# How a Device Renders Immersive Sound Objects Using Speaker Virtualization > Dolby's patent describes an audio processing system that takes individual sound elements, like a buzzing bee, and places them precisely in a 3D space using smart software that makes speakers sound like they are in different locations. - **Patent:** US 10743125 - **Original title:** Audio processing apparatus with channel remapper and object renderer - **Owner:** Dolby Laboratories Licensing - **Granted:** 2020 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 1 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, software, telecommunications, media_entertainment ## What it does This patent describes an audio processing apparatus that handles both traditional multichannel audio and newer object-based audio. It receives various inputs, including "channel metadata," "object metadata," "multichannel audio signals," and "object audio signals" (Claim 1). An audio decoder first processes these signals. Then, a "channel remapper" adjusts traditional multichannel audio to fit the specific speaker setup in a room. Crucially, an "object renderer" takes individual sound objects, like a specific voice or a car engine, and places them in a virtual 3D space. It does this by using the "spatial position and size" information from the object metadata to select a specific "dynamic speaker virtualization algorithm" from many options and then fine-tunes that algorithm to make the sound appear exactly where it should be (Claim 1). Finally, the system outputs these processed audio signals. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover systems that only process traditional multichannel audio without also handling object-based audio signals and their associated metadata. - Does not cover audio rendering systems that use a single, static speaker virtualization algorithm instead of dynamically selecting from multiple options. - Does not cover systems where the speaker virtualization algorithm's parameters are not dynamically controlled based on the audio object's spatial position and size. - Does not cover the physical speaker array setup itself, nor the specific act of reflecting sound off room surfaces, as these are not part of the claims. - Does not cover systems that render audio objects without considering their 'size' parameter, as both 'spatial position and size' are specified for algorithm selection and control (Claim 1). ## The clever bit The truly clever part is the system's ability to dynamically choose and control specific speaker virtualization algorithms based on an audio object's exact spatial position and size. This allows for highly realistic and flexible placement of individual sounds within a listening environment, going beyond fixed channel-based audio. ## Real-world examples 1. Dolby Atmos home theater systems 2. Gaming headsets with spatial audio features 3. Soundbars with virtual surround sound 4. Streaming services offering immersive audio tracks ## Why it matters This technology is fundamental to creating immersive sound experiences in home theaters, gaming, and virtual reality. By precisely placing sounds in a 3D space, it makes movies and games feel more realistic and engaging. Dolby Laboratories, the assignee, is a leader in this field, and this patent contributes to the sophisticated audio processing found in modern entertainment systems. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How a Device Renders Immersive Sound Objects Using Speaker Virtualization cover? Dolby's patent describes an audio processing system that takes individual sound elements, like a buzzing bee, and places them precisely in a 3D space using smart software that makes speakers sound like they are in different locations. ### Who owns patent US 10743125? Dolby Laboratories Licensing owns this patent, granted in 2020. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 26, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 10743125 cited by? This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? This technology is fundamental to creating immersive sound experiences in home theaters, gaming, and virtual reality. By precisely placing sounds in a 3D space, it makes movies and games feel more realistic and engaging. Dolby Laboratories, the assignee, is a leader in this field, and this patent contributes to the sophisticated audio processing found in modern entertainment systems. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover systems that only process traditional multichannel audio without also handling object-based audio signals and their associated metadata. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10743125/audio-processing-apparatus-with-channel-remapper-and-object-renderer **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10743125 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Smart Speaker System Adapts Sound Based on Speaker Placement](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11743673/audio-processing-apparatus-and-method-therefor) — This patent describes an audio system that intelligently chooses how to play different parts of a sound through different speakers, adapting its method based on where each speaker is placed in a room. - [How Smart Speakers Adapt Sound to Your Room and Listening Spot](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11178503/system-for-rendering-and-playback-of-object-based-audio-in-various-listening-env) — This patent describes a system that automatically adjusts how spatial audio sounds in a room by sensing speaker locations, listener position, and room acoustics, then dynamically calibrating the sound output. - [How to Mix Sound for Different Speaker Setups](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12335718/system-and-method-for-adaptive-audio-signal-generation-coding-and-rendering) — This patent describes a system for mixing and playing back audio, allowing sound engineers to precisely control where sounds appear in a room, even preventing sounds from playing through specific speakers. - [How Audio Systems Prioritize Sounds for Better Playback](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11765535/methods-and-systems-for-rendering-audio-based-on-priority) — This patent describes how audio systems can sort sounds into important and less important categories, then use different processing power for each to make complex audio, like movie soundtracks, sound better on various speakers. - [How Speakers Create Overhead Sound from Ceiling Reflections](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10595128/passive-and-active-virtual-height-filter-systems-for-upward-firing-drivers) — This patent describes a system using upward-firing speakers and special sound filters to trick your ears into hearing overhead sounds by reflecting audio off the ceiling.