Device and method for generating a multi-channel signal including speech signal processing

US8731209B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. · DE

Inventors

• Christian Uhle · Nuremberg, DE
• Oliver Hellmuth · Erlangen, DE
• Juergen Herre · Erlangen, DE
• Harald Popp · Tuchenbach, DE
• Thorsten Kastner · Kronach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 1, 2008
• Grant date: May 20, 2014
• Expiry date: Aug 13, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G10L25/78
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

In order to generate a multi-channel signal having a number of output channels greater than a number of input channels, a mixer is used for upmixing the input signal to form at least a direct channel signal and at least an ambience channel signal. A speech detector is provided for detecting a section of the input signal, the direct channel signal or the ambience channel signal in which speech portions occur. Based on this detection, a signal modifier modifies the input signal or the ambience channel signal in order to attenuate speech portions in the ambience channel signal, whereas such speech portions in the direct channel signal are attenuated to a lesser extent or not at all. A loudspeaker signal outputter then maps the direct channel signals and the ambience channel signals to loudspeaker signals which are associated to a defined reproduction scheme, such as, for example, a 5.1 scheme.