Audio Processing Device, System, Use and Method

摘要

AUDIO PROCESSING DEVICE, SYSTEM, USE AND METHOD The application relates to an audio processing device comprising a) an input unit for converting a time domain input signal to a number Ni of input frequency bands and b) an output unit for converting a number No of output frequency bands to a time domain output signal. The application further relates to the use of such device and to a method of processing an input audio signal. The object of the present application is to provide a flexible audio processing scheme, e.g. adapted to characteristics of the input signal. The problem is solved in that c) a signal processing unit adapted to process the input signal in a number Np of processing channels, the number Np of processing channels being smaller than the number Ni of input frequency bands, d) a frequency band allocation unit for allocating input frequency bands to processing channels, e) a frequency band redistribution unit for redistributing processing channels to output frequency bands, and f) a control unit for dynamically controlling the allocation of input frequency bands to processing channels and the redistribution of processing channels to output frequency bands. This has the advantage of allowing the audio processing to be optimized to a particular acoustic environment and/or to a user's needs (e.g. hearing impairment) with a view to minimizing power consumption and/or processing frequency resolution. The invention may e.g. be used in applications where processing resources are limited, e.g. in portable devices subject to size and/or power consumption constraints. (Fig. 3 should be published) IFBNI OFBNO IN -1-. IU C-BC&PU OU OUT IFB1 X OFB, oX-CNT FIG. 1a IN - U BC&PU OU OUT IFB Nc TCNT OFB, X-CNT FIG. 1b IFBNI OFBNO IN U BC&PU OU OUT IFB, Nc CNT OFB, X-CNT FIG. 1c