US4748669A — Stereo enhancement system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 174 words

A stereo image enhancement system for use in a stereo system having respective left and right signals, comprising: means for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal and for providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal; processing means responsive to said sum and difference signals for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal within respective predetermined frequency bands so as to boost difference signal components as an inverse function of the level of difference signal components within said respective frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, and for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal within said respective predetermined bands so as to boost sum signal components as a function of the level of difference signal components within said respective frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal; and means for combining said processed difference signal, said processed sum signal, and the left and right signals to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 174 words

A stereo image enhancement system for use in a stereo system having respective left and right signals, comprising: means for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal and for providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal; processing means responsive to said sum and difference signals for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal within respective predetermined frequency bands so as to boost difference signal components as an inverse function of the level of difference signal components within said respective frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, and for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal within said respective predetermined bands so as to boost sum signal components as a function of the level of difference signal components within said respective frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal; and means for combining said processed difference signal, said processed sum signal, and the left and right signals to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 140 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 1 wherein said processing means comprises: analytical means for analyzing the frequency spectrum of said difference signal for providing control signals respectively associated with said predetermined frequency bands as a function of the amplitudes of components of said difference signal within said respective frequency bands; first equalizing means responsive to said control signals for attenuating components of said difference signal as a function of said control signals so that louder components of said difference signal are attenuated more than quieter components of said difference signal; second equalizing means responsive to said control signals for boosting components of said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands as a function of said control signals to provide said processed sum signal; and control means for amplifying said attenuated difference signal to provide said processed difference signal.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 23 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 2 wherein said first equalizing means further provides predetermined fixed attenuation of selected difference signal components.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 24 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 3 wherein said selected difference signal components include difference signal components between 1 KHz and 4 KHz.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 56 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 2 wherein said control means amplifies said attenuated difference signal as a function of the magnitude of the said processed difference signal relative to that of the sum signal to provide a substantially consistent stereo image for differing amounts of stereo information contained in said left and right signals.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 25 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 5 wherein said control means maintains said processed difference signal and said sum signal at a constant ratio.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 53 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 6 wherein said control means comprises: means for amplifying said attenuated difference signal to provide said processed difference signal; and gain control means responsive to said sum signal and said processed difference signal for controlling the gain of said amplifying means to maintain said constant ratio.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 60 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 2 wherein said control means further monitors the relative magnitudes of said sum signal and said difference signal to detect conditions indicative of the presence of artificial reverberation, and controls said second equalizing means pursuant to detection of conditions indicative of the presence of artificial reverberation to compensate the effects of artificial reverberation.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 41 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 8 wherein said control means controls said second equalizing means to provide further attenuation in selected ones of said predetermined frequency bands pursuant to detection of conditions indicative of the presence of artificial reverberation.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 37 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 9 wherein said control means further controls said first equalizing means pursuant to detection of conditions indicative of the presence of artificial reverberation to compensate the effects of artificial reverberation.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 41 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 10 wherein said control means controls said first equalizing means to provide further boost in selected ones of said predetermined frequency bands pursuant to detection of conditions indicative of the presence of artificial reverberation.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 41 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 11 wherein said control means monitors the ratio between said sum signal and said difference signal, and controls said first equalizing means and said second equalizing means when said ratio exceeds a predetermined value.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 15 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 2 wherein said analytical means comprises a spectrum analyzer.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 27 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 13 wherein said first and second equalizing means respectively comprise a first multi-band dynamic equalizer and a second multi-band dynamic equalizer.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 41 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 14 wherein said spectrum analyzer and said first and second multi-band dynamic equalizers respectively include predetermined frequency bands centered at 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 KHz, 2 KHz, 4 KHz, and 8 KHz.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 209 words

A stereo enhancement system for use with a stereo sound reproduction system having respective left and right signals, comprising: means for providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal and for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal; analytical means responsive to said difference signal for determining the frequency content of said difference signal; first equalizing means responsive to said analytical means for selectively attenuating components of said difference signal as a function of the frequency content of said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, said first equalizing means being effective to boost artificial reverberation in said difference signal; second equalizing means responsive to said analytical means for selectively boosting components of said sum signal as a function of the frequency content of corresponding components of said difference signal to provide a processed sum signal; enhancement and reverberation control means for controlling the ratio between said sum signal and said processed difference signal, and for controlling said first and second equalizing means to compensate for said boost of artificial reverberation; and means for selectively combining said processed sum signal, said processed difference signal, and the left and right signals to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 209 words

A stereo enhancement system for use with a stereo sound reproduction system having respective left and right signals, comprising: means for providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal and for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal; analytical means responsive to said difference signal for determining the frequency content of said difference signal; first equalizing means responsive to said analytical means for selectively attenuating components of said difference signal as a function of the frequency content of said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, said first equalizing means being effective to boost artificial reverberation in said difference signal; second equalizing means responsive to said analytical means for selectively boosting components of said sum signal as a function of the frequency content of corresponding components of said difference signal to provide a processed sum signal; enhancement and reverberation control means for controlling the ratio between said sum signal and said processed difference signal, and for controlling said first and second equalizing means to compensate for said boost of artificial reverberation; and means for selectively combining said processed sum signal, said processed difference signal, and the left and right signals to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 146 words

A stereo enhancement system for use with a stereo sound reproduction system having respective left and right signals, comprising: means for providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal and for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal; processing means responsive to said sum and difference signals for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost selected difference signal components relative to other difference signal components to provide a processed difference signal, and for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal so as to boost selected sum signal components relative to other sum signal components to provide a processed sum signal; and means for combining said processed sum and difference signals and the left and right signals to provide processed left and right signals.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 146 words

A stereo enhancement system for use with a stereo sound reproduction system having respective left and right signals, comprising: means for providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal and for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal; processing means responsive to said sum and difference signals for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost selected difference signal components relative to other difference signal components to provide a processed difference signal, and for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal so as to boost selected sum signal components relative to other sum signal components to provide a processed sum signal; and means for combining said processed sum and difference signals and the left and right signals to provide processed left and right signals.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 102 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 17 wherein said processing means comprises: first equalizing means for selectively attenuating difference signal components so as to attenuate frequencies that statistically include louder components more than frequencies that statistically include quieter components; and second equalizing means for selectively passing sum signal components within a predetermined frequency range which statistically includes said louder difference signal components, and for attenuating sum signal components outside said predetermined frequency range; control means for amplifying said selectively passed sum signal to provide said processed sum signal and for amplifying said selectively attenuated difference signal to provide said processed difference signal.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 25 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 18 wherein said first and second equalizing means respectively include a first fixed equalizer and a second fixed equalizer.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 50 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 18 wherein said control means selectively amplifies said selectively attenuated difference signal as a function of its magnitude relative to that of the sum signal to provide a substantially consistent stereo image for differing amounts of stereo information in said left and right signals.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 24 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 20 wherein said control means maintains said amplified difference signal and said sum signal at a constant ratio.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 47 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 21 wherein said control means comprises: means for amplifying said selectively attenuated difference signal; and gain control means responsive to said sum signal and said amplified difference signal for controlling the gain of said amplifying means to maintain said constant ratio.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 63 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 18 wherein said processing means is effective to boost artificial reverberation in said difference signal, and wherein said control means monitors the relative magnitudes of said sum signal and said difference signal to detect conditions indicative of the presence of artificial reverberation, and further filters said amplified difference signal to compensate for said boost of artificial reverberation.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 34 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 23 wherein said control means further includes a variable rejection filter for variably attenuating selected components of said amplified difference signal to compensate the effects of artificial reverberation.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 25 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 24 wherein said control means further amplifies said selectively passed sum signal to compensate the effects of artificial reverberation.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 30 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 25 wherein said control means includes a gain controlled amplifier for amplifying said selectively passed sum signal to compensate the effects of artificial reverberation.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 40 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 26 wherein said control means monitors the ratio between said sum signal and said difference signal, and controls said variable rejection filter and said gain controlled amplifier when said ratio exceeds a predetermined amount.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 177 words

A sound perspective correction system for use in a stereo system having respective left and right signals, comprising: means for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal and for providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal; first means for equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said first equalizing means selectively attenuating said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands when the sound perspective correction system is utilized with headphones or speakers located to the sides of the listener; second means for equalizing said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said second equalizing means selectively boosting said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands when the sound perspective correction system is utilized with speakers located in front of the listener; and means for combining either (a) said processed sum signal and said difference signal, or (b) said sum signal and said processed difference signal to provide processed left and right signals.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 177 words

A sound perspective correction system for use in a stereo system having respective left and right signals, comprising: means for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal and for providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal; first means for equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said first equalizing means selectively attenuating said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands when the sound perspective correction system is utilized with headphones or speakers located to the sides of the listener; second means for equalizing said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said second equalizing means selectively boosting said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands when the sound perspective correction system is utilized with speakers located in front of the listener; and means for combining either (a) said processed sum signal and said difference signal, or (b) said sum signal and said processed difference signal to provide processed left and right signals.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 29 words

The second perspective correction system of claim 28 wherein said first equalizing means includes a first fixed equalizer, and wherein said second equalizing means includes a second fixed equalizer.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 23 words

The sound perspective correction system of claim 29 wherein said first and second fixed equalizers have equalization bands of about one-third octave width.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 20 words

The sound perspective correction system of claim 30 wherein said first and second fixed equalizers, respectively, have three equalization bands.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 23 words

The sound perspective correction system of claim 31 wherein said three equalization bands are centered at 500 Hz, 1 KHz, and 8 KHz.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 212 words

A method of deriving stereo enhanced signals from the left and right signals of a stereo sound system comprising the steps of: a. electronically added said left and right signals so as to generate a sum signal, and electronically subtracting one of said left and right signals from the other to generate a difference signal; b. creating a processed sum signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal within respective predetermined frequency bands so as to enhance those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of highest difference signal component amplitudes relative to those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of lowest difference signal component amplitudes; c. creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands so as to deemphasize those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are highest relative to those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are the lowest; and d. combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 212 words

A method of deriving stereo enhanced signals from the left and right signals of a stereo sound system comprising the steps of: a. electronically added said left and right signals so as to generate a sum signal, and electronically subtracting one of said left and right signals from the other to generate a difference signal; b. creating a processed sum signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal within respective predetermined frequency bands so as to enhance those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of highest difference signal component amplitudes relative to those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of lowest difference signal component amplitudes; c. creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands so as to deemphasize those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are highest relative to those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are the lowest; and d. combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 81 words

The method of claim 33 wherein said steps of creating processed sum and difference signals are augmented by the step of electronically analyzing the frequency spectrum of said difference signal and generating a set of control signals as a function of the amplitudes of said difference signal within said respective predetermined frequency bands, and utilizing said control signals to determine the extent to which the amplitudes of components of said sum and difference signals are altered within said respective frequency bands.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method of claim 33 including the additional step of continually and automatically amplifying said processed difference signal as a function of its magnitude relative to that of said sum signal so as to maintain a substantially consistent stereo separation between said left and right signals for differing amounts of stereo information within said left and right signals.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of claim 35 wherein said step of continually and automatically amplifying said processed difference signal is performed so as to maintain a constant ratio between said processed difference signal and said sum signal.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 66 words

The method of claim 33 wherein said step of creating a processed difference signal boosts artificial reverberation information in said difference signal, and including the additional step of selectively boosting components of said sum signal, and selectively attenuating components of said difference signal within selected ones of said predetermined frequency bands in order to compensate for inappropriate boosting of artificial reverberation information in said difference signal.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method of claim 35 wherein said step of continually and automatically amplifying is accomplished by averaging the sum of (a) the inverted peak envelope of said sum signal, and (b) the non-inverted peak envelope of said difference signal so as to generate a reverberation control signal, and boosting and attenuating components of said sum and difference signals, respectively, as a function of said reverberation control signal.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 92 words

The method of claim 33 wherein the step of combining each of said left and right signals with said processed difference signal and with said processed sum signal is in accordance with the equations: L.sub.out =L.sub.in +K.sub.1 (L+R).sub.p +K.sub.2 (L=R).sub.p, and R.sub.out =R.sub.in +K.sub.1 (L+R).sub.p +K.sub.2 (L-R).sub.p, where L out =stereo enhanced left output signal, R out =stereo enhanced right output signal, (L+R) p =processed sum signal, (L-R) p =processed difference signal, L in 32 left signal, R in =right signal, K 1 =first independent variable, and K 2 =second independent variable.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method of claim 33 wherein the step of creating a processed sum signal is performed by selectively boosting said sum signal components in given ones of said frequency bands in direct proportion to the magnitude of said difference signal components in said given ones of said frequency bands.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 49 words

The method of claim 40 wherein the step of creating a processed difference signal is performed by selectively boosting said difference signal components in given ones of said frequency bands in inverse proportion to the magnitude of said difference signal components in said given ones of said frequency bands.

Claim 47

Independent Claim 147 words

A method of deriving stereo enhanced signals from the left and right signals of a stereo sound system comprising the steps of: a. electronically adding said left and right signals so as to generate a sum signal, and electronically subtracting one of said left and right signals from the other to generate a difference signal; b. creating a processed sum signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal so as to boost selected sum signal components relative to other sum signal components; c. creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost selected difference signal components relative to other difference signal components; and d. combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals.

Claim 48

Independent Claim 147 words

A method of deriving stereo enhanced signals from the left and right signals of a stereo sound system comprising the steps of: a. electronically adding said left and right signals so as to generate a sum signal, and electronically subtracting one of said left and right signals from the other to generate a difference signal; b. creating a processed sum signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal so as to boost selected sum signal components relative to other sum signal components; c. creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost selected difference signal components relative to other difference signal components; and d. combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 44 words

The method of claim 42 wherein said step of creating a processed sum signal includes the steps of: filtering said sum signal so that components outside a predetermined frequency range which statistically includes difference signal components are attenuated; and amplifying the filtered sum signal.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 63 words

The method of claim 42 wherein said step of creating a processed difference signal includes the steps of: selectively attenuating difference signal components so as to attenuate frequencies that statistically include louder components more than frequencies that statistically include quieter components; and amplifying the selectively attenuated difference signal signal so as to boost selected difference signal components relative to other difference signal components.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 224 words

A sound perspective correction system for use with a stereo sound reproduction system having respective left and right signals, comprising means for providing the sum of the left and right signal as a sum signal and providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal; first means for equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said first equalizing means including means for selectively attenuating said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands to provide for perspective correction; second means for equalizing said difference signal within said determined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said second equalizing means including means for selectively boosting said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands; a mixer having first and second inputs and providing left and right perspective corrected output signals, first switch means for alternatively coupling either said sum signal or said equalized sum signal to said first mixer input, and second switch means connected for operation together with said first switch means for alternatively coupling either said difference signal or said equalized difference signal to the second input of said mixer, whereby the sound perspective correction system may be utilized with speakers located in front of or to the sides of a listener according to the position of said first and second switch means.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 224 words

A sound perspective correction system for use with a stereo sound reproduction system having respective left and right signals, comprising means for providing the sum of the left and right signal as a sum signal and providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal; first means for equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said first equalizing means including means for selectively attenuating said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands to provide for perspective correction; second means for equalizing said difference signal within said determined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said second equalizing means including means for selectively boosting said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands; a mixer having first and second inputs and providing left and right perspective corrected output signals, first switch means for alternatively coupling either said sum signal or said equalized sum signal to said first mixer input, and second switch means connected for operation together with said first switch means for alternatively coupling either said difference signal or said equalized difference signal to the second input of said mixer, whereby the sound perspective correction system may be utilized with speakers located in front of or to the sides of a listener according to the position of said first and second switch means.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 32 words

The stereo image enhancement system of any one of claims 1 through 5, 7, 10 and 15, including right and left speakers connected to receive said left and right output signals respectively.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 42 words

The stereo image enhancement system of any one of claims 1 through 5, 7, 10 and 15 including recording means responsive to said means for combining said processed difference signals for recording said left and right output signals on a record medium.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 33 words

The method of any one of claims 33, 34, 35, 36 and 38 including the step of transducing said stereo enhanced left and right output signals into left and right output sound signals.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 31 words

The method of any one of claims 33, 34, 35, 36, 38 and 39 including the step of recording said stereo enhanced left and right output signals on a record medium.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 33 words

The sound perspective correction system of any one of claims 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 including first and second sound reproducing means connected to respectively receive said processed left and right signals.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 39 words

The sound perspective correction system of any one of claims 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 including means responsive to said means for selectively combining said processed sum and difference signals for recording said processed left and right signals.

Claim 59

Independent Claim 152 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right input signals to provide a sum signal and processed sum and difference signals, stereo sensing means responsive to left and right stereo signals from said source of stereo sound and to said processed difference signal for sensing the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, first control means responsive to said stereo sensing means for generating a dynamic control signal representing such amount of stereo, second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying one of said processed signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said stereo signals to decrease variation of a predetermined relation of the amplitudes of said sum signal and said processed difference signal, and means for combining said processed signals to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 60

Independent Claim 152 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right input signals to provide a sum signal and processed sum and difference signals, stereo sensing means responsive to left and right stereo signals from said source of stereo sound and to said processed difference signal for sensing the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, first control means responsive to said stereo sensing means for generating a dynamic control signal representing such amount of stereo, second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying one of said processed signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said stereo signals to decrease variation of a predetermined relation of the amplitudes of said sum signal and said processed difference signal, and means for combining said processed signals to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 71 words

The system of claim 52 wherein said stereo sensing means comprises means responsive to said left and right stereo signals for providing sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum of said left and right input signals and the difference of said left and right input signals, and wherein said first control means includes means responsive to said sum signal and said processed difference signal for generating said dynamic control signal.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 95 words

The system of claim 52 wherein said stereo image enhancement circuit means includes sum and difference circuit means responsive to said left and right stereo signals respectively for generating sum and difference signals respectively representative of the sum and difference of said left and right stereo signals, means for processing said sum and difference signals to provide said processed sum and difference signals, said second control means comprising means for modifying said processed difference signal in a sense to decrease variation of the amplitude ratio of the modified processed difference signal to said sum signal.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 93 words

The system of claim 52 wherein said stereo image enhancement circuit means comprises circuit means responsive to said left and right stereo signals for generating sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference of said stereo signals, difference signal equalizer means responsive to said difference signal for selectively altering components in different frequency bands of said difference signal to provide said processed difference signal, and sum equalizer means responsive to said sum signal for selectively altering components of said sum signal in different frequency bands to provide said processed sum signal.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 36 words

The system of claim 54 wherein said means for modifying said processed difference signal comprises means for maintaining a substantially constant ratio of magnitude of said sum signal to magnitude of said modified processed difference signal.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 37 words

The sytem of claim 52 wherein said first control means includes means for clamping said control signal to a predetermined magnitude in response to a sensed amount of stereo in said stereo signals below a predetermined amount.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 29 words

The system of claim 53 including means for feeding to said second control means a signal representing said one processed stereo signal as modified by said first control means.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 52 including means for transducing said left and right output signals into left and right sound signals.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 52 including the step of recording said left and right output signals.

Claim 69

Independent Claim 123 words

A method for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound, said method comprising the steps of: processing the left and right input signals to provide processed stereo signals as processed sum and difference signals, sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals by sensing said processed difference signal and generating a dynamic control signal representing such amount of stereo, employing said dynamic control signal to modify said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals to provide a modified processed signal, and combining one of said processed stereo signals and combining one of said processed stereo signals and said modified processed signal to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 70

Independent Claim 123 words

A method for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound, said method comprising the steps of: processing the left and right input signals to provide processed stereo signals as processed sum and difference signals, sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals by sensing said processed difference signal and generating a dynamic control signal representing such amount of stereo, employing said dynamic control signal to modify said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals to provide a modified processed signal, and combining one of said processed stereo signals and combining one of said processed stereo signals and said modified processed signal to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 61 including the step of transducing said left and right output signals into left and right sound signals.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 61 including the step of recording said left and right output signals.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 74 words

The method of claim 61 wherein said step of sensing comprises the steps of providing sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum of said left and right input signals and the difference of said left and right input signals, and wherein said step of generating a dynamic control signal comprises generating said dynamic control signal as a function of a predetermined relation between magnitudes of said sum signal and said processed difference signal.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 77 words

The method of claim 61 including the step of generating sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference of said left and right stereo input signals, processing said sum and difference signals to provide said processed sum and difference signals, said step of employing said dynamic control signal comprising modifying said processed difference signal in a sense to decrease variation of a predetermined relation between magnitudes of said processed difference signal and said sum signal.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 84 words

The method of claim 61 wherein said step of processing the left and right input signals comprises generating sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference of said left and right input signals, selectively altering components in different frequency bands of said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, and selectively altering components of said sum signal in said different frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said processed difference signal and processed sum signals forming said processed stereo signals.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 62 words

The method of claim 61 wherein said step of processing the left and right input signals comprises generating sum and difference signals as the sum and difference respectively of said left and right input signals, selectively attenuating said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands and combining said attenuated sum signal and said difference signal to provide said left and right output signals.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 61 words

The method of claim 61 wherein said step of processing the left and right input signals comprises generating sum and difference signals as the sum and difference respectively of said left and right input signals, selectively boosting said difference signal within predetermined frequency bands and combining said sum and said boosted difference signal to provide said left and right output signals.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 89 words

The method of claim 61 wherein said step of processing the left and right input signals comprises generating sum and difference signals respectively representative of the sum and difference of said left and right stereo input signals, and processing said sum and difference signals to provide said processed sum and difference signals and wherein said step of employing said dynamic control signal comprises modifying said processed difference signal in a sense to maintain a constant ratio of amplitude of said processed difference signal to amplitude of said sum signal.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 224 words

Apparatus for making a stereo enhanced sound recording from left and right stereo source signals comprising a. means for electronically adding said left and right signals to generate sum and difference signals; b. means for creating a processed sum signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal within respective predetermined frequency bands so as to enhance those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of highest difference signal component amplitudes relative to those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of lowest difference signal component amplitudes; c. means for creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands so as to deemphasize those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are highest relative to those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are the lowest; d. means for combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals; e. a sound recording device connected to receive said stereo enhanced left and right output signals; and f. means for operating said sound recording device to make a sound recording.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 224 words

Apparatus for making a stereo enhanced sound recording from left and right stereo source signals comprising a. means for electronically adding said left and right signals to generate sum and difference signals; b. means for creating a processed sum signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal within respective predetermined frequency bands so as to enhance those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of highest difference signal component amplitudes relative to those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of lowest difference signal component amplitudes; c. means for creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands so as to deemphasize those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are highest relative to those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are the lowest; d. means for combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals; e. a sound recording device connected to receive said stereo enhanced left and right output signals; and f. means for operating said sound recording device to make a sound recording.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 81 words

The apparatus of claim 70 wherein said means for creating processed sum and difference signals comprises means for electronically analyzing the frequency spectrum of said difference signal and for generating a set of control signals as a function of the amplitudes of said difference signal within said respective predetermined frequency bands, and means for utilizing said control signals to control the extent to which the amplitudes of components of said sum and difference signals are altered within said respective frequency bands.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 66 words

The apparatus of claim 70 including means for continually and automatically amplifying one of said processed sum and difference signals as a function of its magnitude relative to that of one of said sum and difference signals so as to maintain a substantially consistent stereo separation between said left and right signals for differing amounts of stereo information within said left and right stereo source signals.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 37 words

The apparatus of claim 72 wherein said means for continually and automatically amplifying one of said processed sum and difference signals includes means for maintaining a constant ratio between said processed difference signal and said sum signal.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 47 words

The apparatus of claim 70 including means for selectively boosting components of said sum signal, and means for selectively attenuating components of said difference signal within selected ones of said predetermined frequency bands in order to prevent inappropriate boosting of artificial reverberation information in said difference signal.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 69 words

The apparatus of claim 72 wherein said means for continually and automatically amplifying includes means for averaging the sum of (a) the inverted peak envelope of said sum signal, and (b) the non-inverted peak envelope of said difference signal so as to generate a reverberation control signal, and means for boosting and attenuating components of said sum and difference signals, respectively, as a function of said reverberation control signal.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 90 words

The apparatus of claim 70 wherein said means for combining left and right signals with said processed difference signal and with said processed sum signal combines said signals in accordance with the equations: L.sub.out =L.sub.in +K.sub.1 (L+R).sub.p +K.sub.2 (L-R).sub.p, and R.sub.out =R.sub.in +K.sub.1 (L+R).sub.p +K.sub.2 (L-R).sub.p, where L out =stereo enhanced left output signal, R out =stereo enhanced right output signal, (L+R) p =processed sum signal, (L-R) p =processed difference signal, L in =left signal, R in =right signal, K 1 =first independent variable, and K 2 =second independent variable.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 145 words

Apparatus for making a stereo sound recording from left and right stereo source signals comprising: a. means for electronically combining said left and right signals so as to generate sum and difference signals; b. means for creating a processed sum signal; c. means for creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost difference signal components in frequency bands that include relatively quiet components relative to difference signal components in frequency bands that include relatively loud components; d. means for combining said left and right signals with said processed different signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals; e. a sound recording device connected to receive said left and right output signals; and f. means for operating said sound recording device to make a sound recording.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 145 words

Apparatus for making a stereo sound recording from left and right stereo source signals comprising: a. means for electronically combining said left and right signals so as to generate sum and difference signals; b. means for creating a processed sum signal; c. means for creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost difference signal components in frequency bands that include relatively quiet components relative to difference signal components in frequency bands that include relatively loud components; d. means for combining said left and right signals with said processed different signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals; e. a sound recording device connected to receive said left and right output signals; and f. means for operating said sound recording device to make a sound recording.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 144 words

Apparatus for making a stereo sound recording, corrected for perspective, from left and right stereo source signals comprising: means for electronically adding left and right signals to provide sum and difference signals, means for equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said means for equalizing comprising means for selectively attenuating said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to front sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to side sounds, means for combining said selectively attenuated sum signal with said difference signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals, recording means for making a stereo sound recording connected to receive said left and right perspective corrected output signals, and means for operating said recording means to make a stereo sound recording.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 144 words

Apparatus for making a stereo sound recording, corrected for perspective, from left and right stereo source signals comprising: means for electronically adding left and right signals to provide sum and difference signals, means for equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said means for equalizing comprising means for selectively attenuating said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to front sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to side sounds, means for combining said selectively attenuated sum signal with said difference signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals, recording means for making a stereo sound recording connected to receive said left and right perspective corrected output signals, and means for operating said recording means to make a stereo sound recording.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 144 words

Apparatus for making a stereo sound recording, corrected for perspective, from left and right stereo source signals comprising: means for electronically adding left and right signals to provide sum and difference signals, means for equalizing said difference signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said means for equalizing comprising means for selectively boosting said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to side sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to front sounds, means for combining said selectively boosted difference signal with said sum signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals, recording means for making a stereo sound recording connected to receive said left and right perspective corrected output signals, and means for operating said recording means to make a stereo sound recording.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 144 words

Apparatus for making a stereo sound recording, corrected for perspective, from left and right stereo source signals comprising: means for electronically adding left and right signals to provide sum and difference signals, means for equalizing said difference signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said means for equalizing comprising means for selectively boosting said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to side sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to front sounds, means for combining said selectively boosted difference signal with said sum signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals, recording means for making a stereo sound recording connected to receive said left and right perspective corrected output signals, and means for operating said recording means to make a stereo sound recording.

Claim 93

Independent Claim 217 words

A method of making a stereo enhanced sound recording from left and right stereo source signals comprising the steps of a. electronically combining said left and right signals to generate sum and difference signals, b. creating a processed sum signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal within respective predetermined frequency bands so as to enhance those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of highest difference signal component amplitudes relative to those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of lowest difference signal component amplitudes; c. creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands so as to deemphasize those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are highest relative to those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are the lowest; d. combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals; e. feeding said stereo enhanced left and right output signals to a sound recording device; and f. operating said sound recording device to make a sound recording.

Claim 94

Independent Claim 217 words

A method of making a stereo enhanced sound recording from left and right stereo source signals comprising the steps of a. electronically combining said left and right signals to generate sum and difference signals, b. creating a processed sum signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal within respective predetermined frequency bands so as to enhance those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of highest difference signal component amplitudes relative to those of said sum signal components which are within frequency bands of lowest difference signal component amplitudes; c. creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands so as to deemphasize those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are highest relative to those of said difference signal components which are within frequency bands wherein said difference signal components are the lowest; d. combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals; e. feeding said stereo enhanced left and right output signals to a sound recording device; and f. operating said sound recording device to make a sound recording.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 81 words

The method of claim 80 wherein said steps of creating processed sum and difference signals are augmented by the step of electronically analyzing the frequency spectrum of said difference signal and generating a set of control signals as a function of the amplitudes of said difference signal within said respective predetermined frequency bands, and utilizing said control signals to determine the extent to which the amplitudes of components of said sum and difference signals are altered within said respective frequency bands.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 61 words

The method of claim 80 additionally including the additional step of continually and automatically amplifying said processed difference signal as a function of its magnitude relative to that of said sum signal so as to maintain a substantially consistent stereo separation between said left and right signals for differing amounts of stereo information within said left and right stereo source signals.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of claim 82 wherein said step of continually and automatically amplifying said processed difference signal is performed so as to maintain a constant ratio between said processed difference signal and said sum signal.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 47 words

The method of claim 80 including the additional step of selectively boosting components of said sum signal and selectively attenuating components of said difference signal within selected ones of said predetermined frequency bands in order to prevent inappropriate boosting of artificial reverberation information in said difference signal.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method of claim 82 wherein said step of continually and automatically amplifying is accomplished by averaging the sum of (a) the inverted peak envelope of said sum signal, and (b) the non-inverted peak envelope of said difference signal so as to generate a reverberation control signal, and boosting and attenuating components of said sum and difference signals, respectively, as a function of said reverberation control signal.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 89 words

The method of claim 80 wherein the step of combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal and with said processed sum signal is in accordance with the equations: L.sub.out =L.sub.in +K.sub.1 (L+R).sub.p +K.sub.2 (L-R).sub.p, and R.sub.out =R.sub.in +K.sub.1 (L+R).sub.p +K.sub.2 (L-R).sub.p, where L out =stereo enhanced left output signal, R out =stereo enhanced right output signal, (L+R) p =processed sum signal, (L-R) p =processed difference signal, L in =left signal, R in =right signal, K 1 =first independent variable, and K 2 =second independent variable.

Claim 101

Independent Claim 142 words

A method for making a stereo sound recording from left and right stereo source signals comprising the steps of: a. electronically combining said left and right signals so as to generate sum and difference signals; b. creating a processed sum signal; c. creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost difference signal components in quiet frequency bands that include relatively quiet components relative to difference signal components in frequency bands that include relatively loud components; d. combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals; e. feeding said stereo enhanced left and right output signals to a sound recording device; and f. operating said sound recording device to make a sound recording.

Claim 102

Independent Claim 142 words

A method for making a stereo sound recording from left and right stereo source signals comprising the steps of: a. electronically combining said left and right signals so as to generate sum and difference signals; b. creating a processed sum signal; c. creating a processed difference signal by selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost difference signal components in quiet frequency bands that include relatively quiet components relative to difference signal components in frequency bands that include relatively loud components; d. combining said left and right signals with said processed difference signal, and with said processed sum signal to provide stereo enhanced left and right output signals; e. feeding said stereo enhanced left and right output signals to a sound recording device; and f. operating said sound recording device to make a sound recording.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method of claim 87 wherein said step of creating a processed sum signal includes the steps of: filtering said sum signal so as to attenuate components outside a predetermined frequency range which statistically includes relatively loud difference signal components and amplifying the filtered sum signal.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 63 words

The method of claim 87 wherein said step of creating a processed difference signal includes the step of: selectively attenuating difference signal components so as to attenuate frequencies that statistically include louder components more than frequencies that statistically include quieter components, and amplifying the selectively attenuated difference signal components so as to boost selected difference signal components relative to other difference signal components.

Claim 105

Independent Claim 139 words

A method of making a stereo sound recording, corrected for perspective, from left and right stereo source signals comprising the steps of: electronically combining left and right stereo source signals to provide sum and difference signals, equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said equalizing comprising the steps of selectively attenuating said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to front sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to side sounds, combining said selectively attenuated sum signal with said difference signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals, feeding said left and right perspective corrected output signals to an apparatus for making a stereo sound recording, and operating said apparatus to make a stereo sound recording.

Claim 106

Independent Claim 139 words

A method of making a stereo sound recording, corrected for perspective, from left and right stereo source signals comprising the steps of: electronically combining left and right stereo source signals to provide sum and difference signals, equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said equalizing comprising the steps of selectively attenuating said sum signal within said predetermined frequency bands by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to front sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to side sounds, combining said selectively attenuated sum signal with said difference signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals, feeding said left and right perspective corrected output signals to an apparatus for making a stereo sound recording, and operating said apparatus to make a stereo sound recording.

Claim 107

Independent Claim 139 words

A method of making a stereo sound recording, corrected for perspective, from left and right stereo source signals comprising the steps of: electronically combining left and right signals to provide sum and difference signals; equalizing said difference signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said step of equalizing comprising the step of selectively boosting said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to side sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to front sounds, combining said selectively boosted difference signal with said sum signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals, feeding said left and right perspective corrected output signals to an apparatus for making a stereo sound recording, and operating said apparatus to make a stereo sound recording.

Claim 108

Independent Claim 139 words

A method of making a stereo sound recording, corrected for perspective, from left and right stereo source signals comprising the steps of: electronically combining left and right signals to provide sum and difference signals; equalizing said difference signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said step of equalizing comprising the step of selectively boosting said difference signal within said predetermined frequency bands by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to side sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to front sounds, combining said selectively boosted difference signal with said sum signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals, feeding said left and right perspective corrected output signals to an apparatus for making a stereo sound recording, and operating said apparatus to make a stereo sound recording.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 18 words

A stereo enhanced sound recording made by the method of any one of claims 80 through 91, inclusive.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 134 words

An enhanced image stereo sound recording for use in a sound recording playback system, said sound recording comprising: a record medium embodying signal producing means adapted to operate with a sound recording responsive device to produce left and right stereo output signals that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals, said stereo output signals each comprising a combination of signal components including: (1) a processed difference signal which comprises a modification of an input difference signal representing the difference of said left and right stereo source signals, (2) a processed sum signal which comprises a modification of an input sum signal representing the sum of said left and right stereo source signals, (3) said processed difference signal and said input sum signal having a predetermined relation of magnitudes that is substantially constant.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 134 words

An enhanced image stereo sound recording for use in a sound recording playback system, said sound recording comprising: a record medium embodying signal producing means adapted to operate with a sound recording responsive device to produce left and right stereo output signals that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals, said stereo output signals each comprising a combination of signal components including: (1) a processed difference signal which comprises a modification of an input difference signal representing the difference of said left and right stereo source signals, (2) a processed sum signal which comprises a modification of an input sum signal representing the sum of said left and right stereo source signals, (3) said processed difference signal and said input sum signal having a predetermined relation of magnitudes that is substantially constant.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 78 words

The sound recording of claim 93 wherein said processed difference signal includes components of said input difference signal boosted in quieter frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively lower relative to components in louder frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively higher, and wherein said processed sum signal includes components of said input sum signal that are boosted in said louder frequency bands relative to input sum signal components in said quieter frequency bands.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 98 words

In a stereo sound system having stereo output signals comprising a combination of signal components including processed sum and difference signals representing respectively the sum and difference of left and right stereo source signals, a method of enhancing the stereo output signals comprising the steps of: sensing the processed difference signal, generating a control signal representing a predetermined relation of the magnitudes of (a) the sensed processed difference signal and (b) a sum signal indicative of the sum of said left and right stereo source signals, and modifying said processed difference signal in accordance with said control signal.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 98 words

In a stereo sound system having stereo output signals comprising a combination of signal components including processed sum and difference signals representing respectively the sum and difference of left and right stereo source signals, a method of enhancing the stereo output signals comprising the steps of: sensing the processed difference signal, generating a control signal representing a predetermined relation of the magnitudes of (a) the sensed processed difference signal and (b) a sum signal indicative of the sum of said left and right stereo source signals, and modifying said processed difference signal in accordance with said control signal.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of claim 95 wherein said step of modifying comprises modifying said processed difference signal so as to decrease variation of the ratio of magnitudes of said sum signal and said processed difference signal.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 316 words

A stereo sound recording for use with a stereo player that is used in conjunction with a pair of speakers to cause the speakers to produce enhanced stereo sound, said sound recording comprising a record medium having signal producing means adapted to act on a sound recording responsive device of a stereo player to cause said sound recording responsive device to produce left and right stereo signal outputs that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals, (a) said left signal stereo output having 1. a left stereo source signal component, 2. a processed difference signal component that comprises an input difference signal representing the difference between left and right stereo source signals modified to boost input difference signal components in quieter frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively low, relative to input difference signal components in louder frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively high, and 3. a processed sum signal component that comprises an input sum signal representing the sum of left and right stereo source signals modified to boost input sum signal components in said louder frequency bands relative to input sum signal components in said quieter frequency bands, (b) said right stereo signal output having 1. a right stereo source signal component, 2. a processed difference signal component that comprises an input difference signal representing the difference between left and right stereo source signals modified to boost input difference signal components in quieter frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively low, relative to input difference signal components in louder frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively high, and 3. a processed sum signal component that comprises an input sum signal representing the sum of left and right stereo source signals modified to boost input sum signal components in said louder frequency bands relative to input sum signal components in said quieter frequency bands.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 316 words

A stereo sound recording for use with a stereo player that is used in conjunction with a pair of speakers to cause the speakers to produce enhanced stereo sound, said sound recording comprising a record medium having signal producing means adapted to act on a sound recording responsive device of a stereo player to cause said sound recording responsive device to produce left and right stereo signal outputs that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals, (a) said left signal stereo output having 1. a left stereo source signal component, 2. a processed difference signal component that comprises an input difference signal representing the difference between left and right stereo source signals modified to boost input difference signal components in quieter frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively low, relative to input difference signal components in louder frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively high, and 3. a processed sum signal component that comprises an input sum signal representing the sum of left and right stereo source signals modified to boost input sum signal components in said louder frequency bands relative to input sum signal components in said quieter frequency bands, (b) said right stereo signal output having 1. a right stereo source signal component, 2. a processed difference signal component that comprises an input difference signal representing the difference between left and right stereo source signals modified to boost input difference signal components in quieter frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively low, relative to input difference signal components in louder frequency bands wherein input difference signal amplitudes are relatively high, and 3. a processed sum signal component that comprises an input sum signal representing the sum of left and right stereo source signals modified to boost input sum signal components in said louder frequency bands relative to input sum signal components in said quieter frequency bands.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 34 words

The stereo sound recording of claim 97 wherein the ratio of amplitudes of one of said input sum and difference signals to one of said processed sum and difference signal components is substantially constant.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 58 words

The sound recording of claim 97 wherein one of said processed sum and difference signal components has an amplitude that varies in accordance with one of said input sum and difference signals to continually adjust the amount of processing of said one processed signal automatically according to the amount of stereo information present in said stereo source signals.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 33 words

The stereo recording of claim 97 wherein said processed difference signal component has a value that varies with variation of the ratio between said input sum signal and said processed difference signal component.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 32 words

The stereo sound recording of claim 97 wherein said input sum signal and said input difference signal have components thereof in selected frequency bands altered to compensate for effects of artificial reverberation.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 59 words

The stereo sound recording of claim 97 wherein said input sum signal and said input difference signal have amplitudes of components thereof within predetermined reverberation frequency bands boosted and attenuated as a function of the average of the sum of (a) the inverted peak envelope of the sum signal, and (b) the noninverted peak envelope of the difference signal.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 28 words

The stereo sound recording of claim 97 wherein said input difference signal is further modified to additionally boost input difference signal components between 1 KHz and 4 KHz.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 67 words

The stereo sound recording of claim 97 wherein said left stereo signal output comprises the sum of said left stereo source signal component, said processed difference signal component and said processed sum signal component, and wherein said right stereo output signal comprises the difference between (a) said processed difference component signal and (b) the sum of said right stereo source component with said processed sum signal component.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 163 words

A stereo sound recording adapted to generate signal responses in a stereo player that is used in conjunction with a pair of speakers to cause the speakers to produce enhanced stereo sound, said sound recording comprising: a record medium having signal producing means adapted to act on a sound recording responsive device of a stereo player to cause the sound recording responsive device to produce left and right stereo output signals that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals and that are comprised of a combination of the following components: (a) a perspective sum signal component representing the sum of left and right stereo source signals, and (b) a perspective difference signal component representing the difference between left and right stereo source signals, said perspective sum signal component having sub-components thereof attenuated by amounts corresponding to the statistical average of response of the human ear to front sounds diminished by the statistical average response of the human ear to side sounds.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 163 words

A stereo sound recording adapted to generate signal responses in a stereo player that is used in conjunction with a pair of speakers to cause the speakers to produce enhanced stereo sound, said sound recording comprising: a record medium having signal producing means adapted to act on a sound recording responsive device of a stereo player to cause the sound recording responsive device to produce left and right stereo output signals that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals and that are comprised of a combination of the following components: (a) a perspective sum signal component representing the sum of left and right stereo source signals, and (b) a perspective difference signal component representing the difference between left and right stereo source signals, said perspective sum signal component having sub-components thereof attenuated by amounts corresponding to the statistical average of response of the human ear to front sounds diminished by the statistical average response of the human ear to side sounds.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 39 words

The stereo sound recording of claim 105 wherein said sub-components are in frequency bands centered at about 500 Hz, 1 KHz and 8 KHz and said sum signal components are attenuated respectively by about 5, 7.5 and 15 dB.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 163 words

A stereo sound recording adapted to generate signal responses in a stereo player that is used in conjunction with a pair of speakers to cause the speakers to produce enhanced stereo sound, said sound recording comprising: a record medium having signal producing means adapted to act on a sound recording responsive device of a stereo player to cause the sound recording responsive device to produce left and right stereo output signals that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals and that are composed of a combination of the following components: (a) a perspective sum signal component representing the sum of left and right stereo source signals, and (b) a perspective difference signal component representing the difference between left and right stereo source signals, said perspective difference signal component having sub-components boosted by amounts corresponding to the statistical average of response of the human ear to side sounds diminished by the statistical average of response of the human ear to front sounds.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 163 words

A stereo sound recording adapted to generate signal responses in a stereo player that is used in conjunction with a pair of speakers to cause the speakers to produce enhanced stereo sound, said sound recording comprising: a record medium having signal producing means adapted to act on a sound recording responsive device of a stereo player to cause the sound recording responsive device to produce left and right stereo output signals that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals and that are composed of a combination of the following components: (a) a perspective sum signal component representing the sum of left and right stereo source signals, and (b) a perspective difference signal component representing the difference between left and right stereo source signals, said perspective difference signal component having sub-components boosted by amounts corresponding to the statistical average of response of the human ear to side sounds diminished by the statistical average of response of the human ear to front sounds.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 21 words

The stereo sound recording of claim 107 wherein said sub-components are centered at about 500 Hz, 1 KHz and 8 KHz.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 63 words

An enhanced image stereo sound recording for use in a sound recording playback system, said recording comprising a record medium having signal producing means adapted to cooperate with a sound recording reponsive device to produce left and right stereo output signals that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals, said stereo output signals each comprising a combination of signal components including:

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 63 words

An enhanced image stereo sound recording for use in a sound recording playback system, said recording comprising a record medium having signal producing means adapted to cooperate with a sound recording reponsive device to produce left and right stereo output signals that are modifications of left and right stereo source signals, said stereo output signals each comprising a combination of signal components including:

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 159 words

a processed difference signal which comprises a modification of an input difference signal representing the difference of said left and right stereo source signals and having the relative amplitude of components of such input difference signal modified to boost components of such input difference signal that are within frequency bands wherein the input difference signal has lowest amplitude relative to those components of such input difference signal that are within frequency bands wherein the input difference signal components have highest amplitude, and 2. a processed sum signal which comprises a modification of an input sum signal representing the sum of said left and right input signals and having the relative amplitudes of components of such input sum signal modified to boost components of said input sum signal in frequency bands of higher amplitude components of the input difference signal relative to components of said input sum signal in frequency bands of lower amplitude components of the input difference signal.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 159 words

a processed difference signal which comprises a modification of an input difference signal representing the difference of said left and right stereo source signals and having the relative amplitude of components of such input difference signal modified to boost components of such input difference signal that are within frequency bands wherein the input difference signal has lowest amplitude relative to those components of such input difference signal that are within frequency bands wherein the input difference signal components have highest amplitude, and 2. a processed sum signal which comprises a modification of an input sum signal representing the sum of said left and right input signals and having the relative amplitudes of components of such input sum signal modified to boost components of said input sum signal in frequency bands of higher amplitude components of the input difference signal relative to components of said input sum signal in frequency bands of lower amplitude components of the input difference signal.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 38 words

The enhanced image stereo sound recording of claim 109 wherein the ratio of the magnitude of one of said sum and difference signals to the magnitude of one of said processed sum and difference signals is substantially constant.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 36 words

The enhanced image stereo sound recording of claim 109 wherein a predetermined substantially constant relation of amplitudes exists between one of said processed sum and difference signals and one of said input sum and difference signals.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 46 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 1 including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for controlling the amount of reverberation in said output signals.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 54 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 112 wherein said last mentioned means comprises means responsive to the reverberation control signal for boosting the processed sum signal in accordance with reverberation in said left and right signals and for attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with reverberation in said left and right signals.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 34 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 112 wherein said last mentioned means comprises means for attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right signals.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 40 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 112 wherein said last mentioned means comprises means responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said processed sum signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right signals.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 38 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 115 wherein said means for boosting comprises a gain controlled amplifier having said processed sum signal as an input thereto and having a gain control input receiving said reverberation control signal.

Claim 142

Dependent Claim 25 words

The stereo image enhancement system of any one of claims 112, 113, and 116 including manual means for controlling amplitude of said reverberation control signal.

Claim 143

Dependent Claim 47 words

The stereo image enhancement system of claim 52 including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for controlling the amount of reverberation in said output signals.

Claim 144

Independent Claim 66 words

The system of any one of claims 54, 55 and 56 including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said processed sum signal and attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 78 words

The method of claim 61 or 66 wherein said left and right output signals provide enhanced stereo output including enhanced reverberation components and including the steps of sensing the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals and generating a reverberation control signal indicative of sensed reverberation, and employing the reverberation control signal to modify the processed stereo signals so as to decrease the amount of enhanced reverberation in said left and right output signals.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus of claim 70 including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo source signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for controlling the amount of reverberation in said stereo enhanced left and right output signals.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method of claim 80 including the step of generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo source signals, and employing said reverberation control signal to modify said processed sum and processed difference signals to control the amount of reverberation in said stereo enhanced left and right output signals.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 51 words

The method of claim 84 wherein said step of selectively boosting components of said sum signal comprises the steps of generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo source signals and amplifying said sum signal in accordance with said reverberation control signal.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 123 including the step of manually varying the magnitude of said reverberation control signal to thereby provide both automatic and manual control of the amount of reverberation in said stereo enhanced left and right output signals.

Claim 150

Independent Claim 106 words

A system for enhancing left and right input signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right input signals to provide left and right enhanced stereo signals, reverberation sensing means responsive to the left and right input signals for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right input signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for decreasing the amount of enhancement in said left and right enhanced stereo output signals in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals.

Claim 151

Independent Claim 106 words

A system for enhancing left and right input signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right input signals to provide left and right enhanced stereo signals, reverberation sensing means responsive to the left and right input signals for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right input signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for decreasing the amount of enhancement in said left and right enhanced stereo output signals in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals.

Claim 152

Dependent Claim 132 words

The system of claim 125 wherein said stereo image enhancement circuit means comprises circuit means responsive to said left and right input signals for generating sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference of said input signals, difference equalizer means responsive to said difference signal for selectively altering components in different frequency bands of said difference signal to provide said enhanced difference signal, and sum equalizer means responsive to said sum signal for selectively altering components of said sum signal in different frequency bands to provide said enhanced sum signal, and wherein said means responsive to said reverberation control signal comprises means for attenuating said enhanced difference signal in accordance with said reverberation control signal and means for boosting said enhansed sum signal in accordance with said reverberation control signal.

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 17 words

A stereo enhanced sound recording made by the method of any one of claims 123 or 124.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 81 words

The stereo sound recording of claim 97 wherein said processed difference signal component of both said left and right stereo signal outputs includes a band of frequencies having an amplitude that is attenuated in accordance with the amount of reverberation in the left and right stereo source signals, and wherein the processed sum signal components of both said left and right stereo signal outputs is boosted in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo source signals.

Claim 155

Independent Claim 130 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: (a) stereo enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right stereo signals to provide processed stereo signals as processed sum and difference signals, (b) closed loop feedback means for modifying one of said processed signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, said feedback means comprising: (1) first control means responsive to said one processed signal for generating a dynamic control signal representing the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, and (2) second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying said one processed signal, and (c) means for combining said one processed signal and the unmodified processed signal to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 156

Independent Claim 130 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: (a) stereo enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right stereo signals to provide processed stereo signals as processed sum and difference signals, (b) closed loop feedback means for modifying one of said processed signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, said feedback means comprising: (1) first control means responsive to said one processed signal for generating a dynamic control signal representing the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, and (2) second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying said one processed signal, and (c) means for combining said one processed signal and the unmodified processed signal to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 157

Dependent Claim 58 words

The system of claim 129 wherein said enhancement circuit means includes means responsive to both of said stereo signals to provide sum and difference signals, and wherein said first control means includes means for combining said sum signal with said processed difference signal to generate said dynamic control signal, said one processed signal comprising said processed difference signal.

Claim 158

Independent Claim 108 words

A system for correcting perspective of left and right stereo source signals comprising: means for electronically combining the left and right signals from the stereo source to provide sum and difference signals, means for equalizing said difference signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said means for equalizing comprising means for selectively boosting said difference signal by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to side sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to front sounds, and means for combining said selectively boosted difference signal with said sum signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals.

Claim 159

Independent Claim 108 words

A system for correcting perspective of left and right stereo source signals comprising: means for electronically combining the left and right signals from the stereo source to provide sum and difference signals, means for equalizing said difference signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed difference signal, said means for equalizing comprising means for selectively boosting said difference signal by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to side sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to front sounds, and means for combining said selectively boosted difference signal with said sum signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signals.

Claim 160

Independent Claim 105 words

A system for correcting perspective of left and right source signals comprising: means for electronically adding the left and right stereo source signal to provide sum and difference signals, means for equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said means for equalizing comprising means for selectively attenuating said sum signal by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to front sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to side sounds, and means for combining said selectively attenuated sum signal with said difference signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signal.

Claim 161

Independent Claim 105 words

A system for correcting perspective of left and right source signals comprising: means for electronically adding the left and right stereo source signal to provide sum and difference signals, means for equalizing said sum signal within predetermined frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said means for equalizing comprising means for selectively attenuating said sum signal by amounts corresponding to the average response of the human ear to front sounds diminished by the average response of the human ear to side sounds, and means for combining said selectively attenuated sum signal with said difference signal to provide left and right perspective corrected output signal.

Claim 162

Independent Claim 295 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right stereo signals to provide processed stereo signals, stereo sensing means responsive to left and right stereo signals from said source of stereo sound for sensing the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, first control means responsive to said stereo sensing means for generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying one of said processed stereo signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, and means for combining said modified one of said processed stereo signals and the unmodified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said stereo image enhancement circuit means including sum and difference circuit means responsive to said left and right stereo signals respectively for generating sum and difference signals respectively representative of the sum and difference of said left and right stereo signals, means for processing said sum and difference signals to provide processed sum and difference signals which form said processed stereo signals, said second control means comprising means for modifying one of said processed sum and difference signals in a sense to decrease variation of a selected relation between said one of said processed sum and difference signals, and one of said sum and difference signals, and including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said processed sum signal and attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals.

Claim 163

Independent Claim 295 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right stereo signals to provide processed stereo signals, stereo sensing means responsive to left and right stereo signals from said source of stereo sound for sensing the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, first control means responsive to said stereo sensing means for generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying one of said processed stereo signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said stereo signals, and means for combining said modified one of said processed stereo signals and the unmodified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said stereo image enhancement circuit means including sum and difference circuit means responsive to said left and right stereo signals respectively for generating sum and difference signals respectively representative of the sum and difference of said left and right stereo signals, means for processing said sum and difference signals to provide processed sum and difference signals which form said processed stereo signals, said second control means comprising means for modifying one of said processed sum and difference signals in a sense to decrease variation of a selected relation between said one of said processed sum and difference signals, and one of said sum and difference signals, and including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said processed sum signal and attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals.

Claim 164

Independent Claim 300 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right input signals to provide processed stereo signals, stereo sensing means responsive to left and right stereo input signals from said source of stereo sound for sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals, first control means responsive to said stereo sensing means for generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying one of said processed stereo signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals, and means for combining said modified one of said processed stereo signals and the unmodified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said stereo image enhancement circuit means comprising circuit means responsive to said left and right stereo input signals for generating sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference of said stereo input signals, difference signal equalizer means responsive to said difference signal for selectively altering components in different frequency bands of said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, and sum equalizer means responsive to said sum signal for selectively altering components of said sum signal in different frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said processed sum and difference signals forming said processed stereo signals, and including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said processed sum signal and attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals.

Claim 165

Independent Claim 300 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right input signals to provide processed stereo signals, stereo sensing means responsive to left and right stereo input signals from said source of stereo sound for sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals, first control means responsive to said stereo sensing means for generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying one of said processed stereo signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals, and means for combining said modified one of said processed stereo signals and the unmodified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said stereo image enhancement circuit means comprising circuit means responsive to said left and right stereo input signals for generating sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference of said stereo input signals, difference signal equalizer means responsive to said difference signal for selectively altering components in different frequency bands of said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, and sum equalizer means responsive to said sum signal for selectively altering components of said sum signal in different frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said processed sum and difference signals forming said processed stereo signals, and including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said processed sum signal and attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals.

Claim 166

Independent Claim 328 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right input signals to provide processed stereo signals, stereo sensing means responsive to left and right stereo input signals from said source of stereo sound for sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals, first control means responsive to said stereo sensing means for generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying one of said processed stereo signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals, and means for combining said modified one of suit processed stereo signals and the unmodified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said stereo image enhancement circuit means including sum and difference circuit means responsive to said left and right stereo input signals respectively for generating sum and difference signals respectively representative of the sum and difference of said left and right stereo input signals, means for processing said sum and difference signals to provide processed sum and difference signals which form said processed stereo signals, said second control means comprising means for modifying one of said processed sum and difference signals in a sense to decrease variation of a selected relation between said one of said processed sum and difference signals, and one of said sum and difference signals, said means for modifying one of said processed sum and difference signals comprising means for maintaining a substantially constant ratio between said sum signal and said processed difference signal, and including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said processed sum signal and attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals.

Claim 167

Independent Claim 328 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing the left and right input signals to provide processed stereo signals, stereo sensing means responsive to left and right stereo input signals from said source of stereo sound for sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals, first control means responsive to said stereo sensing means for generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, second control means responsive to said control signal for modifying one of said processed stereo signals in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals, and means for combining said modified one of suit processed stereo signals and the unmodified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said stereo image enhancement circuit means including sum and difference circuit means responsive to said left and right stereo input signals respectively for generating sum and difference signals respectively representative of the sum and difference of said left and right stereo input signals, means for processing said sum and difference signals to provide processed sum and difference signals which form said processed stereo signals, said second control means comprising means for modifying one of said processed sum and difference signals in a sense to decrease variation of a selected relation between said one of said processed sum and difference signals, and one of said sum and difference signals, said means for modifying one of said processed sum and difference signals comprising means for maintaining a substantially constant ratio between said sum signal and said processed difference signal, and including means for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals, and means responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said processed sum signal and attenuating said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo signals.

Claim 168

Independent Claim 172 words

A method for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound, said method comprising the steps of: processing the left and right input signals, sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals and generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, employing said dynamic control signal to modify one of said processed stereo signals signal in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals to provide a modified processed signal, and combining one of said processed stereo signals and said modified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said left and right output signals providing enhanced stereo output including enhanced reverberation components, and including the steps of sensing the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals and generating a reverberation control signal indicative of sensed reverberation, and employing the reverberation control signal to modify the processed stereo signals so as to decrease the amount of enhanced reverberation in said left and right output signals.

Claim 169

Independent Claim 172 words

A method for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound, said method comprising the steps of: processing the left and right input signals, sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals and generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, employing said dynamic control signal to modify one of said processed stereo signals signal in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals to provide a modified processed signal, and combining one of said processed stereo signals and said modified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said left and right output signals providing enhanced stereo output including enhanced reverberation components, and including the steps of sensing the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals and generating a reverberation control signal indicative of sensed reverberation, and employing the reverberation control signal to modify the processed stereo signals so as to decrease the amount of enhanced reverberation in said left and right output signals.

Claim 170

Independent Claim 250 words

A method for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound, said method comprising the steps of: processing the left and right input signals, sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals and generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, employing said dynamic control signal to modify one of said processed stereo signals signal in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals to provide a modified processed signal, and combining one of said processed stereo signals and said modified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said step of processing the left and right input signals comprising generating sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference of said left and right input signals, selectively altering components in different frequency bands of said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, and selectively altering components of said sum signal in said difference frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said processed difference signal and processed sum signals forming said processed stereo signals, said left and right output signals providing enhanced stereo output including enhanced reverberation components, and including the steps of sensing the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals and generating a reverberation control signal indicative of sensed reverberation, and employing the reverberation control signal to modify the processed stereo signals so as to decrease the amount of enhanced reverberation in said left and right output signals.

Claim 171

Independent Claim 250 words

A method for enhancing left and right stereo input signals provided from a source of stereo sound, said method comprising the steps of: processing the left and right input signals, sensing the amount of stereo in said input signals and generating a dynamic control signal representing said amount of stereo, employing said dynamic control signal to modify one of said processed stereo signals signal in accordance with the amount of stereo in said input signals to provide a modified processed signal, and combining one of said processed stereo signals and said modified processed stereo signal to provide left and right output signals, said step of processing the left and right input signals comprising generating sum and difference signals respectively representing the sum and difference of said left and right input signals, selectively altering components in different frequency bands of said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, and selectively altering components of said sum signal in said difference frequency bands to provide a processed sum signal, said processed difference signal and processed sum signals forming said processed stereo signals, said left and right output signals providing enhanced stereo output including enhanced reverberation components, and including the steps of sensing the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo input signals and generating a reverberation control signal indicative of sensed reverberation, and employing the reverberation control signal to modify the processed stereo signals so as to decrease the amount of enhanced reverberation in said left and right output signals.

Claim 172

Dependent Claim 115 words

A stereo sound system having respective left and right input signals, comprising: means for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal and providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal, first means for processing said sum signal to provide a processed sum signal, second means for processing said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, means for generating a reverberation control signal comprising means for averaging the difference of the difference and sum signals to generate said reverberation control signal, and means for boosting and attenuating components of said processed sum and difference signals respectively as a function of said reverberation control signal.

Claim 173

Dependent Claim 115 words

A stereo sound system having respective left and right input signals, comprising: means for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal and providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal, first means for processing said sum signal to provide a processed sum signal, second means for processing said difference signal to provide a processed difference signal, means for generating a reverberation control signal comprising means for averaging the difference of the difference and sum signals to generate said reverberation control signal, and means for boosting and attenuating components of said processed sum and difference signals respectively as a function of said reverberation control signal.

Claim 174

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 138 wherein said means for averaging comprises means for deriving the inverted peak envelope of the sum signal, means for deriving the non-inverted peak envelope of the difference signal, and means for combining said peak envelopes to generate said reverberation control signal.

Claim 175

Dependent Claim 128 words

In a stereo enhancement system having sum and difference signals derived from left and right stereo signals, an improved enhancement system comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing at least some of said signals to provide processed stereo signals including at least a processed difference signal, stereo sensing means responsive to said processed difference signal for sensing the amount of stereo in said left and right stereo signals and providing a feedback signal, control means responsive to the feedback signal of said stereo sensing means for modifying said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of stereo in said left and right stereo signals, and means for combining said processed difference signal and at least another of said signals to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 176

Dependent Claim 128 words

In a stereo enhancement system having sum and difference signals derived from left and right stereo signals, an improved enhancement system comprising: stereo image enhancement circuit means for processing at least some of said signals to provide processed stereo signals including at least a processed difference signal, stereo sensing means responsive to said processed difference signal for sensing the amount of stereo in said left and right stereo signals and providing a feedback signal, control means responsive to the feedback signal of said stereo sensing means for modifying said processed difference signal in accordance with the amount of stereo in said left and right stereo signals, and means for combining said processed difference signal and at least another of said signals to provide left and right output signals.

Claim 177

Dependent Claim 34 words

The system of claim 140 wherein said control means includes means responsive to said sum signal and said feedback signal for maintaining a predetermined relation between magnitudes of said sum and processed difference signals.

Claim 178

Dependent Claim 28 words

The system of claim 141 wherein said control means comprises means for maintaining a substantially constant ratio of magnitudes of said sum signal and said processed difference signal.

Claim 179

Independent Claim 73 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo signals providing from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement means for providing at least a processed difference signal and a sum signal from said left and right signals, and closed loop feedback means responsive to said processed difference signal for controlling the processed difference signal to decrease variation of the ratio of magnitudes of said processed difference signal and said sum signal.

Claim 180

Independent Claim 73 words

A system for enhancing left and right stereo signals providing from a source of stereo sound comprising: stereo image enhancement means for providing at least a processed difference signal and a sum signal from said left and right signals, and closed loop feedback means responsive to said processed difference signal for controlling the processed difference signal to decrease variation of the ratio of magnitudes of said processed difference signal and said sum signal.

Claim 181

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system of claim 143 wherein said feedback means comprises means for generating a feedback signal indicative of magnitude of said processed difference signal, and means responsive to said feedback signal and a second signal indicative of magnitude of said sum signal for modifying said processed difference signal.

Claim 182

Dependent Claim 112 words

A stereo enhancement system having sum and difference signals derived from left and right stereo signals, comprising: processing means responsive to said sum and difference signals for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost lower and higher frequency difference signal components relative to other difference signal components to provide a processed difference signal, and for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal so as to boost selected sum signal components relative to other sum signal components to provide a processed sum signal, and means responsive to said processed sum and difference signals to provide left and right stereo output signals.

Claim 183

Dependent Claim 112 words

A stereo enhancement system having sum and difference signals derived from left and right stereo signals, comprising: processing means responsive to said sum and difference signals for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said difference signal so as to boost lower and higher frequency difference signal components relative to other difference signal components to provide a processed difference signal, and for selectively altering the relative amplitudes of components of said sum signal so as to boost selected sum signal components relative to other sum signal components to provide a processed sum signal, and means responsive to said processed sum and difference signals to provide left and right stereo output signals.

Claim 184

Dependent Claim 73 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 145 wherein said processing means comprises: first equalizing means for selectively attenuating difference signal components so as to attenuate frequencies that statistically include louder components more than frequencies that statistically include quieter components, second equalizing means for relatively boosting sum signal components within a predetermined frequency range which statistically includes said louder difference signal components, and for relatively attenuating sum signal components outside said predetermined frequency range.

Claim 185

Dependent Claim 50 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 145 including control means for amplifying said processed difference signal as a function of its magnitude relative to that of said sum signal to provide a substantially consistent stereo image for differing amounts of stereo information contained in said left and right stereo signals.

Claim 186

Dependent Claim 44 words

The stereo enhancement system of claim 145 including means for monitoring the relative magnitudes of said sum and difference signals to detect conditions indicative of the presence of artificial reverberation, and for modifying said processed difference signal to compensate for effects of artificial reverberation.

Claim 187

Dependent Claim 121 words

Apparatus for making a stereo sound recording from left and right stereo source signals, comprising: means for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal and providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal, means responsive to said left and right stereo source signals for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right signals, means responsive to at least some of said signals for providing left and right stereo output signals, and control means responsive to said reverberation control signal for varying amplitudes of selected components of at least said difference signals to control the amount of reverberation in said stereo output signals.

Claim 188

Dependent Claim 121 words

Apparatus for making a stereo sound recording from left and right stereo source signals, comprising: means for providing the sum of the left and right signals as a sum signal and providing the difference between the left and right signals as a difference signal, means responsive to said left and right stereo source signals for generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right signals, means responsive to at least some of said signals for providing left and right stereo output signals, and control means responsive to said reverberation control signal for varying amplitudes of selected components of at least said difference signals to control the amount of reverberation in said stereo output signals.

Claim 189

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 149 wherein said control means comprises means for attenuating components of said difference signal in frequencies between about two hundred fifty to twenty-five hundred Hertz.

Claim 190

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus of claim 149 wherein said means responsive to said stereo source signals comprises circuit means responsive to said sum and difference signals for generating said reverberation control signal as a signal indicative of the difference between said difference and sum signals.

Claim 191

Dependent Claim 46 words

The apparatus of claim 149 wherein said means for generating a reverberation control signal comprises means for averaging the difference of said difference and sum signals, and wherein said means for varying comprises means for boosting and attenuating components of said sum and difference signals respectively.

Claim 192

Dependent Claim 40 words

The apparatus of claim 149 wherein said means for varying amplitudes comprises means for boosting said sum signal, and means for attenuating components of said difference signal by an amount less than the amount of boost of said sum signal.

Claim 193

Dependent Claim 44 words

The apparatus of claim 149 wherein said means for varying amplitudes comprises a gain controlled amplifier responsive to said reverberation control signal for boosting said sum signal and a filter for selectively attenuating components of said difference signal in accordance with said reverberation signal.

Claim 194

Independent Claim 132 words

A method of making a stereo sound recording from left and right stereo source signals, comprising the steps of: providing the sum of the left and right stereo source signals as a sum signal and providing the difference between the left and right stereo source signals as a difference signal, generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo source signals, generating reverberation controlled stereo output signals from said sum and difference signals, employing said reverberation control signal to modify at least said difference signal as a function of said reverberation control signal to control the amount of reverberation in said stereo output signals, and operating a sound recording device in response to said reverberation controlled stereo output signals to make a sound recording.

Claim 195

Independent Claim 132 words

A method of making a stereo sound recording from left and right stereo source signals, comprising the steps of: providing the sum of the left and right stereo source signals as a sum signal and providing the difference between the left and right stereo source signals as a difference signal, generating a reverberation control signal indicative of the amount of reverberation in said left and right stereo source signals, generating reverberation controlled stereo output signals from said sum and difference signals, employing said reverberation control signal to modify at least said difference signal as a function of said reverberation control signal to control the amount of reverberation in said stereo output signals, and operating a sound recording device in response to said reverberation controlled stereo output signals to make a sound recording.

Claim 196

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 155 wherein said step of employing said reverberation control signal comprises the step of boosting said sum signal in accordance with said control signal.

Claim 197

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 155 wherein said step of employing said reverberation control signal comprises attenuating said difference signal in a selected frequency band in accordance with said control signal.

Claim 198

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 155 wherein said step of generating a reverberation control signal comprises differentially combining said sum and difference signals, and wherein said step of employing said reverberation control signal comprises boosting said sum signal and attenuating selected components of said difference signal in accordance with the differentially combined sum and difference signals.

Claim 199

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 155 including the step of controlling the amount of reverberation in said stereo output signals by varying the magnitude of said reverberation control signal.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1991-05-31	1991-11-30	1992-05-31	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1995-05-31	1995-11-30	1996-05-31	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1999-05-31	1999-11-30	2000-05-31	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Stereo enhancement system

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