Apparatus and Method for Providing Individual Sound Zones

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This invention describes an apparatus and method for creating individual sound zones within a shared space using multiple loudspeakers and advanced signal processing. The system takes two or more distinct audio source signals and ensures that each is played back primarily in one or more user-defined zones, while minimizing or preventing their presence in other zones. By employing an intelligent audio preprocessor and filters, which adjust the loudness and other properties of audio signals based on the characteristics of other signals, the system reduces acoustic leakage between zones. The overall goal is to provide personalized, high-quality audio experiences in environments like vehicles or open-plan rooms, allowing different listeners to enjoy independent sound content without the use of headphones.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• In-car entertainment systems, allowing passengers in different seats to listen to different music or media without disturbing one another.
• Open-plan offices or shared rooms, enabling users to have individual audio experiences within their own zones.
• Living rooms or home theaters where multiple users want to enjoy different audio content simultaneously.
• Public spaces such as libraries or waiting rooms where audio privacy or personalization is needed.
• Museums or exhibitions, enabling personalized audio tours in overlapping physical areas.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables personalized audio experiences in shared spaces without requiring headphones or physical barriers.
• Minimizes audio crosstalk and acoustic leakage, enhancing the perceived separation and privacy between zones.
• Provides high-quality audio tailored to each zone, improving the user experience.
• Adaptable to a variety of environments, including vehicles, homes, offices, and public spaces.
• Flexible and software-driven, allowing for easy updates and customization of sound zoning behavior.

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Patent Abstract

An apparatus for generating a plurality of loudspeaker signals from two or more audio source signals is provided. Each of the two or more audio source signals shall be reproduced in one or more of two or more sound zones, and at least one of the two or more audio source signals shall not be reproduced in at least one of the two more sound zones. The apparatus comprises an audio preprocessor (110) configured to modify each of two or more initial audio signals to obtain two or more preprocessed audio signals. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a filter (140) configured to generate the plurality of loudspeaker signals depending on the two or more preprocessed audio signals. The audio preprocessor (110) is configured to use the two or more audio source signals as the two or more initial audio signals, or wherein the audio preprocessor (110) is configured to generate for each audio source signal of the two or more audio source signals an initial audio signal of the two more initial audio signals by modifying said audio source signal. Moreover, the audio preprocessor (110) is configured to modify each initial audio signal of the two or more initial audio signals depending on a signal power or a loudness of another initial audio signal of the two or more initial audio signals. The filter (140) is configured to generate the plurality of loudspeaker signals depending on in which of the two or more sound zones the two or more audio source signals shall be reproduced and depending on in which of the two or more sound zones the two or more audio source signals shall not be reproduced.