Three Dimensional Immersive Sound System (3D-X)
United States Patent Number US 8,442,244 B1

Patent Review of Surround Sound System
by George Augspurger

This patent describes an unusual method of recording and reproducing surround sound, best suited for computer gaming and similar applications. The patent makes the observation that true binaural playback can create a convincing illusion of surround effects whereas conventional loudspeaker reproduction works better for frontal sound sources. In this system, special recordings are made using a real or dummy head and an array of microphones. The playback setup utilizes two or three front loudspeakers 22L, 22R and a pair of special headphones or earbuds 20L, 20R. Each earbud is positioned adjacent to the entrance of the ear canal, but not close enough to interfere with normal hearing. Thus the listener hears full surround effects without the need for additional loudspeakers. Presumably, the surround sound channels of standard 5.1 program material could be electronically processed to meet the requirements of the system.

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America Vol. 136, No. 5,
November 2014 Reviews of Acoustical Patents