Audio source position estimation
US9351071B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 24, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2430/20
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for determining a position estimate for an audio source comprises two microphones (M1, M2) and an acoustic element (203) providing an acoustic effect to sound from sound source positions to the first microphone (M1). The acoustic effect is asymmetric with respect to an axis (201) between the microphones (M1, M2). A position circuit (305) estimates two possible positions on different sides of the axis for the sound source in response to time of arrivals at the microphones (M1, M2). An estimator (307) determines an acoustic effect measure being indicative of a degree to which an acoustic effect of the first microphone signal matches an expected characteristic of the acoustic effect for sound sources on one side of the axis (201). Another circuit (309) determines the position estimate by selecting between the two possible positions in response to the acoustic effect measure. The approach may resolve ambiguities in position determination associated with position determination based on time of arrival at two microphones.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.