Teleconferencing using monophonic audio mixed with positional metadata

摘要

In some embodiments, a method for preparing monophonic audio for transmission to a node of a teleconferencing system, including steps of generating a monophonic mixed audio signal, including by a mixing a metadata signal (e.g., a tone) with monophonic audio indicative of speech by a currently dominant participant in a teleconference, and encoding the mixed audio signal for transmission, where the metadata signal is indicative of an apparent source position for the currently dominant conference participant. Other embodiments include steps of decoding such a transmitted encoded signal to determine the monophonic mixed audio signal, identifying the metadata signal, and determining the apparent source position corresponding to the currently dominant participant from the metadata signal. Other aspects are systems configured to perform any embodiment of the method or steps thereof.

主权项

1. A method for preparing a pulse code modulated, hereinafter “PCM”, monophonic audio signal for transmission to at least one node of a teleconferencing system, wherein the PCM monophonic audio signal is indicative of speech, in a frequency range, by a currently dominant participant in a teleconference, said method including the steps of:
(a) generating a monophonic mixed audio signal, including by adding a tone to the PCM monophonic audio signal, wherein the tone has a frequency in the frequency range and is indicative of an apparent source position of the currently dominant participant in the teleconference; and (b) encoding the mixed audio signal to generate a monophonic encoded audio signal.