for receiving the second content, and a second circuitry configured to generate a third content based on the second content and provide the third content to an audio device, wherein the second circuitry is configured to provide a graphical user interface to a user, the graphical user interface having a plurality of icons representing the user and the multiple audio channels, wherein movement of any of the plurality of icons will alter the second content.

Abstract: A source width estimation system may estimate an auditory source width of a sound. The system detects a first frequency modulated noise signal and a second frequency modulated noise signal. The detected noise signals may be processed to obtain an average value of a lateral width of a binaural activity over time and a plurality of sub-bands. The auditory source width of the noise signals may be determined from the average value of the lateral width of the binaural activity.

Abstract: A method for stereo expansion includes a step to remove the effects of actual relative speaker to listener positioning and head shadow and a step to introduce an artificial effect based on a desired virtual relative speaker to listener positioning using the inter-aural delay and the head-shadow models for the virtual speakers at desired angles relative to the listener thereby creating the impression of a widened and centered sound stage and an immersive listening experience. Known methods drown out vocals and add mid-range coloration thereby defeating equalization. The present method includes the integration of a novel binaural listening model and speaker-room equalization techniques to provide widening while not defeating equalization.

Abstract: A speaker array apparatus includes a speaker array that emits sounds of a plurality of channels, a beam formation calculating section that performs a calculation for controlling phases of the sounds so that the speaker array emits sound beams in directions set for the respective channels, a sound source localization applying section that performs a calculation for controlling the phases of the sounds emitted from the speaker array so as to form a plurality of virtual point sound sources, and performs a calculation of auditory sensation characteristics at a listening position on a basis of a head-related transfer function, a selecting section that selects one of the beam formation calculating section and the sound source localization applying section, and a phase controlling section that controls the phases of the sounds emitted from the speaker array on a basis of a calculation result of the beam formation calculation section which is selected by the selecting section or applies the auditory sensation charact

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.

Abstract: Headsets (20, 50, 60, 71) provide surround sound and full 3 dimensional effects to a user to simulate the effects of direction and sound source. Advantages include: surround sound effect without the limitations of Head-Related Transfer Functions, and pinna effect customized to each user's ears; horn shape tube outlets (32) to create an efficient transmission of sound; ability to space the headset speakers (22, 24) away from the user's ear and to maintain sound quality by addition of a chamber (28) behind the speakers (22, 24), with the aid of tube sound guides (23, 25) and the horn shaped outlets; and, no need for electronic hardware to process the electrical signals to create desired effects as placement of the speakers creates the correct timing, and damping material (34) in the tubes between speakers creates a desired intensity drop. Head tracking capability is also provided.

Abstract: An audio signal processing apparatus includes: a division section that divides at least two or more channel audio signals into components in a plurality of frequency bands; a phase difference calculation section that calculates a phase difference between the two or more channel audio signals at each the frequency band; a level ratio calculation section that calculates a level ratio between the two or more channel audio signals at each the frequency band; a sound image localization estimation section that estimates, based on the level ratio or the phase difference, sound image localization at each the frequency band; and a control section that controls the estimated sound image localization at each the frequency band by adjusting the level ratio or the phase difference.

Abstract: A stereophonic apparatus uses three speakers respectively installed toward a front of a vehicle on both shoulders of a seat back of a driver's seat and toward a back of the vehicle on an exact center in front of a driver. This configuration provides more effectively exerted positioning effects for a virtual sound source realized by using the three speakers, especially for the effects in a frontward field of sound.

Abstract: A method of controlling a sound field reproduction unit (2) having numerous reproduction elements (3n), uses a plurality of sound information input signals (SI) which are each associated with a general pre-determined reproduction direction which is defined in relation to a given point (5). The method includes: determining parameters which are representative of the position of the elements (3n) in the three spatial dimensions; determining matching filters (A) from the spatial characteristics and the general pre-determined reproduction directions; determining control signals by applying the aforementioned filters to the sound information input signals (SI); and delivering control signals for application to the above-mentioned reproduction elements (3n).

Abstract: In an audio transmission system, a control section of a communication conference device emits measurement sound waves from a loudspeaker array to a terminal unit and measures the time until a response is received, thereby detecting the position of the terminal unit. The control section sets directivity characteristics so that microphone sensitivity of the microphone array is brought to point to the position of the terminal unit, and sends the collected audio to another communication conference device. In a communication conference device on the reception side, the directivity characteristic of the loudspeaker array is set so that the received audio appears as if it was emitted from the position of the terminal unit on the transmission side.

Abstract: There are provided: a means (101a) for storing standard head related transfer functions for reference positions from a virtual listener; a means (101) for, when given information (DIR, DIST) about a virtual sound source position, forming head related transfer functions (hL(k), hR(k)) as left ear and right ear head related transfer functions by selecting one of the stored standard head related transfer functions or by selecting two or more of them and interpolating; means (102, 103) for imprinting a sense of direction and distance on the audio listening signal by using the head related transfer functions thus obtained; and means (104, 105) for correcting a distance related to the obtained head related transfer functions and the sense of distance to the virtual sound source position, in the audio listening signals (sL(n), sR(n)) given the sense of direction and distance or the source audio listening signal (s(n)). A highly precise sense of distance can be provided in a small structure.

Abstract: A sound reproducing system includes a first speaker that is supplied with audio signals of a first channel and that is placed so that a reproduced sound image generated by the audio signals of the first channel is localized in a position in a front direction of a listener; a pair of second speakers that are supplied with audio signals on which a virtual sound source process is performed; a virtual sound source processing unit to perform the virtual sound source process on the audio signals of a plurality of channels; a volume detecting unit to detect the volumes of the first channel and the other channels; a volume comparing unit to compare the volume of the first channel with each of the volumes of the other channels; and a control unit to control the gains of the audio signals of the first channel and the other channels.

Abstract: In an audio device equipped with a speaker array device aligning a plurality of speaker units, a sound beam is emitted towards a specific person in a main beam direction, thus realizing the listening of the audio contents with good sound quality. Other persons listen to the audio contents at off-beam positions; hence, leaked sound due to side lobes of the sound beam is transmitted to them with respect to an intermediate band and a low band, thus realizing the listening of the sound with an adequate volume. A high band is subjected to sharp beam control, wherein with respect to an intermediate volume or higher volume, high-frequency components are convoluted with the sound beam and are emitted with non-directivity.