Audio Signal Processing Apparatus with Control Restriction for Distortion Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio signal processing technologies face challenges in controlling gain and panning of object signals to prevent distortion, especially in karaoke or solo modes, and ensuring downward compatibility for multichannel decoding.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for processing audio signals that control gain and panning to output mono, stereo, or multichannel signals, incorporating control restriction information to prevent excessive rendering and distortion, with separate handling for karaoke or solo modes, and enabling user-specific rendering controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gain or panning control is applied to object signals, then user control flexibility is improved, but distortion is generated when control is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing control restriction information that prevents excessive gain or panning control before distortion occurs. The system proactively limits control parameters within safe ranges, blocking harmful user inputs that would cause distortion rather than reacting to distortion after it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring control parameters and comparing them against predefined thresholds. When control values approach levels that would cause distortion, the system provides feedback through control restriction information to prevent further excessive control, creating a closed-loop control mechanism.
2Reliability
If control restriction is applied to prevent distortion, then sound quality is improved, but user control freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting control parameters based on the audio signal characteristics and current control state. The control restriction information modifies gain or panning parameters in real-time, changing them from unlimited user input to constrained parameters that maintain sound quality while still allowing legitimate user control within safe ranges.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate control restriction is applied for karaoke or solo mode, then rendering accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control restriction handling into separate modes (karaoke mode and solo mode) with distinct control restriction information. Each mode has its own specific control parameters and restrictions tailored to its rendering requirements, allowing precise control for each scenario while managing complexity through modular handling of different modes.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving a downmix signal and side information; extracting extension type identifier indicating whether extension area includes a residual signal from the side information; when the extension type identifier indicates that the extension area includes the residual signal, extracting control restriction information for residual using mode from the side information; receiving control information for controlling gain or panning of at least one object signal; estimating modified control information based on the control information and the control restriction information; obtaining at least one of enhanced object signal and one or more regular object signals from the downmix signal using the residual signal; and, generating an output signal using the modified control information and at least one of enhanced object signal and one or more regular object signal, wherein the control restriction information for residual using mode relates to a parameter indicating limiting degree of the control information in case of the residual using mode.