Multichannel Audio Descriptor Extraction for Device Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multichannel audio systems face issues in playing audio signals properly unless a specific audio device is used, as they represent audio signals exclusively, necessitating a method to describe and play multichannel audio signals effectively in next-generation audio systems.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that include a descriptor extractor to extract and play multichannel audio signals, using descriptors that contain information about sound essence, sound-field configuration, and sound channel details, allowing for the representation and playback of multichannel audio signals across various devices, including next-generation audio systems like UHDTVs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a multichannel audio system uses exclusive representation methods, then audio signal playback quality is improved, but device compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio signal playback qualityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces descriptors as intermediary data structures that mediate between the multichannel audio signal and the playback device. These descriptors include sound channel descriptors with spatial position information and sound field configuration descriptors that describe the audio signal characteristics. The descriptors act as a universal language that allows different audio devices to interpret and reproduce multichannel audio signals properly without requiring exclusive representation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the representation parameters of audio signals by introducing standardized descriptor formats that can be interpreted by various audio devices. Instead of using device-specific exclusive representations, the system uses parameter-based descriptors that can be adapted to different playback configurations, thereby improving both audio quality and device compatibility simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a multichannel audio system uses exclusive representation methods, then audio signal accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio signal accuracyVSAvoidease of playback
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The descriptors serve as an intermediary layer that maintains audio signal accuracy while simplifying playback operations. The sound channel descriptors provide precise spatial position information and channel mapping data, while the sound field configuration descriptors provide accurate audio signal characteristics. These pre-processed descriptor information makes the playback process easier by automatically handling the complexity of multichannel audio configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multichannel audio signals are represented exclusively, then audio quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multichannel audio signal representation into separate descriptor components: sound channel descriptors for channel mapping and spatial information, and sound field configuration descriptors for audio signal characteristics. This segmentation allows each component to be processed and interpreted independently by the playback device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining audio quality through precise, organized data structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10282160B2Apparatus and method for generating audio data, and apparatus and method for playing audio data
Publication Date: 2019.05.07 NIPPON HOSO KYOKAI
  • US10282160B2 patent drawing
  • US10282160B2 patent drawing
  • US10282160B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus and method for generating audio data and an apparatus and method for playing audio data may be disclosed, in which the apparatus for playing the audio data may extract a descriptor related to a multichannel audio signal from a bitstream generated by the apparatus for generating the audio data, and play the multichannel audio signal, based on the extracted descriptor, and the descriptor may include information on an audio signal included in the multichannel audio signal.