Patent ID: 6813360
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: H04R

Abstract:
A three-dimensional audio conferencing method for distinguishing between two or more conferees for use with equipment capable of reproducing a three-dimensional or stereo audio stream comprising:for each of said two or more conferees, generating an audio image, where each of said two or more conferees is assigned, respective of the other two or more conferees, a central listening position of said audio image, said other two or more conferees assigned a different three-dimensional position within said audio image respective of said central listening position; receiving two or more audio streams, wherein each one of said two or more audio streams corresponds to one of said two or more conferees; encoding said two or more audio streams with said three-dimensional position corresponding to said two or more conferees to produce two or more encoded audio streams; for each of said two or more conferees, mixing the other two or more encoded audio streams corresponding to the other two or more conferees to produce a listening position mixed audio streams; for each one of said two or more conferees assigned to said listening position within said corresponding one of said two or more audio images, receiving said listening position mixed audio stream; and reproducing said other two or more mixed audio streams contained in said listening position mixed audio stream on said equipment to reproduce said three-dimensional positions and audio streams of said other two or more conferees, wherein said other two or more mixed audio streams and said three-dimensional positions do not change position during said audio conferencing.