Audio Downmix Decoding Using Speaker Arrangement Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-channel audio encoding techniques, such as MPEG-2AAC and MPEG-4AAC, struggle to provide high-quality realistic sound by not adequately addressing channel extension in the vertical direction, leading to limitations in reproducing sound with extended channel configurations like 6.1 or 7.1 channels.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a decoding and encoding method that includes processing units capable of reading and utilizing extended information within the encoded bit stream to downmix audio data, adjusting gain values, and determining coefficients for optimal channel mixing, allowing for the reproduction of audio with extended channel configurations by incorporating speaker arrangement information in the vertical plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-channel audio encoding is performed using existing standards (MPEG-2AAC, MPEG-4AAC), then encoding compatibility is maintained, but the ability to reproduce high-quality realistic sound with extended channel configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the audio channel configuration from traditional horizontal plane arrangements (5.1 channels) to include vertical dimension channels, creating a three-dimensional spatial audio configuration. This allows speakers to be arranged not only left-right-front-back but also at different heights, enabling immersive sound reproduction that encompasses the listener from multiple spatial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal audio encoding system that can handle both traditional 5.1 channel configurations and extended configurations (6.1, 7.1, and beyond) through a unified framework. The system maintains backward compatibility with existing standards while incorporating new channel arrangements, allowing the same encoding system to serve multiple channel configurations and reproduction scenarios.
2Manufacturing precision
If channel configuration is extended beyond 5.1 channels to achieve realistic sound, then sound quality is improved, but compatibility with existing encoding standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of audio signals for extended channel configurations into a standardized bit stream format that embeds configuration information. By pre-encoding the spatial arrangement and channel mapping data into the bit stream, the system enables downstream devices to correctly interpret and reproduce the extended channel configuration without requiring changes to existing decoding standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding layer that translates extended channel configurations into a compatible bit stream format. This intermediary process acts as a bridge between the new extended channel requirements and existing decoding infrastructure, allowing extended configurations to be transmitted through standard channels and decoded by conventional devices with appropriate extensions.
3Manufacturing precision
If speaker arrangement information in vertical plane is incorporated, then realistic sound reproduction is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the parameter set for speaker arrangement by adding vertical position parameters to the traditional horizontal plane coordinates. Instead of only specifying left-right and front-back positions, the system now includes height/elevation parameters, transforming the spatial description from two-dimensional to three-dimensional while maintaining a consistent mathematical framework for position specification.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technique relates to a decoding device, a decoding method, an encoding device, an encoding method, and a program which can obtain a high-quality realistic sound.The encoding device stores speaker arrangement information in a comment region in a PCE of an encoded bit stream and stores a synchronous word and identification information in the comment region such that other public comments and the speaker arrangement information stored in the comment region can be distinguished from each other. When an encoded bit stream is decoded, it is determined whether the speaker arrangement information is stored on the basis of the synchronous word and the identification information stored in the comment region. Audio data included in the encoded bit stream is output according to the arrangement of the speakers corresponding to the determination result. The present technique can be applied to an encoding device.