Efficient representation of spatial audio using perceptual parametrization

Abstract

We introduce a new scheme for simultaneous placement of a number of sources in auditory space. The scheme is based on an assumption about the relevance of localization cues in different critical bands. Given the sum signal of a number of sources, i.e. a monophonic signal, and a set of parameters (side-information) the scheme is capable of generating a binaural signal by spatially placing the sources contained in the monophonic signal. Potential applications for the scheme are multi-talker desktop conferencing and audio coding. Preliminary experimental results suggest that the listener's ability to identify messages in a multi-talker environment significantly improves by enhancing a monophonic signal with the proposed scheme.