Segment-wise adjustment of spatial audio signal to different playback loudspeaker setup

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

This invention provides a method and apparatus for adapting spatial audio signals (such as multichannel surround sound) to different playback loudspeaker setups. It intelligently analyzes the existing audio mix, decomposes it into direct and ambiance components, determines their directions, and then modifies the mix so that, regardless of changes in speaker number or position, the original spatial perception is preserved for the listener. The technique is waveform-preserving, meaning it maintains the quality and fidelity of the audio even as the setup changes, and can handle more, fewer, or differently placed speakers than the original.

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

• Home theater systems where users may have non-standard or rearranged speaker configurations.
• Cinemas or public venues upgrading or altering speaker layouts without needing new audio mixes.
• Professional broadcast or recording studios where mixes must be adapted for various client speaker arrangements.
• Consumer electronics such as AV receivers or soundbars that auto-adapt to the number and position of speakers.
• Virtual reality or gaming environments where user-specific speaker setups are common.
• Automotive audio systems needing to optimize for various car-specific speaker layouts.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Preserves the intended spatial audio experience even when the playback speaker setup differs from the one used during audio production.
• Flexible adaptation to increased, reduced, or shifted numbers of speakers.
• Avoids audio artifacts and maintains sound fidelity (waveform-preserving process).
• Automatic adjustment removes the need for audio engineers to remix content for every possible speaker configuration.
• Enhances listener immersion and envelopment regardless of setup, widening the 'sweet spot'.
• Enables adaptive and personalized audio experiences in dynamic environments.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Apparatus (100) for adapting a spatial audio signal (2) for an original loudspeaker setup to a playback loudspeaker setup that differs from the original loudspeaker setup. The apparatus comprises a direct-ambience decomposer (130) that is configured to decomposing channel signals in a segment of the original loudspeaker setup into direct sound (D) and ambience components (A), and to determine a direction of arrival of the direct sound components. A direct sound renderer (150) receives a playback loudspeaker setup information and adjusts the direct sound components (D) using the playback loudspeaker setup information so that a perceived direction of arrival of the direct sound components in the playback loudspeaker setup is substantially identical to the direction of arrival of the direct sound components. A combiner (180) combines adjusted direct sound components and possibly modified ambience components to obtain loudspeaker signals for loudspeakers of the playback loudspeaker setup.