Adaptive Spatial Audio Encoding for Unstable Link Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems experience unnaturally high latency and playback interruptions due to fluctuating communication link quality between audio devices, particularly when transmitting head tracking information for immersive audio experiences.
Innovation Solution
Dynamic audio encoding is adapted based on link data to adjust the amount of audio data transmitted, selecting higher or lower resolution encoding modes based on communication link conditions, thereby optimizing audio playback quality and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If channel information is not used in audio encoding, then encoder complexity is reduced, but audio quality and decoding accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The encoder pre-processes channel information (such as DOA, spatial position, or channel impulse response) and generates auxiliary data structures before audio encoding. This preliminary preparation allows the decoder to efficiently utilize channel information without increasing real-time decoding complexity, thus maintaining high decoding accuracy while avoiding excessive encoder complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that bridges channel information and audio parameters. This intermediary representation (such as a spatial model or channel descriptor) allows the decoder to infer missing audio characteristics without directly processing raw channel data, thereby improving decoding accuracy while keeping both encoder and decoder complexity manageable.
2Manufacturing precision
If channel information is fully utilized in audio encoding, then audio quality improves, but information loss in adverse environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms channel information into robust parameter representations that are less susceptible to environmental degradation. By converting raw channel data into normalized spatial parameters or statistical descriptors, the system maintains audio quality even when original channel information is partially lost in adverse acoustic environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoder incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the quality and completeness of channel information. When channel information degradation is detected, the system adapts by relying more on redundancy in the audio signal itself or by adjusting the level of spatial processing, thereby maintaining audio quality despite information loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If spatial audio encoding is implemented, then audio quality and immersion improve, but compatibility with conventional decoders worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio encoding into core audio parameters and optional spatial parameters. Conventional decoders can process only the core parameters for basic compatibility, while advanced decoders can utilize the additional spatial parameters for enhanced quality. This segmentation allows spatial audio encoding to improve audio quality without sacrificing compatibility with legacy decoders.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device includes a memory configured to store instructions and one or more processors configured to execute the instructions. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to obtain link data corresponding to a communication link to a second device. The one or more processors are configured to execute the instructions to select, at least partially based on the link data, between an ambisonics mode and a stereo mode.