Method and apparatus for producing a phantom three-dimensional sound space with recorded sound

A method for providing a three-dimensional sound space to a listener, comprising the steps of:

• providing a signal comprising a video signal and a sound signal synchronized with the video signal;
• displaying a video image based on the video signal;
• driving a left speaker with the sound signal, wherein the left speaker is located in close proximity to the left ear of the listener wherein the left ear is not isolated such that external sounds are allowed to impinge upon the pinna of the left ear;
• driving a right speaker with the sound signal, wherein the right speaker is located in close proximity to the right ear of the listener wherein the right ear is not isolated such that external sounds are allowed to impinge upon the pinna of the right ear;
• and
• driving a central speaker with the sound signal, wherein the central speaker is located relatively distant from the listener such that the central speaker, the left speaker, and right speaker, form an isosceles triangle with the central speaker forming the apex of the isosceles triangle;
• automatically adjusting the sound pressure levels of the left and right speakers relative to the central speaker to achieve a phantom three-dimensional sound space;
• wherein the sound pressure levels of the left and right speakers are adjusted to control the listener's perception of the virtual movement of phantom sound image within the sound space created by the central, left and right speakers according to changes in the point of view represented in the displayed video image.

An apparatus for providing a three-dimensional sound space to a plurality of listeners, comprising:

• a sound signal decoder for separating a sound signal into at least a first sound channel, a second sound channel, and a third sound channel;
• a plurality of left speakers adapted to be driven by the first sound channel from the sound signal, wherein each left speaker is located in close proximity to the left ear of one listener wherein the left ear is not isolated such that external sounds are allowed to impinge upon the pinna of the left ear;
• a plurality of right speakers adapted to be driven by the second sound channel from the sound signal, wherein the right speaker is located in close proximity to the right ear of the one listener wherein the right ear is not isolated such that external sounds are allowed to impinge upon the pinna of the right ear;
• a central speaker adapted to be driven by the third sound channel from the sound signal, wherein the central speaker is located relatively distant from the listener such that the central speaker, the left speaker, and right speaker, form an isosceles triangle with the central speaker forming the apex of the isosceles triangle;
• a sound pressure level controller for each individual listener to adjust the sound pressure levels of said listener's left and right speakers independent of the central speaker to achieve a phantom three-dimensional sound space created by the central, left and right speakers, wherein adjustment of the sound pressure level of the left and right speakers allows each listener to control said listener's perception of the virtual movement of phantom sound image within the sound space within the sound space created by the central, left and right speakers.