Audio Decoder Metadata Widening Without Heavy Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio widening methods are memory and processing power intensive due to the need for complex signal processing steps like Fourier transforms and other signal processing methods.
Innovation Solution
Amend audio parameters in the metadata of a compressed bitstream to generate an amended perception, which is then decoded for playback, eliminating the need for complex processing steps at a later stage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex signal processing methods (Fourier transform, Mid/Side processing) are used to achieve audio widening, then the audio perception quality is improved, but the memory consumption and processing power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by modifying the audio parameters in the metadata before the actual audio decoding and playback. Specifically, the stereo width parameters, inter-channel level differences, and inter-channel phase differences are adjusted in advance within the bitstream metadata, so that when the audio is decoded and played back through multiple loudspeakers, the widening effect is automatically achieved without requiring complex real-time signal processing. This resolves the contradiction by performing the computationally intensive parameter adjustment beforehand rather than during playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential widening parameters from the complex signal processing chain and isolates them into metadata fields within the bitstream. Instead of performing full Mid/Side processing or Fourier transforms during playback, only the critical parameters (stereo width, inter-channel level difference, inter-channel phase difference) are extracted and stored in the metadata, which can then be simply amended and decoded. This extraction approach maintains audio perception quality while dramatically reducing processing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex signal processing steps are performed at a later stage before output, then the audio widening effect is achieved, but the processing power and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the audio widening parameter adjustment in advance during the bitstream preparation stage rather than during actual playback. The metadata containing stereo width parameters, inter-channel level differences, and inter-channel phase differences is modified beforehand and embedded in the bitstream. During playback, the decoder simply reads and applies these pre-computed parameters, which consumes minimal processing power and memory while still achieving the desired audio widening effect.
3Measurement precision
If traditional audio widening methods are used, then the stereo image width is enhanced, but the system requires more memory and processing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential stereo width control parameters from the complex audio processing pipeline and stores them compactly in metadata fields within the bitstream. Specifically, parameters such as stereo width factor, inter-channel level difference, and inter-channel phase difference are extracted and encoded efficiently. This allows the system to achieve enhanced stereo image width while using minimal memory resources, as only these extracted parameters need to be stored and processed rather than entire audio signals or complex processing structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a method carried out at an audio decoder, wherein a bitstream of compressed audio data including metadata is received by the audio decoder. In the metadata, at least one audio parameter is determined which influences a perception of an audio signal which is generated based on the bitstream and played out by a plurality of loudspeakers. The at least one audio parameter is amended in order to generate an amended bitstream, wherein an amended audio signal generated based on the amended bitstream leads to an amended perception compared to perception when the audio signal is played out by the loudspeakers based on the unamended bitstream. Furthermore, the amended bitstream is decoded for playback by the plurality of loudspeakers