EP0155294A1 - Method of and apparatus for realising spatial sound effects. - Google Patents

Method of and apparatus for realising spatial sound effects.

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Publication number
EP0155294A1
EP0155294A1 EP19840903356 EP84903356A EP0155294A1 EP 0155294 A1 EP0155294 A1 EP 0155294A1 EP 19840903356 EP19840903356 EP 19840903356 EP 84903356 A EP84903356 A EP 84903356A EP 0155294 A1 EP0155294 A1 EP 0155294A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
transformation unit
acoustic
signal
outputs
controlling
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP19840903356
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0155294B1 (en
Inventor
Gabor Polyak
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AT84903356T priority Critical patent/ATE40252T1/en
Publication of EP0155294A1 publication Critical patent/EP0155294A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0155294B1 publication Critical patent/EP0155294B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04S—STEREOPHONIC SYSTEMS 
    • H04S5/00—Pseudo-stereo systems, e.g. in which additional channel signals are derived from monophonic signals by means of phase shifting, time delay or reverberation 
    • H04S5/02—Pseudo-stereo systems, e.g. in which additional channel signals are derived from monophonic signals by means of phase shifting, time delay or reverberation  of the pseudo four-channel type, e.g. in which rear channel signals are derived from two-channel stereo signals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R3/00—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R3/12—Circuits for transducers, loudspeakers or microphones for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04S—STEREOPHONIC SYSTEMS 
    • H04S1/00—Two-channel systems
    • H04S1/002—Non-adaptive circuits, e.g. manually adjustable or static, for enhancing the sound image or the spatial distribution
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04S—STEREOPHONIC SYSTEMS 
    • H04S5/00—Pseudo-stereo systems, e.g. in which additional channel signals are derived from monophonic signals by means of phase shifting, time delay or reverberation 
    • H04S5/005—Pseudo-stereo systems, e.g. in which additional channel signals are derived from monophonic signals by means of phase shifting, time delay or reverberation  of the pseudo five- or more-channel type, e.g. virtual surround

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for realising spatial sound effects especially as a part of a program controlling a theatre performance.
  • the proposed method and apparatus are capable of involving conditions in which the acoustic impression of spatial movements is gained by the listeners.
  • the listeners of a recording made on a gramophone record or on a magnetic tape gain the impression of an acoustic space by different methods.
  • the best known methods are the stereophony and the quadrophony prescribing the use of two and four acoustic radiators, respectively, or by embodiments improved for theatre and other large scale performances of the methods, twice more.
  • the selected acoustic space is divided into parts and these parts comprise the sound detector units producing electromagnetic signals to be recorded.
  • the recording should be reproduced in an arrangement of the acoustic radiators which is similar to that of recording. This requires complicated arrangements not only in recording, but in reproducing.
  • stereophonic and quadrophonic recordings Another requirement to the stereophonic and quadrophonic recordings is to ensure the possibility of reproducing them in monophonic and stereophonic systems and this involves the necessity of taking into account the phase relations in the space in order to avoid the disturbing interference effects during recording. It is known that in the stereophony there is a straight linear section between the acoustic radiators where the impression of an acoustic space can be gained with relatively high fidelity. The quadrophony can be suggested for gaining better subjective impressions, however, with more complicated equipment and higher costs, where it is a special problem that there is no recommendation accepted by the manufacturers and the users which of the possible non-compatible systems should be preferred.
  • Another problem of the stereophony and the quadrophony is the case when a small acoustic space should be reproduced in a large space.
  • the high-quality reproduction requires expensive methods of determining the place and the parameters of the acoustic radiators. This relates especially to the different theatre and other performances realised in large spaces uuder requirement of high sound fidelity,
  • a further problem of the theatre technique lies in the possible lack of synchronous applying the special light, stage, sound and other effects required during the performances.
  • the mentioned effects are controlled generally by different controllers, however, the cooperation between them is given up-to-date only by visual way. This is the source of many problems.
  • the aim of the present invention is to realise a method and an apparatus for induction the high fidelity impression of an acoustic space especially in large spaces, a method and an apparatus which can be a part of a complex system controlling the special effects of a performance.
  • the invention is based on the recognition that the large space reproduction does not really require the application of stereophonic or quadrophonic solutions.
  • a simple recording can be reproduced by means of a higher number of acoustic radiators under the requirement that the sequence of the work and the loudness of the acoustic radiators be given and altered for inducing the impression that the source of the sound is in a well-determined point or in movement.
  • the object of the invention is to make use of the above recognition and to create a method and an apparatus capable of inducing the impression of a sound space especially of a moving sound source on the basis of a simple recording which can be also monopiionic.
  • the object of the invention is a method of realising spatial sound effects, especially for use during theatre and other large space performances, comprising the step of amplifying a signal recorded in an acoustic space and reproducing the amplified signal on more acoustic radiators, and according to the invention including the steps of dividing the recorded signal before amplifying into more parts with summarised acoustic power substantially equal to that of the recorded signal, and reproducing the amplified signals corresponding to the divided signals - in known manner -, wherein using at least four, advantageously eight acoustic radiators for reproducing.
  • the summarized power of divided signal can be less than the power of the recorded signal, however, only with the losses caused by the dividing operation.
  • the sound effect can be repeated very easily when recording the signal on a more-track magnetic tape and recording a control program on another track of the magnetic tape and performing the program during reproduction.
  • the object set can be reached also by an apparatus, comprising a transformation unit with inputs forwarding acoustic information in form of electric signals and a reproducing or recording unit connected to the inputs of transformation unit, 7/herein according to the invention the transformation unit includes controlling means and controlled dividing means wherein the controlled dividing means are equipped with a circuit connected to the output of the controlling means for dividing the electric signal forwarded from the input of the transformation unit substantially without losses and for giving them to at least four, advantageously eight outputs.
  • the transformation unit comprises respective integrators before each output, wherein each integrator is connected via the controlled dividing means and/or directly to at least two inputs of the transformation unit.
  • the transformation unit includes a multiplexer unit and at least two controlled dividing means connected to the outputs of the controlling means to at least two inputs via the multiplexer means and to the outputs over the integrators.
  • the transformation unit comprises a different number of inputs, controlled dividing means and integrators.
  • the controlling means comprise a circuit for periodic generating a sound effect, e.g. a four-phase generator.
  • the complex control of the work of different kinds of equipment used in a theatre can be realised when the controlling means is based on a microprocessor.
  • the method and apparatus as proposed by the invention are capable of displaying an electric signal between more acoustic radiators in order to ensure the impression of different, if desired moving sou ⁇ d sources with high fidelity.
  • the apparatus can be used for controlling different visual and technical elements of a performance, too.
  • Figure the arrangement of the apparatus according to the invention realised with a higher number of inputs.
  • an arrangement should be completed comprising a higher number, e.g. eight acoustic radiators, a signal source and a dividing unit.
  • the signal source is e.g. a more-track magnetic tape recorder with a tape comprising monophonic recording on at least one track. This recording is the basis of the sound effect to be realised.
  • the signal recorded on the tape is reproduced and the signal won by this way is forwarded to the dividing unit.
  • This unit is characterised by the fact that the signal can be divided substantially without losses into more parts as desired, These parts can be of equal or different power values according to the .equirements.
  • the obtained part signal can be amplified and so should be forwarded into the acoustic radiators.
  • the division means that the spunds taken fron the monophonic recording are reproduced on the acoustic radiators in a time sequence and with acoustic power chosen according to the sound effect to be realised. This requires of course that the spatial arrangement of the acoustic radiators be taken into account. Having a monophonic recording of a moving plane to be reproduced with the spatial effect of moving at least two, e.g. seven acoustic radiators should be arranged on each side of the auditorium along a straight line. During reproduction the recording the acoustic radiators on the both side should be driven after each other with equal acoustic power.
  • the listener sitting between the two lines of the acoustic radiators gains the impression of a plane flying over his head and moving away to the middle line of the radiators. If changing the acoustic power of the radiators the impression of movement along a curved line can be induced in the listener,
  • the method according to the invention can be used for recording acoustic signals to be used later during the performances. In this case it is desired to use a more-track magnetic tape recorder and a track of the tape can be applied for recording a program. It is also possible to record on the tracks the different signals to be reproduced on different acoustic radiators.
  • the signals of the different tracks can be performed by different dividing units the output signals of which can be integrated according to a predetermined program. In this way very sophisticated acoustic spatial effe cts can be realised.
  • the apparatus according to the invention ( Figure) is capable of realising the proposed method and consists of two main parts, i.e. a transformation unit A and a reproducing or recording unit B.
  • the transformation unit A is connected over inputs 6 with sound signal sources 1, e.g. magnetic tape recorders and/or sound sensitive means, as microphon. It includes a multiplexer M connected to a controlled dividing means 2 driven by controlling means 5-» The outputs of the controlled dividing means 2 are connected directly or over integrators 3 to outputs 7 of the transformation unit A and thereby to the inputs of the unit B.
  • This unit includes amplifiers 4 for dividing sound radiators 9 or a magnetic tape recorder for registrating on more tracks.
  • the desired sound effects can generally be realised on the basis of four acoustic radiators 9, however, according to the experience it is more convenient to use a higher number, e.g. eight radiators 9.
  • the sound effect to be realised may require a higher and a lower number of the acoustic radiators, then eight, however, their number is not lower then four.
  • the multiplexer M is arranged between the inputs 6 and the corresponding controlled dividing means 2.
  • the multiplexer M and the controlled dividing means 2 may have control inputs and can be connected thereby, too.
  • the multiplexer M has the object to combine the signals received from the inputs 6 in a predetermined manner, i.e. the outputs of the multiplexer M forward signals produced by mixing the signals of different inputs 6.
  • the mixed signals are divided in the controlled dividing means 2 connected to the integrators 3,
  • the number of the integrators 3 is advantageously equal to the number of the inputs of the unit B, i.e. the sound radiators 9 with amplifiers 4 or the tracks to be used in a magnetic tape recorders.
  • the integrators 3 are connected to a higher number of the controlled dividing means 2.
  • All embodiments of the transformation unit A can be characterized by lack of amplifying or attenuation wherein the only energy dissipation is the consequence of the use of passive different electric elements.
  • the number of the controlled dividing means 2 and integrators 3 can be different. It is possible to use more integrators 3 wherefrom several are connected to some of the controlled dividing means 2. This is also a possibility of realising special sound effects.
  • Another embodiment will include integrators 3 connected directly to respective inputs 6, This is an advantageous solution when a special noise or music should be reproduced without any spatial effect (background noise or music), As mentioned the multiplexer M and the controlled dividing means 2 shouldn't cause any information. losses - they are neither amplifiers nor attenuators and are aimed only for dividing the input signals into respective parts.
  • This division can be done with continouos change of the acoustic power (the impression of dissolving one sound into another or of continouos movement) or in discrete steps, if necessary at the same time for the different acoustic radiators.
  • the controlling means 5 can be a very simple unit with potentiometers for regulation of the acoustic power if the apparatus should be used only for realisation of simple sound effects. It may include also circuit elements for repeated applying a defined sound effect. For example a four-phase generator can be very helpful if the impression of a sound source moving along the line of the radiators around the listener should be realised.
  • the more developed embodiment of the controlling means 5 includes a microprocessor unit having a program for controlling different units over controlling outputs 8. These units can be e.g. the sound signal sources 1 during recording or interface units 10, 11 producing commands for light controller and stage craft controller in a theatre. In this way it is possible to create a complex controlling system for a theatre which can realise according to a predetermined program all special effects required during the performance. Of course, a smoke generator and other units can be controlled in this way, too, and if required the other mechanical theatre equipment as well.
  • the equipment can include e.g. the ventillation and heating, etc.
  • the most developed embodiment of the controlling means 5 is a computer the use of which is required, horarer, in cases when a high amount of information should be processed during realisation different tasks, as special sound, light and other effects, operating the stage craft etc.
  • the noise/signal value has been as high as 90 dB, the distortion of the signal has remained as low as 0,2 %.
  • signals corresponding to two sound sources can be divided into eight parts, for respec ⁇ ve eight acoustic radiators.
  • the method and apparatus according to the invention render realisation of high fidelity spatial sound effects possible.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Stereophonic System (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Signal Processing Not Specific To The Method Of Recording And Reproducing (AREA)
  • Soundproofing, Sound Blocking, And Sound Damping (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne la réalisation d'effets sonores spatiaux, et l'objet de celle-ci est de diviser un ou plusieurs signaux enregistrés avant amplification pour leur reproduction en plusieurs parties avec une puissance réduite sensiblement égale à celle du signal enregistré et la reproduction des parties du signal divisé avec au moins quatre radiateurs acoustiques. L'appareil comprend une unité de transformation (A) et une unité de reproduction ou enregistrement (B), l'unité de transformation (A) comprenant des moyens de commande (5) et des moyens de division commandés (2). Les moyens de division commandés (2) sont équipés d'un circuit connecté à la sortie du moyen de commande (5) pour diviser le signal électrique envoyé depuis l'entrée (6) de l'unité de transformation (A) sensiblement sans pertes pour au moins quatre, avantageusement huit sorties (7).The invention relates to the production of spatial sound effects, and the object thereof is to divide one or more signals recorded before amplification for their reproduction into several parts with a reduced power substantially equal to that of the recorded signal and the reproduction. parts of the divided signal with at least four acoustic radiators. The apparatus comprises a transformation unit (A) and a reproduction or recording unit (B), the transformation unit (A) comprising control means (5) and controlled division means (2). The controlled division means (2) are equipped with a circuit connected to the output of the control means (5) for dividing the electrical signal sent from the input (6) of the transformation unit (A) substantially without losses for at least four, advantageously eight outputs (7).

Description

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR REALISING SPATIAL SOUND EEFECTS
The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for realising spatial sound effects especially as a part of a program controlling a theatre performance. The proposed method and apparatus are capable of involving conditions in which the acoustic impression of spatial movements is gained by the listeners.
The listeners of a recording made on a gramophone record or on a magnetic tape gain the impression of an acoustic space by different methods. The best known methods are the stereophony and the quadrophony prescribing the use of two and four acoustic radiators, respectively, or by embodiments improved for theatre and other large scale performances of the methods, twice more. In the case of the basic embodiments the selected acoustic space is divided into parts and these parts comprise the sound detector units producing electromagnetic signals to be recorded. The recording should be reproduced in an arrangement of the acoustic radiators which is similar to that of recording. This requires complicated arrangements not only in recording, but in reproducing. Another requirement to the stereophonic and quadrophonic recordings is to ensure the possibility of reproducing them in monophonic and stereophonic systems and this involves the necessity of taking into account the phase relations in the space in order to avoid the disturbing interference effects during recording. It is known that in the stereophony there is a straight linear section between the acoustic radiators where the impression of an acoustic space can be gained with relatively high fidelity. The quadrophony can be suggested for gaining better subjective impressions, however, with more complicated equipment and higher costs, where it is a special problem that there is no recommendation accepted by the manufacturers and the users which of the possible non-compatible systems should be preferred.
Another problem of the stereophony and the quadrophony is the case when a small acoustic space should be reproduced in a large space. The high-quality reproduction requires expensive methods of determining the place and the parameters of the acoustic radiators. This relates especially to the different theatre and other performances realised in large spaces uuder requirement of high sound fidelity,
A further problem of the theatre technique lies in the possible lack of synchronous applying the special light, stage, sound and other effects required during the performances. The mentioned effects are controlled generally by different controllers, however, the cooperation between them is given up-to-date only by visual way. This is the source of many problems.
The aim of the present invention is to realise a method and an apparatus for induction the high fidelity impression of an acoustic space especially in large spaces, a method and an apparatus which can be a part of a complex system controlling the special effects of a performance.
The invention is based on the recognition that the large space reproduction does not really require the application of stereophonic or quadrophonic solutions. A simple recording can be reproduced by means of a higher number of acoustic radiators under the requirement that the sequence of the work and the loudness of the acoustic radiators be given and altered for inducing the impression that the source of the sound is in a well-determined point or in movement.
The object of the invention is to make use of the above recognition and to create a method and an apparatus capable of inducing the impression of a sound space especially of a moving sound source on the basis of a simple recording which can be also monopiionic.
Thus, the object of the invention is a method of realising spatial sound effects, especially for use during theatre and other large space performances, comprising the step of amplifying a signal recorded in an acoustic space and reproducing the amplified signal on more acoustic radiators, and according to the invention including the steps of dividing the recorded signal before amplifying into more parts with summarised acoustic power substantially equal to that of the recorded signal, and reproducing the amplified signals corresponding to the divided signals - in known manner -, wherein using at least four, advantageously eight acoustic radiators for reproducing. The summarized power of divided signal can be less than the power of the recorded signal, however, only with the losses caused by the dividing operation.
More complicated sound effects can be realised when reproducing signals recorded according to the acoustic space of more sound sources.
The sound effect can be repeated very easily when recording the signal on a more-track magnetic tape and recording a control program on another track of the magnetic tape and performing the program during reproduction.
The complex control of effects and other operations required in a theatre not only during performances can be realised in this way it is especially advantageous to control the light effects and the stage craft during realising the spatial sound effects.
The object set can be reached also by an apparatus, comprising a transformation unit with inputs forwarding acoustic information in form of electric signals and a reproducing or recording unit connected to the inputs of transformation unit, 7/herein according to the invention the transformation unit includes controlling means and controlled dividing means wherein the controlled dividing means are equipped with a circuit connected to the output of the controlling means for dividing the electric signal forwarded from the input of the transformation unit substantially without losses and for giving them to at least four, advantageously eight outputs.
It is advantageous for reproducing more recordings when the transformation unit comprises respective integrators before each output, wherein each integrator is connected via the controlled dividing means and/or directly to at least two inputs of the transformation unit.
More complicated sound effects can be realised, if necessary by mixing, when the transformation unit includes a multiplexer unit and at least two controlled dividing means connected to the outputs of the controlling means to at least two inputs via the multiplexer means and to the outputs over the integrators.
In another advantageous embodiment of the invented apparatus the transformation unit comprises a different number of inputs, controlled dividing means and integrators. Well-defined sound effects can be realised if the controlling means comprise a circuit for periodic generating a sound effect, e.g. a four-phase generator. The complex control of the work of different kinds of equipment used in a theatre can be realised when the controlling means is based on a microprocessor. In this case it is advantageous to equip the transformation unit with controlling outputs connected to outputs of the controlling means and to units generating control signals for a light controller, a stage craft controller and other equipment.
The method and apparatus as proposed by the invention are capable of displaying an electric signal between more acoustic radiators in order to ensure the impression of different, if desired moving souαd sources with high fidelity. On the basis of the method the apparatus can be used for controlling different visual and technical elements of a performance, too.
The invention will be described now, purely by way of example, on the basis of some embodiments with reference to the accompanying drav/ings including a unique
Figure: the arrangement of the apparatus according to the invention realised with a higher number of inputs. In order to realise the proposed method an arrangement should be completed comprising a higher number, e.g. eight acoustic radiators, a signal source and a dividing unit. The signal source is e.g. a more-track magnetic tape recorder with a tape comprising monophonic recording on at least one track. This recording is the basis of the sound effect to be realised. The signal recorded on the tape is reproduced and the signal won by this way is forwarded to the dividing unit. This unit is characterised by the fact that the signal can be divided substantially without losses into more parts as desired, These parts can be of equal or different power values according to the .equirements. The obtained part signal can be amplified and so should be forwarded into the acoustic radiators. The division means that the spunds taken fron the monophonic recording are reproduced on the acoustic radiators in a time sequence and with acoustic power chosen according to the sound effect to be realised. This requires of course that the spatial arrangement of the acoustic radiators be taken into account. Having a monophonic recording of a moving plane to be reproduced with the spatial effect of moving at least two, e.g. seven acoustic radiators should be arranged on each side of the auditorium along a straight line. During reproduction the recording the acoustic radiators on the both side should be driven after each other with equal acoustic power. The listener sitting between the two lines of the acoustic radiators gains the impression of a plane flying over his head and moving away to the middle line of the radiators. If changing the acoustic power of the radiators the impression of movement along a curved line can be induced in the listener, The method according to the invention can be used for recording acoustic signals to be used later during the performances. In this case it is desired to use a more-track magnetic tape recorder and a track of the tape can be applied for recording a program. It is also possible to record on the tracks the different signals to be reproduced on different acoustic radiators.
The signals of the different tracks can be performed by different dividing units the output signals of which can be integrated according to a predetermined program. In this way very sophisticated acoustic spatial effe cts can be realised.
The apparatus according to the invention (Figure) is capable of realising the proposed method and consists of two main parts, i.e. a transformation unit A and a reproducing or recording unit B. The transformation unit A is connected over inputs 6 with sound signal sources 1, e.g. magnetic tape recorders and/or sound sensitive means, as microphon. It includes a multiplexer M connected to a controlled dividing means 2 driven by controlling means 5-» The outputs of the controlled dividing means 2 are connected directly or over integrators 3 to outputs 7 of the transformation unit A and thereby to the inputs of the unit B. This unit includes amplifiers 4 for dividing sound radiators 9 or a magnetic tape recorder for registrating on more tracks. The desired sound effects can generally be realised on the basis of four acoustic radiators 9, however, according to the experience it is more convenient to use a higher number, e.g. eight radiators 9. Of course the sound effect to be realised may require a higher and a lower number of the acoustic radiators, then eight, however, their number is not lower then four.
There is a variety of circuit arrangeme nts of the transformation unit A possible. The main distinguishing feature can be seen in the number of the controlled dividing means 2 used.
If ody one controlled dividing means 2 are in the apparatus there is no need to use the multiplexer M and the controlled dividing means 2 are connected directly to the inputs 6 for dividing the electric signals which should correspond to only one sound source. This is the most simple embodiment and the outputs 7 of the transformation unit A can be connected directly to the controlled dividing means 2 for driving the unit B. With a higher number of controlled dividing means 2 it is possible to have sound effects on the basis of higher number of sound signal sources 1. Of course this embodiment should allow the realisation of more complicated sound effects then that comprising one controlled dividing means 2. In this case the multiplexer M is arranged between the inputs 6 and the corresponding controlled dividing means 2. The multiplexer M and the controlled dividing means 2 may have control inputs and can be connected thereby, too. The multiplexer M has the object to combine the signals received from the inputs 6 in a predetermined manner, i.e. the outputs of the multiplexer M forward signals produced by mixing the signals of different inputs 6. The mixed signals are divided in the controlled dividing means 2 connected to the integrators 3, The number of the integrators 3 is advantageously equal to the number of the inputs of the unit B, i.e. the sound radiators 9 with amplifiers 4 or the tracks to be used in a magnetic tape recorders. The integrators 3 are connected to a higher number of the controlled dividing means 2.
All embodiments of the transformation unit A can be characterized by lack of amplifying or attenuation wherein the only energy dissipation is the consequence of the use of passive different electric elements. The number of the controlled dividing means 2 and integrators 3 can be different. It is possible to use more integrators 3 wherefrom several are connected to some of the controlled dividing means 2. This is also a possibility of realising special sound effects. Another embodiment will include integrators 3 connected directly to respective inputs 6, This is an advantageous solution when a special noise or music should be reproduced without any spatial effect (background noise or music), As mentioned the multiplexer M and the controlled dividing means 2 shouldn't cause any information. losses - they are neither amplifiers nor attenuators and are aimed only for dividing the input signals into respective parts. This division can be done with continouos change of the acoustic power (the impression of dissolving one sound into another or of continouos movement) or in discrete steps, if necessary at the same time for the different acoustic radiators.
The controlling means 5 can be a very simple unit with potentiometers for regulation of the acoustic power if the apparatus should be used only for realisation of simple sound effects. It may include also circuit elements for repeated applying a defined sound effect. For example a four-phase generator can be very helpful if the impression of a sound source moving along the line of the radiators around the listener should be realised.
The more developed embodiment of the controlling means 5 includes a microprocessor unit having a program for controlling different units over controlling outputs 8. These units can be e.g. the sound signal sources 1 during recording or interface units 10, 11 producing commands for light controller and stage craft controller in a theatre. In this way it is possible to create a complex controlling system for a theatre which can realise according to a predetermined program all special effects required during the performance. Of course, a smoke generator and other units can be controlled in this way, too, and if required the other mechanical theatre equipment as well. The equipment can include e.g. the ventillation and heating, etc.
The most developed embodiment of the controlling means 5 is a computer the use of which is required, horarer, in cases when a high amount of information should be processed during realisation different tasks, as special sound, light and other effects, operating the stage craft etc.
In a realised embodiment of the proposed apparatus the noise/signal value has been as high as 90 dB, the distortion of the signal has remained as low as 0,2 %. In this apparatus signals corresponding to two sound sources can be divided into eight parts, for respecϋve eight acoustic radiators.
The method and apparatus according to the invention render realisation of high fidelity spatial sound effects possible.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. Method of realising spatial sound effects, comprising the steps of amplifying a signal recorded in an acoustic space and reproducing the amplified signal on more acoustic radiators, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in the steps of dividing the recorded signal before amplifying into more parts with summarized acoustic power substantially equal to that of the recorded signal, and reproducing the amplified signals corresponding to the divided signals, wherein using at least four, advantageously eight acoustic radiators for reproducing.
2. Method of claim 1, c h ar a c t e r i s e d in reproducing signals recorded according to the acoustic space of more sound sources.
3, Method of claim 1 or 2, ch ara c t e r i s e d in recording the signal on a more-track magnetic tape and recording a control program on another track of the magnetic tape and performing the program during reproduction.
4. Method of claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in controlling the light effects and the stage craft during realising the spatial sound effects.
5. Apparatus for realising spatial sound effects, especially for theatre performances, comprising a transformation unit with input forwarding acoustic information in form of electric signals and a reproducing or recording unit connected to the inputs of transformation unit, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the transformation unit (A) includes controlling means (5) and controlled dividing means (2) wherein the controlled dividing means (2) are equipped with a circuit connected to the output of the controlling means (5) for dividing the electric signal forwarded from the input (β) of the transformation unit (A) substantially without losses for at least four, advantageous ly eight outputs (7),
6, Apparatus according to claim 5, c h ar a c t e r i s e d in that the transformation unit (A) comprises integrators (3) before the outputs (7), wherein each integrators (3) is connected via the controlled dividing means (2) and if necessary directly to at least two inputs (6) of the transformation unit (A),
7, Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, c h ar a c t e r i s e d in that the transformation unit (A) includes at least two controlled dividing means (2) connected to the outputs of the controlling means (5) over a multiplexer (M) to at least two inputs (6) and via the integrators (3) to the outputs (7).
8, Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the transformation unit (A) comprises a different number of inputs (6), controlled dividing means (2) and integrators (3).
9, Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the controlling means (5) comprise a circuit for periodic generating a sound effect, e.g. a four-phase generator.
10, Apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 8, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the controlling means (5) is based on a microprocessor.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the transformation unit (A) comprises controlling outputs (8) connected to the controlling means (5)»
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the controlling outputs
(8) are connected to units (10, 11) generating control signal or a light controller and a stage craft controller.
EP19840903356 1983-09-07 1984-09-07 Method of and apparatus for realising spatial sound effects Expired EP0155294B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT84903356T ATE40252T1 (en) 1983-09-07 1984-09-07 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REPRESENTING SPATIAL SOUND EFFECTS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
HU311083 1983-09-07
HU311083A HU190912B (en) 1983-09-07 1983-09-07 Method and apparatus for making stereoscopic sound effects

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EP0155294A1 true EP0155294A1 (en) 1985-09-25
EP0155294B1 EP0155294B1 (en) 1989-01-18

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EP (1) EP0155294B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS60502275A (en)
AU (1) AU3392784A (en)
DE (1) DE3476313D1 (en)
HU (1) HU190912B (en)
WO (1) WO1985001177A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6068800A (en) * 1983-09-22 1985-04-19 Casio Comput Co Ltd Music sound controller
FR2616288B1 (en) * 1987-06-05 1996-08-02 Vigneron Dominique SOUND METHOD AND DEVICE HAVING SOUND DISTRIBUTION TO A PLURALITY OF SPEAKERS FROM ANOTHER PLURALITY OF SOURCES
FR2688371B1 (en) * 1992-03-03 1997-05-23 France Telecom METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ARTIFICIAL SPATIALIZATION OF AUDIO-DIGITAL SIGNALS.
GB2378876B (en) * 2001-08-13 2005-06-15 1 Ltd Controller interface for directional sound system
AU2003286414A1 (en) * 2003-12-02 2005-06-24 Shihora Leonie A moving sound amplifier

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CA942198A (en) * 1970-09-15 1974-02-19 Kazuho Ohta Multidimensional stereophonic reproducing system
US3824342A (en) * 1972-05-09 1974-07-16 Rca Corp Omnidirectional sound field reproducing system
DE2341342A1 (en) * 1973-08-16 1975-02-20 Rudi Werner Musical reproduction system - has sound source periodically switched to different characteristic loudspeakers to give lively effect
DE2605056C2 (en) * 1975-03-13 1991-11-28 Deutsche Post Rundfunk- und Fernsehtechnisches Zentralamt, DDR 1199 Berlin Method and arrangement for directional electro-acoustic sound transmission
DE2731206A1 (en) * 1977-07-11 1979-01-25 Reinhard Gigge Punch tape control head attachment for tape recorders - is used to control tape recorder by reading punch tape pulses
EP0036337B1 (en) * 1980-03-19 1985-02-20 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Sound reproducing system having sonic image localization networks
FI811642A0 (en) * 1981-05-28 1981-05-28 Pekka Helkama APPARAT FOER BILDANDE AV MAONGKANALSIGNAL UR STEREOSIGNAL

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See references of WO8501177A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1985001177A1 (en) 1985-03-14
JPS60502275A (en) 1985-12-26
HU190912B (en) 1986-12-28
EP0155294B1 (en) 1989-01-18
DE3476313D1 (en) 1989-02-23
AU3392784A (en) 1985-03-29
HUT37322A (en) 1985-11-28

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