Method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for focussing sound signals in a shared 3D space
US10063987B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2017 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04S2400/15
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Focusing sound signals in a shared 3D space uses an array of physical microphones, preferably disposed evenly across a room to provide even sound coverage throughout the room. At least one processor coupled to the physical microphones does not form beams, but instead preferably forms 1000's of virtual microphone bubbles within the room. By determining the processing gains of the sound signals sourced at each of the bubbles, the location(s) of the sound source(s) in the room can be determined. This system provides not only sound improvement by focusing on the sound source(s), but with the advantage that a desired sound source can be focused on more effectively (rather than steered to) while un-focusing undesired sound sources (like reverb and noise) instead of rejecting out of beam signals. This provides a full three dimensional location and a more natural presentation of each sound within the room.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.