Patent ID: 8238563
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
1. A method for single-ended (unintrusive) prediction of perceived spatial quality of sound processing and reproducing equipment, devices, systems or methods (abbreviated DUT (Device under test)), the method of prediction comprising the steps of: providing a DUT, a spatial sound reproduction quality or reproduction of which is to be tested; providing one of a test signal or a transcoded test signal, where the test signal is transcoded to a format appropriate for the DUT to thereby obtain the transcoded test signal; providing said test signal or said transcoded test signal to said DUT; measuring or recording one or more reproduced or processed signals from said DUT; applying one or more metrics to said one or more reproduced or processed signals, where said one or more metrics is/are designed for providing a physical measure of either said spatial quality as a holistic quantity or for providing physical measures of specific auditory attributes related to said spatial quality; during a calibration procedure establishing a relationship or correlation between said physical measure(s) and spatial quality assessments or ratings obtained from listening tests carried out on real listeners; applying said relationship or correlation to the output from one or more of said metrics thereby to obtain a prediction of the perceived spatial quality (holistic or relating to specific spatial attributes) provided by said DUT.