US5487113A
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Method and apparatus for generating audiospatial effects
Assignee: SPHERIC AUDIO LABORATORIES Inc
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Filing: 1993-11-12
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Granted: 1996-01-23
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Expires: 2013-11-12
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing one or more audiospatial effects in an original audio signal. A spatially disorienting signal, typically a modified white noise pattern, is combined with the original audio signal. A spatially reorienting signal is further combined with the original audio signal in order to give a listener the perception, upon hearing the original audio signal played back, that the sound emanates from a predetermined direction.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven D. Mark
- 👤 David Doleshal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:44
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04S; H04S1/00; H04S1/002; H04S1/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 69
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for producing one or more desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects in an original audio signal, said method comprising the steps of: generating a noise signal having one or more amplitude variations introduced at selected frequencies, said frequencies and amplitude variations being selected so as to yield the desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects; and applying said noise signal to said original audio signal, thereby producing the desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
69 words
A method for producing one or more desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects in an original audio signal, said method comprising the steps of: generating a noise signal having one or more amplitude variations introduced at selected frequencies, said frequencies and amplitude variations being selected so as to yield the desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects; and applying said noise signal to said original audio signal, thereby producing the desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said noise signal comprises a modified white noise signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said modified white noise signal comprises a white noise pattern in which frequencies below about 4,000 Hz are emphasized.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said modified white noise signal comprises a white noise pattern in which frequencies above about 4,000 Hz are deemphasized.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said amplitude variations comprise one or more amplitude spikes in said noise signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said amplitude variations comprise one or more amplitude notches in said noise signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said amplitude variations comprise a first amplitude spike in said noise signal, an amplitude notch adjacent (in frequency) to said first amplitude spike, and a second amplitude spike, adjacent (in frequency) to said amplitude notch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said amplitude variations comprise a first amplitude notch in said noise signal, an amplitude spike adjacent (in frequency) to said first amplitude notch, and a second amplitude notch, adjacent (in frequency) to said amplitude spike.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein no amplitude variations are introduced during about the first 2 seconds of said noise signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said noise signal continues for at least about 0.5 seconds after the last amplitude variation introduced therein.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said noise signal is generated using a digital audio processing apparatus.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said step of applying said noise signal to said original audio signal is accomplished using a digital audio processing apparatus.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a pre-existing audio recording.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a motion picture soundtrack.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said original audio signal comprises electronically synthesized sounds.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a live sound performance, and wherein said applying said noise signal to said original audio signal occurs during said live sound performance.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
56 words
A method for producing audiospatial effects in an original audio signal, said method comprising the steps of: combining a spatially disorienting stimulus signal comprising a noise signal with said original audio signal; and combining a spatially reorienting stimulus signal with said original audio signal during a period in which said spatially disorienting stimulus signal is present.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
56 words
A method for producing audiospatial effects in an original audio signal, said method comprising the steps of: combining a spatially disorienting stimulus signal comprising a noise signal with said original audio signal; and combining a spatially reorienting stimulus signal with said original audio signal during a period in which said spatially disorienting stimulus signal is present.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said spatially disorienting stimulus signal and said spatially reorienting stimulus signal are components of a single signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said noise signal comprises a modified white noise signal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 19, wherein said modified white noise signal comprises a white noise pattern in which frequencies below about 4,000 Hz are emphasized.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 19, wherein said modified white noise signal comprises a white noise pattern in which frequencies above about 4,000 Hz are deemphasized.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said spatially reorienting stimulus signal comprises a noise signal having one or more amplitude variations introduced at selected frequencies.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said amplitude variations include one or more amplitude spikes.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said amplitude variations include one or more amplitude notches.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said amplitude variations comprise a first amplitude spike in said noise signal, an amplitude notch adjacent (in frequency) to said first amplitude spike, and a second amplitude spike, adjacent (in frequency) to said amplitude notch.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said amplitude variations comprise a first amplitude notch in said noise signal, an amplitude spike adjacent (in frequency) to said first amplitude notch, and a second amplitude notch, adjacent (in frequency) to said amplitude spike.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 17, further including the step of generating said spatially disorienting stimulus signal using a digital audio processing apparatus.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 17, further including the step of generating said reorienting stimulus signal using a digital audio processing apparatus.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said spatially disorienting stimulus signal is present at least about 2 seconds before said spatially reorienting stimulus signal is present.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said spatially disorienting stimulus signal is present at least about 0.5 seconds after said spatially reorienting stimulus signal terminates.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a pre-existing audio recording.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a motion picture soundtrack.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said original audio signal comprises electronically synthesized sounds.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a live sound performance, and wherein said combining steps occur during said live sound performance.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for producing one or more three-dimensional audiospatial effects in an original audio signal, comprising: means for generating a noise signal having one or more amplitude variations at selected frequencies, said frequencies and amplitude variations being selected so as to yield the desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects; and means for applying said noise signal to said original audio signal and thereby producing the desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus for producing one or more three-dimensional audiospatial effects in an original audio signal, comprising: means for generating a noise signal having one or more amplitude variations at selected frequencies, said frequencies and amplitude variations being selected so as to yield the desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects; and means for applying said noise signal to said original audio signal and thereby producing the desired three-dimensional audiospatial effects.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said noise signal comprises a modified white noise signal.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said modified white noise signal comprises a white noise pattern in which frequencies below about 4,000 Hz are emphasized.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 36, wherein said modified white noise signal comprises a white noise pattern in which frequencies above about 4,000 Hz are deemphasized.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said amplitude variations comprise one or more amplitude spikes in said noise signal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said amplitude variations comprise one or more amplitude notches in said noise signal.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said amplitude variations comprise a first amplitude spike in said noise signal, an amplitude notch adjacent (in frequency) to said first amplitude spike, and a second amplitude spike, adjacent (in frequency) to said amplitude notch.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said amplitude variations comprise a first amplitude notch in said noise signal, an amplitude spike adjacent (in frequency) to said first amplitude notch, and a second amplitude notch, adjacent (in frequency) to said amplitude spike.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising a digital audio processor.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said means for applying said effect template to said original audio signal comprises a digital audio processor.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a pre-existing audio recording.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a motion picture soundtrack.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said original audio signal comprises electronically synthesized sounds.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 35, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a live sound performance, and wherein said means for applying said effect template is operative during said live sound performance.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for producing audiospatial effects in an original audio signal, comprising: means for combining a spatially disorienting stimulus signal comprising a noise signal with said original audio signal; and means for combining a spatially reorienting stimulus signal with said original audio signal during a period in which said spatially disorienting stimulus signal is present.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for producing audiospatial effects in an original audio signal, comprising: means for combining a spatially disorienting stimulus signal comprising a noise signal with said original audio signal; and means for combining a spatially reorienting stimulus signal with said original audio signal during a period in which said spatially disorienting stimulus signal is present.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said spatially disorienting stimulus signal and said spatially reorienting stimulus signal are components of a single signal.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said noise signal comprises a modified white noise signal.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said modified white noise signal comprises a white noise pattern in which frequencies below about 4,000 Hz are emphasized.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said modified white noise signal comprises a white noise pattern in which frequencies above about 4,000 Hz are deemphasized.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said spatially reorienting stimulus signal comprises a noise signal having one or more amplitude variations introduced at selected frequencies.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said amplitude variations include one or more amplitude spikes.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said amplitude variations include one or more amplitude notches.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said amplitude variations comprise a first amplitude spike in said noise signal, an amplitude notch adjacent (in frequency) to said first amplitude spike, and a second amplitude spike, adjacent (in frequency) to said amplitude notch.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said amplitude variations comprise a first amplitude notch in said noise signal, an amplitude spike adjacent (in frequency) to said first amplitude notch, and a second amplitude notch, adjacent (in frequency) to said amplitude spike.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 49, further including a digital audio processing device for generating said spatially disorienting stimulus signal.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said spatially disorienting stimulus signal is present at least about 2 seconds before said spatially reorienting stimulus signal is present.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said spatially disorienting stimulus signal is present at least about 0.5 seconds after said spatially disorienting stimulus signal terminates.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a pre-existing audio recording.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a motion picture soundtrack.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said original audio signal comprises electronically synthesized sounds.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 49, wherein said original audio signal comprises any portion of a live sound performance, and wherein said means for combining are operative during said live sound performance.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-01-22 | 1999-07-24 | 2000-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-22 | 2003-07-24 | 2004-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-22 | 2007-07-24 | 2008-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |