Apparatus and Method for Multichannel Direct-Ambient Decomposition for Audio Signal Processing

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a system and method to separate audio signals into their direct (originating straight from the source, like a singer's voice) and ambient (reflective or environmental, like echo or background noise) components. Through advanced signal processing using estimates of power spectral densities and specialized filters, the system efficiently decomposes audio from two or more input channels into distinct direct and ambient outputs. This technology makes it easier to process, manipulate, and reproduce sound—allowing for better control of audio quality, spatial effects, and mixing in applications like surround sound, music production, and broadcast.

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

• Audio post-production for film and music, enabling separate control over primary sounds and reverberation or background ambiance.
• Upmixing stereo or multichannel recordings to create immersive surround sound experiences by managing direct and ambient components independently.
• Live sound engineering and noise suppression to enhance desired signals (e.g., speaker or performer) and minimize unwanted background noise or reverberation.
• Hearing aids or audio enhancement devices to improve speech intelligibility by reducing ambient noise.
• Virtual and augmented reality, where accurate spatial audio rendering can benefit from direct and ambient decomposition.
• Restoration or remastering of archival audio by isolating and adjusting undesirable ambient noise.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables high-quality and flexible manipulation of sound sources and background ambiance, improving creative control in audio engineering.
• Works with any number of audio channels, not limited to traditional stereo or mono inputs, offering scalability and versatility.
• Maintains high sound quality while enabling strong separation of direct and ambient components.
• Facilitates immersive and spatial audio experiences for listeners, enhancing realism and envelopment.
• Allows for real-time or adaptive processing based on detected audio characteristics (e.g., transients, noise), leading to more robust results across diverse scenarios.
• Can be implemented in hardware, software, or embedded systems, providing wide applicability in professional and consumer audio products.

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Patent Abstract

An apparatus for generating one or more audio output channel signals depending on two or more audio input channel signals is provided. Each of the two or more audio input channel signals comprises direct signal portions and ambient signal portions. The apparatus comprises a filter determination unit (110) for determining a filter by estimating first power spectral density information and by estimating second power spectral density information. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a signal processor (120) for generating the one or more audio output channel signals by applying the filter on the two or more audio input channel signals. The first power spectral density information indicates power spectral density information on the two or more audio input channel signals, and the second power spectral density information indicates power spectral density information on the ambient signal portions of the two or more audio input channel signals. Or, the first power spectral density information indicates the power spectral density information on the two or more audio input channel signals, and the second power spectral density information indicates power spectral density information on the direct signal portions of the two or more audio input channel signals. Or, the first power spectral density information indicates the power spectral density information on the direct signal portions of the two or more audio input channel signals, and the second power spectral density information indicates the power spectral density information on the ambient signal portions of the two or more audio input channel signals.