Michael Beer

Title: Michael Beer - Innovator in Audio Signal Processing

Introduction

Michael Beer is a notable inventor based in Erlangen, Germany. He has made significant contributions to the field of audio signal processing, particularly in the development of FM stereo radio receivers and methods for processing stereo audio signals. With a total of 3 patents, his work has had a considerable impact on audio technology.

Latest Patents

One of Michael Beer's latest patents is for an FM stereo radio receiver that utilizes parametric stereo. This invention relates to an apparatus designed to enhance the stereo audio signal of an FM stereo radio receiver. The proposed method employs components from a standard HE-ACC v2 decoder to efficiently recover the stereo audio signal while maintaining high signal quality. The invention quantizes parametric stereo parameters and submits them to the decoder alongside a mono-downmix signal, allowing for the easy recovery of these parameters through a simple lookup table. The apparatus also includes a parameter estimation stage based on components of a standard HE-ACC v2 encoder, which estimates the parametric stereo parameters and generates the mono-downmix signal without further encoding.

Another significant patent by Beer is a method and device for processing a stereo audio signal. This device analyzes the stereo signal to determine the bit quantity required for coding. If the required bit quantity exceeds a predetermined value, the first and second channels are modified to ensure that the energy of the sum signal maintains a specific relationship. This modification helps to enhance audio bandwidth or reduce quantizing disturbances, particularly in audio coders that require a constant output bit rate.

Career Highlights

Michael Beer has worked with prominent organizations in the audio technology sector. He has been associated with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V. and Dolby International. His experience in these companies has contributed to his expertise in audio signal processing.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Michael Beer has collaborated with notable professionals in the field, including Bodo Teichmann and Oliver Kunz. These collaborations have further enriched his work and innovations in audio technology.

Conclusion

Michael Beer is a distinguished inventor whose contributions to audio signal processing have advanced the technology significantly. His patents reflect a deep understanding of audio systems and a commitment to improving sound quality. His work continues to influence the field of audio engineering.