Adaptive Multi-Channel Audio Encoding by Correlation-Based Pairing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio coding technologies struggle to efficiently encode multi-channel audio signals, particularly in immersive playback scenarios with more than 4 channels, as they fail to dynamically adapt to the spatial and perceptual relations between channels, leading to inefficient encoding and decoding processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that dynamically constructs a signal path by calculating inter-channel correlation values between pairs of channels, selecting pairs with the highest values, and performing multichannel processing operations to derive and encode multi-channel parameters, allowing for adaptive encoding and decoding of multi-channel signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing audio coding technologies are used for multi-channel signals, then the encoding process can be performed, but the encoding efficiency is poor and bit usage is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by calculating inter-channel correlation values and selecting channel pairs for processing based on actual signal characteristics. The processing order and channel pairing are determined dynamically rather than following a fixed pattern, allowing the encoder to optimize for each specific multi-channel signal configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of channel processing order by selecting pairs with highest inter-channel correlation values first. This parameter change enables the encoder to focus computational resources on the most correlated channels, improving encoding efficiency and reducing the bits needed for representation
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed channel processing order is used, then the encoding process is simple, but it cannot adapt to different spatial and perceptual relations between channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of inter-channel correlation values between all channel pairs before selecting which pairs to process. This preliminary action provides the basis for intelligent channel pairing and processing order determination, enabling adaptation to different spatial configurations without complex real-time decision-making during encoding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the calculated inter-channel correlation values as feedback to guide the channel pairing and processing decisions. The correlation metrics provide feedback about the actual spatial and perceptual relationships in the signal, allowing the encoder to adjust its processing strategy accordingly
3Productivity
If joint stereo coding is applied to all channel pairs, then encoding efficiency improves, but the complexity of determining processing order increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/fixed channel processing order with an information-based selection system. Instead of following a predetermined sequence, the system uses inter-channel correlation calculations to automatically determine the optimal processing order, substituting rigid mechanics with adaptive information-driven decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for encoding a multi-channel signal having at least three channels includes an iteration processor, a channel encoder and an output interface. The iteration processor is configured to calculate inter-channel correlation values between each pair of the at least three channels, for selecting a pair including a highest value or including a value above a threshold, and for processing the selected pair using a multi-channel processing operation to derive first multi-channel parameters for the selected pair and to derive first processed channels. The iteration processor is configured to perform the calculating, the selecting and the processing using at least one of the processed channels to derive second multi-channel parameters and second processed channels. The channel encoder is configured to encode channels resulting from an iteration processing to obtain encoded channels. The output interface is configured to generate an encoded multi-channel signal including the encoded channels and the first and second multi-channel parameters.