Object-Based Audio File Structure for Independent Source Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio services cannot effectively control and synthesize audio signals from multiple sound sources, limiting user control over audio content playback.

Innovation Solution

A method for generating and playing object-based audio content using a media file format like ISO-BMFF, which includes storing preset parameters for audio objects, allowing for independent control and mixing of audio signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If audio signals from multiple sound sources are mixed into a single audio signal for transmission, then transmission efficiency is improved, but user control over individual sound sources is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoiduser control over individual sound sources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mixed audio signal into multiple independent audio objects, each representing a separate sound source. Each audio object is assigned unique attributes including spatial position, volume level, and panning control. This segmentation enables users to independently control each sound source while maintaining transmission efficiency through unified file structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension of control by introducing spatial positioning attributes for each audio object. Instead of traditional single-channel mixing, the system uses multi-dimensional attributes (x, y, z coordinates, pan, tilt) to define sound source positions in 3D space, enabling both efficient transmission and granular user control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If audio signals are independently stored for each sound source, then user control over individual sound sources is enabled, but storage and transmission complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over individual sound sourcesVSAvoidstorage and transmission complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent audio object data structures into a single unified file format. All audio objects with their individual attributes (spatial position, volume, pan) are contained within one file structure, simplifying storage and transmission while preserving the ability to independently control each sound source through attribute manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal file structure that can accommodate multiple audio objects with different attributes and characteristics. This multi-functional structure handles various sound sources (music, speech, effects) uniformly through a common data format, reducing complexity compared to separate storage systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If preset information about audio objects is stored, then playback flexibility is improved, but file size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayback flexibilityVSAvoidfile size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by storing preset information selectively for each audio object based on its specific characteristics. Only relevant attributes are stored as presets (e.g., spatial position for directional sounds, volume levels for prominent sources), avoiding unnecessary data storage while maintaining playback flexibility for objects that require it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2279618B1Method for generating and playing object-based audio contents and computer readable recording medium for recoding data having file format structure for object-based audio service
Publication Date: 2014.04.16 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST
  • EP2279618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2279618B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2279618B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a method of generating and playing an object-based audio content that may effectively store preset information about an object-based audio content, and a computer- readable recording medium for storing data having a file format structure for an object-based audio service. The method of generating the object-based audio content may include: receiving a plurality of audio objects (310) generating at least one preset using the plurality of audio objects (320) and storing a preset parameter with respect to an attribute of the at least preset and the plurality of audio objects (330). The preset parameter may be stored in a form of a box that is defined in a media file format about the object-based audio content. Through this, it is possible to effectively store a preset about a plurality of audio objects.