Audio Signal Processing Apparatus for Object Gain Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio signal processing technologies face challenges in controlling object gain and panning, particularly in backward compatibility with channel-oriented decoding methods like MPEG Surround, where flexible conversion of object parameters to multi-channel parameters is required for upmixing.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for processing audio signals that receive a downmix signal, object information, and mix information to generate downmix processing information, allowing unrestricted control of object gain and panning based on user selection, using a 2x2 module for stereo signals and subband domain processing to produce multi-channel information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If object parameters are converted to multi-channel parameters for backward compatibility with channel-oriented decoding methods, then compatibility with existing systems is improved, but flexibility in controlling object gain and panning is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackward compatibilityVSAvoidobject gain and panning control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio parameter representation into two distinct types: object parameters (for object-based audio control) and multi-channel parameters (for channel-based audio control). The system can selectively use either parameter type depending on the desired functionality, allowing independent optimization of compatibility and control flexibility without forcing a conversion between the two representations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic parameter conversion mechanism where object parameters can be flexibly converted to multi-channel parameters based on real-time requirements. The conversion is not fixed but adaptable, allowing the system to maintain object parameter representations for unrestricted control while providing multi-channel parameter representations when compatibility with channel-oriented decoders is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If object parameters are rigidly converted to multi-channel parameters, then system compatibility is improved, but information loss occurs during parameter transformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidparameter information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary parameter conversion unit that acts as a mediator between object parameters and multi-channel parameters. This intermediary performs intelligent conversion by analyzing the input object parameters and generating corresponding multi-channel parameters while preserving as much information as possible through optimized conversion algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs advanced parameter transformation techniques that dynamically adjust conversion parameters based on the specific audio content and context. By changing the conversion parameters adaptively rather than using fixed conversion rules, the system minimizes information loss during the transformation from object to multi-channel parameter representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2187386B1A method and an apparatus for processing an audio signal
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2187386B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2187386B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2187386B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for processing an audio signal, comprising: receiving a downmix signal, an object information, and a mix information; generating a downmix processing information using the object information and the mix information; processing the downmix signal using the downmix processing information; and, generating a multi-channel information using the object information and the mix information, wherein the number of channel of the downmix signal is equal to the number of channel of the processed downmix signal is disclosed.