An audio output apparatus is disclosed. The audio output apparatus that outputs a multi-channel audio signal through a plurality of speakers disposed at different locations, the audio output apparatus includes an input interface, and a processor configured to, based on the multi-channel audio signal input through the inputter being received, obtain scene information on a type of audio included in the multi-channel audio signal and sound image angle information about an angle formed by sound image of the type of audio included in the multi-channel audio signal based on a virtual user, and generate an output signal to be output through the plurality of speakers from the multi-channel audio signal based on the obtained scene information and sound image angle information, wherein the type of audio includes at least one of sound effect, shouting sound, music, and voice, and a number of the plurality of speakers is equal to or greater than a number of channels of the multi-channel audio signal.

Disclosed are methods and systems which convert a multi-microphone input signal to a multichannel output signal making use of a time- and frequency-varying matrix. For each time and frequency tile, the matrix is derived as a function of a dominant direction of arrival and a steering strength parameter. Likewise, the dominant direction and steering strength parameter are derived from characteristics of the multi-microphone signals, where those characteristics include values representative of the inter-channel amplitude and group-delay differences.

A method for generating an audio signal associated with a virtual sound source is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining an input audio signal x(t) and modifying the input audio signal x(t) to obtain a modified audio signal. The latter step comprises performing a signal delay operation. Optionally, modifying the input audio signal comprises a signal inverting operation and/or a signal amplification or attenuation and/or a signal feedback operation. The method further comprises generating the audio signal y(t) based on a combination, e.g. a summation, of the input audio signal x(t) and the modified audio signal.

A method and apparatus for rendering an object-based audio signal considering an obstacle are disclosed. A method for rendering an object-based audio signal according to an example embodiment, the method includes identifying an object-based input signal and metadata for the input signal, generating a binaural filter based on the metadata using a binaural room impulse response (BRIR), determining, based on the metadata, whether an obstacle is present between a listener and an object, modifying the generated binaural filter when it is determined that the obstacle is present, and generating a rendered output signal by convolving the modified binaural filter and the input signal.

A system for providing augmented spatialized audio in a vehicle, including a plurality of speakers disposed in a perimeter of a cabin of the vehicle; and a controller configured to receive a position signal indicative of the position of a first user's head in the vehicle and to output to a first binaural device, according to the first position signal, a first spatial audio signal, such that the first binaural device produces a first spatial acoustic signal perceived by the first user as originating from a first virtual source location within the vehicle cabin, wherein the first spatial audio signal comprises at least an upper range of a first content signal, wherein the controller is further configured to drive the plurality of speakers with a driving signal such that a first bass content of the first content signal is produced in the vehicle cabin.

A method of playing back audio content with improved immersiveness can include receiving, at a playback device, audio input including vertical content having a high-frequency portion and a low-frequency portion. The playback device can face along a first sound axis and comprise an up-firing transducer configured to direct sound along a second sound axis that is vertically angled with respect to the primary sound axis and a side-firing transducer or array configured to direct sound along a third axis that is horizontally angled with respect to the first sound axis. The low-frequency portion of the vertical content can be played back via the side-firing transducer or array, while the high-frequency portion of the vertical content can be played back via the up-firing transducer.

A method of providing sounds matching an image displayed on a display panel includes: calculating a first object in the image by analyzing digital video data corresponding to the image, and calculating first gain values based on a location of the first object, and applying first gain values to a plurality of sound data; displaying the image on the display panel based on the digital video data; and outputting the plurality of sounds by vibrating the display panel based on the plurality of sound data to which the first gain values applied, using a plurality of sound generating devices.

Systems and methods for audio in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for upmixing audio, including receiving an audio track which includes an input plurality of channels, each channel having an encoded audio signal, decoding the audio signal, calculating a first frequency spectrum for a low frequency component of the signal using a first window, calculating a second frequency spectrum for a high frequency component of the signal using a second window, determining at least one direct signal by estimating panning coefficients, estimating at least one ambient signal based on the at least one direct signal, and generating an output plurality of channels based on the at least one direct signal and the at least one ambient signal.

A method performed a local device that is communicatively coupled with several remote devices, the method includes: receiving, from each remote device with which the local device is engaged in a communication session, an input audio stream; receiving, for each remote device, a set parameters; determining, for each input audio stream, whether the input audio stream is to be 1) rendered individually or 2) rendered as a mix of input audio streams based on the set of parameters; for each input audio stream that is determined to be rendered individually, spatial rendering the input audio stream as an individual virtual sound source that contains only that input audio stream; and for input audio streams that are determined to be rendered as the mix of input audio streams, spatial rendering the mix of input audio streams as a single virtual sound source that contains the mix of input audio streams.

A system and method for creating natural spatial variations in an audio output. At least one parameter in a set of mixer tuning parameters is dynamically modified over time and within a predetermined range that is defined by a set of modification control parameters. The set of mixer tuning parameters that includes the at least one dynamically modified parameter is applied to a mixer allowing the mixer to create natural spatial variations in the audio output to be played at one or more loudspeakers.