3D Audio Rendering with Elevation Parameter Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

When a multi-channel audio signal, such as a 22.2-channel signal, is rendered to a fewer number of output channels like 5.1 channels, audio image distortion occurs due to differences in elevation angles between input and standard elevation angles.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that adjusts the elevation panning and filtering coefficients based on the actual elevation angles of input channels, using a stereophonic audio reproducing apparatus with a renderer and mixer to correct audio image distortion by applying updated filter and panning coefficients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If rendering parameters determined according to standard elevation angle are used, then the rendering process is simple, but audio image distortion occurs when input channel elevation differs from standard

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverendering process simplicityVSAvoidaudio image accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of rendering parameters (elevation panning coefficients and elevation filter coefficients) based on the actual elevation angle of input channels. The system automatically adapts the rendering process to match the physical configuration of the audio system, transforming a static standard-based approach into a dynamic adaptive one that maintains audio image accuracy across different elevation configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the rendering parameters (specifically elevation panning coefficients and elevation filter coefficients) according to the actual elevation angle of the input channels. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system resolves the contradiction between using simple standard parameters and maintaining accurate audio imaging for non-standard elevations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If rendering parameters are adjusted based on actual elevation angles, then audio image accuracy is improved, but the rendering process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio image accuracyVSAvoidrendering process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the actual elevation angle of the input channels is detected and used to automatically adjust the rendering parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures audio image accuracy without requiring manual configuration, as the system self-adjusts based on the detected elevation angle, thereby managing complexity through automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The rendering system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying its own parameters based on the detected elevation angle of the input channels. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external manual configuration and reduces operational complexity while maintaining high audio image accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4199544B1Method and apparatus for rendering acoustic signal
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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  • EP4199544B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4199544B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When a multi-channel signal, such as from a 22.2 channel, is rendered to a 5.1 channel, three-dimensional audio signals can be reproduced by means of a two-dimensional output channel. However, when the elevation of the input channel differs from the standard elevation and an elevation rendering parameter corresponding to the standard elevation is used, audio image distortion occurs. The present invention resolves the described issue in the existing technology, and a method of rendering audio signals, according to an embodiment of the present invention, which reduces the audio image distortion even when the elevation of the input channel differs from the standard elevation, comprises the steps of: receiving a multi-channel signal comprising a plurality of input channels to be converted into a plurality of output channels; obtaining elevation rendering parameters for a height input channel having a standard elevation angle so that each output channel provides an audio image having a sense of elevation; and updating the elevation rendering parameters for a height input channel having a set elevation angle other than the standard elevation angle.