A spatial audio processing method, a program product, an electronic device and a system

Background art

0001Progress in computational sciences and acoustic field theory has opened interesting possibilities in sound technology. As a practical example of new technologies, a tool relatively new on the market is a software product that can be used to create an impression of position of a source of an audio signal when a user listens a representation of the audio signal through at least two channel headphones.

0002In practice, when such a tool is run in a processor in a form of a software product, the audio signal will be passed through a head-related transfer function (HRTF) in order to generate, for a user wearing at least two channel (e.g. stereo) headphones, a psychoacoustic impression of the audio signal arriving from a predefined position.

0003The mechanism how the psychoacoustic impression is created can be illustrated by way of an example. As we know from the daily life, a person can observe the position r (bold denotes here a vector which may be expressed with r, φ, and θ in spherical coordinates) of a sound source with a rather good precision. So if sound is emitted by a sound source located close to the left ear (r=30 cm, φ = 3π/2, θ=0), it is first receipted by the left ear and only a fraction of a second later by the right ear. Now if an audio signal is reproduced through headphones first to the left ear and the fraction of a second later by the right ear through headphones, which can be performed by filtering the signal through a respective head-related transfer function, the listener gets an impression of the sound source being located close to the left ear.

0004A more thorough discussion of different properties of a HRTF and how it can be obtained can be found e.g. in published <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20040136538A1"><text>US patent application 2004/0136538 A1</text></patcit>, and in references mentioned therein.

Summary of the invention

0005The human capability to receive information by listening is rather limited. Especially the capability to follow one sound source can be highly impaired when another sound source is present. An object of the invention is, therefore, to bring out a method, a program product, an electronic device, and a system with which the perception of an audio signal from a first sound source may be improved when an audio signal from another sound source is received simultaneously with the signal of the first source. This object can be achieved as set out in any of the independent patent claims.

0006The dependent patent claims describe various advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Advantages of the invention

0007If the first position in which a head-related transfer function is applied to a first audio signal is changed to a second sound reproduction position in response to receiving a second audio signal or a precursor signal for a second audio signal, the user may be in a better position to better distinguish between the first and the second signal.

0008Furthermore, the transferring of the first audio signal from the first sound reproduction position to the second sound reproduction position can be automated.

0009By performing the change in response to receiving a precursor signal, the transferring can be made prior to beginning to reproduce the second audio signal, this improving user comfort since the position of the first audio signal can be transferred before beginning to reproduce the second audio signal.

0010If the second audio signal is a paging signal or a speech signal, it may be easier for the user to concentrate on the second audio signal while still being able to listen to the first audio signal. For example, if a telephone call will be reproduced as the second audio signal, the user may continue listening to the first audio signal such as radio or music from MP3 or CD while still being able to carry a telephone conversation.

0011Furthermore, the falling from the second sound reproduction position back to the first sound reproduction position can be made in response to not receiving the second audio signal any more. By naming an example, after hanging up a telephone call the first sound reproduction position can be used automatically.

0012If the precursor signal is a message for establishing a telephone call or a message triggered by a telephone call that is going to be established, the user comfort when receiving the telephone call may be improved. The beginning of a telephone call is usually of outermost importance, since the caller and/or called party normally identify themselves.

0013The user might thus found it disturbing if the first audio signal were transferred only when a call has been established. In this manner he or she may have some time to prepare him- or herself for a beginning telephone call.

0014If the second sound reproduction position is further away than the first sound reproduction position, the user's ability to differentiate between the signals may be improved.

0015Furthermore, if a head-related transfer function, preferably the same head-related transfer function as for the first audio signal, is applied to the second audio signal in a third sound reproduction position, the third sound reproduction position being closer to the head of the user than the second sound reproduction position, the user's concentration on the second audio signal may not be impaired that much by disturbance caused by the first audio signal.

List of drawings

0016In the following, the invention is described in more detail with reference to examples shown in the accompanying drawings in <figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005">Figures 1 to 5B</figref>, of which: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1A</figref> shows an example of a location of a sound source in head coordinates;</li><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1B</figref> illustrates a user wearing headphones;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> illustrates how the sound reproduction position can be changed;</li><li><figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows some functional blocks of an electronic device;</li><li><figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref> is a flow chart illustrating signal processing in the example of <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>;</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Figure 5A</figref> illustrates signal processing in the case of one signal source; and</li><li><figref idref="f0005">Figure 5B</figref> illustrates signal processing in the case of two signal sources.</li></ul>

0017Same reference symbols refer to similar features throughout the drawings.

Detailed description

0018Some current development work of the applicant is directed to bringing out an electronic device that can be used by a user wearing at least two-channel (e.g. stereo) headphones. The electronic device is adapted to pass an at least two-channel signal (e.g. a stereophonic signal) to headphones, preferably over a wireless link.

0019<figref idref="f0001">Figure 1A</figref> shows an example of head coordinates in one plane. A sound source 13 is located at point r (at distance r and at angle φ) as seen from the middle of the head 11 of the person. The acoustic conditions of the room are denoted with e, mostly resulting from echo and background noise.

0020<figref idref="f0001">Figure 1B</figref> illustrates the head 11 of a user of an electronic device 30 wearing at least two-channel (e.g. stereo) headphones 100 that are adapted to receive a representation S"' of an audio signal S from the electronic device 30 via its receiving means 101. The headphones 100 comprise at least two acoustic transducers (such as loudspeakers) 104 and 105, one for the right ear 14 and one for the left 15. The headphones 100 are adapted to reproduce sound from received representation S"' for at least two channels (i.e. at least left and right). The electronic device 30 is described in more detail below with reference to <figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref>.

0021As known from prior art, by suitably selecting a head-related transfer function (HRTF) which causes suitable phase differences and attenuation, possibly in a frequency-dependent manner, and applying it to an audio signal S in processing unit 34 for at least two channels (at least left and right), thus generating a digital representation S' which is then handled in the electronic device 30 and finally passed to headphones 100 as representation S"' the reproduction of which, when listened by a user, makes an impression that the sound source 13 is located at a definite position (sound reproduction position r). The sound reproduction position r can at easiest be expressed as a point in polar or spherical coordinates but it can be expressed in any other coordinate system too.

0022The location of the sound source 13 as in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1A</figref> may be almost deliberately chosen in the electronic device 30, e.g. in its processing unit 34, by selecting a sound reproduction position r that is used by the HRTF to modify its filtering characteristics. As an alternative, separate HRTFs can be used (one for each sound reproduction position r), then the HRTF to be used is changed when the sound reproduction position r changes.

0023On one hand, an HRTF as described in the '538 application can be used in order to carry out the present invention if a high-quality 3D impression is desired. Would this approach be adapted, the HRTF could be stored in the electronic device 30. Since one electronic device may have several users (e.g. members of a family), the electronic device 30 may therefore comprise a larger number of HRTFs, one for each user. The selection of the HRTF that is to be used can be selected e.g. based on a code entered to the electronic device 30 by the user. Alternatively, the selection can be based on an identifier identifying of the headset 100, if users prefer to use their personal headsets.

0024On the other hand, a simpler method for defining the HRTF will do, especially if 2D reproduction of the sound image is enough. This is becoming increasingly simple, since suitable software modules are already available on the market.

0025A general HRTF can also be used for all users. An especially suitable HRTF of that kind is one that has been recorded using a head and torso simulator. The HRTF is then preferably stored for a large selection of angles around the head. In order to obtain a resolution of two degrees, 180 HRTF positions should be stored. In order to obtain a resolution of 5 degrees, 72 HRTF positions should be stored, for 2D reproduction of the sound source. To control the distance further HRTF positions are preferably needed.

0026With term "2D reproduction of the sound source", position of the sound source 13 would approximately be located in one level, preferably in the ear level of the user. With "3D reproduction of the sound source", the sound source 13 can be located also below or above this level.

0027<figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> illustrates how the sound reproduction position (i.e. the position from where the user listening to a reproduction of representation S₁"' observes the sound source 13 being located) of an audio signal S₁ can be changed from the first sound reproduction position r₁ to a second sound reproduction position r₃ according to one aspect of the invention.

0028An audio signal S₁ from a sound source 13 is first received at or reproduced by the electronic device 30. The audio signal S₁ is then handled by the electronic device 30 by applying a HRTF with a first sound reproduction position r₁. The thus handled signal, after being converted to an analog signal and after amplifying, makes an impression of the sound source 13 being located in position r₁, when listened through at least two-channel headphones 100.

0029In response to receiving a second audio signal S₂ from a second sound source 13B, or a precursor signal for a second audio signal S₂, the first sound reproduction position r₁ of the HRTF is replaced with a second sound reproduction position r₃ so that the representation S₁"' of the audio signal S₁ gives, when listened through at least two-channel headphones 100, an impression of the sound source 13 being located in position r₃.

0030Furthermore, the HRTF can be applied to the second audio signal S₂ with a third sound reproduction position r₂. Then the representation S₂"' of the audio signal S₂ gives, when listened through at least two-channel headphones, an impression of the second sound source 13B being located in position r₂.

0031The transition from position r₁ to position r₃ may be performed smoothly i.e. in small steps. This makes an impression of the sound source 13 being moved.

0032<figref idref="f0003">Figure 3</figref> shows some functional blocks of electronic device 30.

0033The electronic device 30 preferably comprises means 35 for receiving and transmitting data to/from a communications network 39, especially a radio receiver and a radio transmitter. The data transmission between the electronic device 30 and the communications network 39 may take place over a wireless interface or an electrical interface. An example of the former is the air interface of a cellular communications network, especially a GSM network, and of the latter the traditional interface between a telephone device and a Public Switched Telephony Network PSTN.

0034The electronic device 30 further comprises input/output means 32 for operating the electronic device 30. Input/output means 32 may comprise a keypad and/or joystick that is preferably suitable for dialling a number or selecting a destination address or name from a phonebook stored in the memory 36, the keypad preferably further comprising a dial toggle and answer button. The input/output means 32 may further comprise a display.

0035An electronic device 30 according to the invention comprises means 31 for passing a representation S"' of an audio signal S to headphones 100. The means 31 may comprise a wireless transmitter.

0036The electronic device 30 further comprises a processing unit 34, such as a microprocessor, and memory 36. The processing unit 34 is adapted to read software as executable code and then to execute it. The software is usually stored in the memory 36. The HRTF is also stored in the memory 36, from which the processing unit 34 can access it.

0037The electronic device 30 may further comprise one or more sound sources 13, 13B. Sound sources 13, 13B can be FM or digital radio receivers, or music players (in particular MP3 or CD players). Sound sources 13, 13B can also be located externally to the electronic device 30, meaning that a corresponding audio signal is received through means 35 for receiving data from a communications network 39, especially through a radio receiver, through a generic receiver (such as Bluetooth), or through a dedicated receiver. Audio signal received from an external sound source 13, 13B is then handled in the manner similar to an audio signal received from an internal sound source. Therefore, the audio signal S may be any audio signal generated in the electronic device 30, reproduced from a music file (especially an MP3 file), received from the communications network 39 or from FM or digital radio. The representation S"' can be passed to the headphones 100 by using a wireless link, such as Bluetooth, or over a cable.

0038Between the processing unit 34 and the means 31 for passing a representation S"' of an audio signal S to headphones 100 there may be further components 37. They are to some extent necessary to change a digital representation S' from the processing unit 34 to a signal S" suitable for the means 31 for passing a representation S"' of an audio signal S to headphones 100. These components 37 may comprise a digital-to-analog converter, an amplifier, and filters. A more detailed description of them is nevertheless omitted here since it should be irrelevant for understanding the nature of the invention, and because these components are as such well known in prior art.

0039<figref idref="f0004">Figure 4</figref> is a flow chart illustrating signal processing in the example of <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>. The flow chart is explained together with <figref idref="f0005">Figures 5A and 5B</figref> which illustrate signal processing in the case of one and two signal sources, respectively.

0040The processing unit 34 executes an audio program module 51 stored in memory 36. Originally, the audio program module 51 can be installed in the electronic device 30 by using input/output means 32, an exchangeable memory means such as a memory stick, or downloaded from a communications network 39 or from a remote device. Prior to installation, the audio program module 51 is preferably in a form of program product that can be sold to customers.

0041The audio program module 51 comprises the HRTF which may be user-definable so that every user may have his or her own HRTF in order to improve the acoustic quality. However, for entry level purposes, a simple HRTF will do.

0042The audio program module 51 is started in step 401 as soon as sound source 13 producing audio signal S₁ is activated. Normally, the audio signal S₁ is handled by the audio program module 51 by using a first sound reproduction position r₁ that is selected in step 403. If the second sound source 13B is inactive, i.e. there is no other active sound 13B present (which is detected in step 405), the audio signal S₁ is in step 407 passed through the HRTF. The audio program module 51 generates a digital representation S₁' by applying the HRTF with the first sound reproduction position r₁ to the audio signal S₁. This is repeated until the sound source 13 becomes inactive.

0043The audio signal S₁ may comprise of signal for more than one channel. For example, if the audio signal S₁ is a stereo signal (such as from an MP3 player as signal source 13), it would already comprise signal for two channels (left and right). The HRTF can be applied with the first sound reproduction position r₁ to the left and right channel separately. Then the resulting altogether four digital representations can be combined in order to have only one signal for both left and right channels.

0044More than two sound sources can be supported for example, a stereo MP3 signal (as sound source 13) comprises already two sound sources, both audio signals from which need to be placed in different positions. The other sound source 13B could then preferably be an audio signal from an incoming call or an audio signal (such as a ringing tone) generated for paging the user.

0045If in step 405 it is detected that a second sound source 13B is active, in step 421 sound reproduction position r₃ is selected for the sound source 13 and sound reproduction position r₂ is selected for the other sound source 13B. Then in step 423 a digital representation S' is generated by applying the HRTF with the second sound reproduction position r₃ to the audio signal S₁, and optionally by applying the HRTF with the third sound reproduction position r₂ to the second audio signal S₂. This is repeated until either one of the sound sources 13, 13B becomes inactive or the audio program module 51 stops receiving a corresponding audio signal S₁, S₂ (tested in steps 427 and 425, respectively).

0046If sound source 13 becomes inactive or the audio signal S₁ is not received at the audio program module 51, in step 429 the audio signal S₁ possibly received by the audio program module 51 is ignored in step 429.

0047If sound source 13B becomes inactive or the audio signal S₂ is not received at the audio program module 51, execution control is returned by step 425 to step 403.

0048The audio program module 51 may thus in step 423 generate, when executed in the processing unit 34, a digital representation signal S₂' of the second audio signal S₂ for at least two sound channels (LEFT, RIGHT) by applying the HRTF in a third sound reproduction position r₂. The digital representation signal S₂' is adapted to make an impression, after being digital-to-analog converted, amplifying and filtering, when being listened through at least two channel headphones 100, of the second audio signal S₂ arriving from the third sound reproduction position r₂;

0049The HRTF is applied in the processing unit 34 preferably separately for both audio signals S₁ and S₂, both with different sound reproduction positions (i.e. r₃ and r₂). The digital representations S₁' and S₂' can then be combined to a combined digital representation S' = S₁' + S₂'. Since both digital representations S₁' and S₂' comprise information for at least two channels (left and right), it may be advantageous also to perform channel synchronization when combining the digital representations S₁' and S₂'.

0050In other words, if one sound source 13 is adapted to give out a stereo signal as the audio signal S₁, each channel of the audio signal S₁ is passed separately through the HRTF, with sound reproduction position r₃ (or r₃). The resulting four signals are then summed (two by two) in order to generate the digital representation S₁'. Same applies to if the other sound source 13B is adapted to give out a stereo signal as the audio signal S₂, but now with r₂ as the sound reproduction position (r₂)

0051If the third sound reproduction position r₂ is closer to the middle of the head of the user than the second sound reproduction position r₃, i.e. |r₂| &lt; |r₃|, the user may be in a better position to follow the second sound source 13B, i.e. the disturbance caused by sound source 13 may be reduced.

0052The second audio signal S₂ may be a paging signal or a speech signal received from the communication network 39.

0053The precursor signal for a second audio signal S₂ may be a message from the communication network 39 for establishing a telephone call or a message triggered by a telephone call that is going to be established.

0054The user may preferably define, using the input means 32, the first sound reproduction position r₁ and/or the second sound reproduction position r₃ for the first audio signal S₁. By using output means 32, the said sound reproduction positions can be visualized, e.g. on the screen of the electronic device. This should facilitate in defining the directions.

0055Although the invention was described above with reference to the examples shown in the appended drawings, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to these but may be modified by those skilled in the art without difference from the scope of the invention.

0056For example, in addition to the sound reproduction positions r₁, r₂, r₃, a parameter, sometimes referred to as <i>"room parameter"</i> can also be defined and fed to the audio program module 51. The room parameter describes the effect of the "surrounding room", e.g. possible echo reflecting from the walls of an artificial room. The room parameter and consequently the effect of the surrounding room may be changed together when changing the sound reproduction position r₁ to r₃. The user can thus hear e.g. a change from a smaller room to a larger room, or the opposite. For example, if |r₃| is larger than |r₁| so that r1 would be close to or beyond the wall of the "surrounding room", it may be appropriate to increase the room size.