Audio Rendering Apparatus Elevation Signal Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

When a multi-channel signal, such as a 22.2 channel signal, is rendered as a 5.1 channel signal using virtual rendering technology, it may not be suitable for applying virtual rendering according to signal characteristics, leading to suboptimal reproduction of three-dimensional audio signals.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for rendering an audio signal that determines a rendering type based on signal characteristics, applying different down-mix matrices, and performing spatial tone color filtering or general panning to effectively render elevation sound signals in a horizontal layout environment, thereby achieving effective rendering performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtual rendering technology is applied to render multi-channel signal as 5.1 channel signal, then three-dimensional audio signals can be reproduced by two-dimensional output channel, but it may not be suitable according to signal characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to signal characteristicsVSAvoidrendering performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic rendering type determination that adapts to signal characteristics. The system determines whether to apply 3D rendering or 2D rendering based on analyzing signal properties such as channel correlation and energy distribution. This dynamic adaptation allows the rendering process to change its behavior according to the input signal characteristics, resolving the contradiction between fixed virtual rendering and signal-specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes rendering parameters based on signal characteristics. By analyzing properties of the input multi-channel signal and adjusting rendering parameters accordingly, the system selects appropriate down-mix matrices and rendering modes. This parameter adaptation ensures optimal rendering performance for different types of audio signals while maintaining compatibility with 5.1 channel output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If virtual rendering is applied without considering signal characteristics, then rendering process is simple, but rendering performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverendering performanceVSAvoidrendering process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rendering system performs self-analysis of signal characteristics and automatically determines the appropriate rendering type. By incorporating signal analysis capabilities within the rendering process itself, the system eliminates the need for external complex processing while achieving adaptive rendering. The renderer independently evaluates signal properties and adjusts its operation accordingly, improving performance without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the rendering process into distinct stages: signal characteristic analysis, rendering type determination, and actual rendering execution. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, with the analysis stage identifying signal properties and the rendering stage applying appropriate processing. This structured approach manages complexity by breaking down the overall process into manageable, specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3131313B1Method and apparatus for rendering sound signal, and computer-readable recording medium
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3131313B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3131313B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3131313B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of reproducing a multi-channel audio signal including an elevation sound signal in a horizontal layout environment, thereby obtaining a rendering parameter according to a rendering type and configuring a down-mix matrix, and thus effective rendering performance may be obtained with respect to an audio signal that is not suitable for applying virtual rendering. A method of rendering an audio signal includes receiving a multi-channel signal comprising a plurality of input channels to be converted into a plurality of output channels; determining a rendering type for elevation rendering based on a parameter determined from a characteristic of the multi-channel signal; and rendering at least one height input channel according to the determined rendering type, wherein the parameter is included in a bitstream of the multi-channel signal.