Srs Labs, Inc.

Hughes Aircraft Company

Dts, Inc.

Monitron Industries, Inc.

Arnold I Klayman

Alan D Kraemer

An audio enhancement system and method for use receives a group of multi-channel audio signals and provides a simulated surround sound environment through playback of only two output signals. The multi-channel audio signals comprise a pair of front signals intended for playback from a forward sound stage and a pair of rear signals intended for playback from a rear sound stage. The front and rear signals are modified in pairs by separating an ambient component of each pair of signals from a direct component and processing at least some of the components with a head-related transfer function. Processing of the individual audio signal components is determined by an intended playback position of the corresponding original audio signals. The individual audio signal components are then selectively combined with the original audio signals to form two enhanced output signals for generating a surround sound experience upon playback.

Multi-channel audio enhancement system for use in recording playback and methods for providing same

In an embodiment, a phase compensation system shifts the phase of an audio signal in a mid-range frequency band to compensate for phase distortion created when an electrical audio signal is converted to audio by an electronic transducer, such as a loudspeaker. An audio enhancement system mixes at least the phase compensated signal, an enhanced audio signal, and the left and right audio input signals to generated phase compensated left and right audio output signals.

Phase compensation techniques to adjust for speaker deficiencies

A stereo enhancement system processes the difference signal component generated from a pair of left and right input signals to create a broadened stereo image reproduced through a pair of speakers or through a surround sound system. Processing of the difference signal component occurs through equalization characterized by amplification of the low and high range of auditory frequencies. The processed difference signal is combined with a sum signal, generated from the left and right input signals, and the original left and right input signals to create enhanced left and right output signals.

Audio enhancement system

An acoustic correction apparatus processes a pair of left and right input signals to compensate for spatial distortion as a function of frequency when the input signals are reproduced through speakers in a sound system. The sound-energy of the left and right input signals is separated and corrected in a first low-frequency range and a second high-frequency range. The resultant signals are recombined to create image-corrected audio signals having a desired sound-pressure response when reproduced by the speakers in the sound system. The desired sound-pressure response creates an apparent sound image location with respect to a listener. The image-corrected signals may then be spatially enhanced to broaden the apparent sound image.

Acoustic correction apparatus

Multi-channel audio enhancement system for use in recording and playback and methods for providing same

Intelligibility of a human voice projected by a loudspeaker in an environment of high ambient noise is enhanced by processing a voice signal in accordance with the frequency response characteristics of the human hearing system. Intelligibility of the human voice is derived largely from the pattern of frequency distribution of voice sounds, such as formants, as perceived by the human hearing system. Intelligibility of speech in a voice signal is enhanced by filtering and expanding the voice signal with a transfer function that approximates an inverse of equal loudness contours for tones in a frontal sound field for humans of average hearing acuity.

Voice intelligibility enhancement system

An acoustic correction apparatus processes a pair of left and right input signals to compensate for spatial distortion as a function of frequency when the input signals are reproduced through speakers in a sound system. The sound-energy of the left and right input signals is separated and corrected in a first low-frequency range and a second high-frequency range. The resultant signals are recombined to create image-corrected audio signals having a desired sound-pressure response when reproduced by the speakers in the sound system. The desired sound-pressure response creates an apparent sound image location with respect to a listener. The image-corrected signals may then be spatially-enhanced to broaden the apparent sound image.

The present invention provides an audio enhancement apparatus and method which spectrally shapes harmonics of the low-frequency information in a pair of audio signals so that when reproduced by a loudspeaker, a listener perceives the loudspeaker as having more acoustic bandwidth than is actually provided by the loudspeaker. The perception of extra bandwidth is particularly pronounced at low frequencies, especially frequencies at which the loudspeaker system produces less acoustic output energy. In one embodiment, the invention also shifts signal from one audio signal to the other audio signal in order to obtain more bandwidth for the available loudspeaker to reduce clipping. In one embodiment, the invention also provides a combined signal path for spectral shaping of the desired harmonics and a feedforward signal path for each pair of audio signals.

Low-frequency audio enhancement system

The present invention provides an audio enhancement apparatus and method which spectrally shapes the differential information in a pair of audio signals so as to create an immersive, three-dimensional effect when the audio signals are acoustically reproduced. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a two-transistor amplifier which spectrally shapes the differential information with what are called cross-over networks. The cross-over networks spectrally shape the differential information by selectively emphasizing or de-emphasizing certain frequencies in the differential information. In addition, the preferred embodiment adjusts the level of the sound which is common to both input signals to reduce clipping.

Sound enhancement system

Speaker

An audio enhancement system and method for use in a surround sound environment creates a more diffuse and continuous sound field from a multi-channel, multi-speaker reproduction environment. Multiple audio source signals generated from an audio recording, which are intended for speakers placed in front of and behind a listener, are isolated into pairs and processed to create corresponding pairs of component audio signals. Each pair of component audio signals is generated, at least in part, from the information present in both corresponding audio source signals. The individual component audio signals are then selectively combined to form enhanced output signals so that each enhanced output signal is modified as function of a plurality of audio source signals.

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Huntington Beach, CA, United States of America

Arnold I Klayman