Direction of arrival estimation using watermarked audio signals and microphone arrays

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

This invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the direction from which a sound arrives by using audio signals embedded with inaudible watermarks and received by multiple microphones in different locations. The apparatus processes the phased information from these watermarked audio signals to calculate the direction - and potentially the position - of the sound source, such as a loudspeaker, even in complex audio environments with multiple sound sources or ambient noise. Unlike traditional calibration methods, this approach works in real-time and does not require special, intrusive calibration signals.

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

• Automatic calibration of multi-speaker sound systems such as home theaters or conference rooms without interrupting audio playback.
• Smart speakers or devices that can localize sound sources to optimize sound delivery or interaction.
• Interactive toys or electronics that can orient themselves or take actions based on the detected location of a sound source (e.g., a toy turning its head toward a TV).
• Audio surveillance or monitoring systems that determine the origin of specific signals in environments with many overlapping sounds.
• Guidance systems for optimal speaker placement within a given space.
• Spatial position tracking for microphones or devices within a room for immersive audio applications.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Accurate direction-of-arrival estimation even in complex acoustic environments and with multiple sound sources.
• No need for special or audible calibration signals; works with regular audio playback using inaudible watermarks.
• Allows real-time, on-the-fly calibration and localization without disrupting user experience.
• Improves robustness against noise and reverberation by processing phase and watermark information.
• Can be implemented in both hardware and software, making it versatile for different products or systems.
• Enables positioning and spatial awareness of microphone arrays or devices within a speaker environment, supporting advanced audio processing or interactive features.

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Patent Abstract

An apparatus (100) for providing direction information based on a reproduced audio signal with an embedded watermark is provided. The apparatus (100) comprises a signal processor (110), which is adapted to process at least two received watermarked audio signals recorded by at least two audio receivers at different spatial positions. The signal processor (110) is adapted to process the received watermarked audio signals to obtain a receiver-specific information for each received watermarked audio signal. The receiver-specific information depends on the embedded watermarks embedded in the received watermarked audio signals. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a direction information provider (120) for providing direction information based on the receiver-specific information for each received watermarked audio signal.