Delay Processing in Audio Rendering

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

This patent describes an audio processor system that enhances audio rendering for loudspeaker setups by dynamically adjusting delay and gain based on the listener's position. It addresses challenges posed by abrupt listener movements and inaccuracies in position tracking, which can introduce undesirable artifacts (such as pitch shifts and phase issues) in the audio. The invention introduces methods to smooth, clip, or scale delay and gain control inputs or intermediate values, so that the sound 'sweet spot' (optimal listening position) effectively follows the listener, greatly improving sound quality and spatial stability across a larger listening area.

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

• Home theater systems where listeners may move around the room during playback.
• Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) environments with real-time positional audio rendered over loudspeakers.
• Professional audio installations in conference halls, theaters, or concert venues to provide consistent sound experience for moving audiences.
• Gaming setups with multi-loudspeaker arrays for immersive, position-adaptive audio.
• Automotive audio systems where passenger and driver positions vary.
• Assistive audio systems for the hearing impaired, enabling optimized sound regardless of location in a room.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduces audible artifacts, such as pitch shifts, roughness, and glitches, during listener movement by intelligently controlling delay and gain transitions.
• Provides a stable and high-quality auditory experience over a large area, not restricting the optimal listening experience to a fixed point ("sweet spot").
• Automatically adapts to real-world conditions, such as rapid or erratic user movement and unreliable position tracking data.
• Enables more immersive and interactive 3D audio experiences suitable for advanced entertainment, VR/AR, and professional applications.
• Can be implemented in software or hardware, making it adaptable to various products and systems.
• Enhances user satisfaction by maintaining sound stage continuity and fidelity regardless of movement.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Audio processor for performing audio rendering by generating rendering parameters, which determine a derivation of loudspeaker signals to be reproduced by a set of loudspeakers from an audio signal. The audio processor is configured to perform a delay processing so as to determine, based on a listener position, delays for generating the loudspeaker signals for the loudspeakers from the audio signal. Further, the audio processor is configured to control the delay processing by modifying a version of the listener position, based on which the delay processing is commenced, or any intermediate value determined by the delay processing based on the listener position so as to reduce artifacts in the audio rendition due to changes in the delays.