Sound imaging process
US5046097A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 1988 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04S2420/03
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A process is described to produce the illusion of distinct sound sources distributed throughout the three-dimensional space containing the listener, using conventional stereo playback equipment. The present process places an apparent image of the assumed sound source in a predetermined and highly localized position. A plurality of such processed signals corresponding to different sources and positions may be mixed using conventional techniques without disturbing the positions of the individual images. Monophonic signals, each representing an assumed sound source, are processed to produce left and right stereo signals. Resulting stereo signals may be reproduced by two loudspeakers, directly or via conventional recording and replay techniques. A listener perceives a realistic image of each source at its respective position as predetermined by the process. Images above and below the loudspeakers, to left and right of the extreme loudspeaker positions, between the listener and the loudspeakers or beyond the loudspeakers, or even behind a listener facing the loudspeakers, may be achieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.