Augmented Higher-Order Ambisonic Audio Channel Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio technologies face challenges in providing flexible and adaptable encoding and decoding of soundfields that are independent of speaker geometry, particularly in representing higher-order ambisonic audio data efficiently, which limits the ability to seamlessly integrate additional audio channels without increasing bandwidth or affecting perceptual quality.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves obtaining an augmented higher-order ambisonic representation of a soundfield, extracting or inserting audio channels within this representation, and encoding these channels in a way that allows for their extraction at specific spatial locations, using methods such as singular value decomposition and psychoacoustic audio coding, to embed additional audio content like commentary within the soundfield description without increasing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional audio channels are integrated into the soundfield representation, then the functionality and user experience are improved, but the bandwidth and data complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges additional audio channels (such as commentary or guide audio) with the higher-order ambisonic soundfield representation by encoding them as augmented HOA coefficients. This combining approach allows multiple audio functions to be transmitted through a unified channel structure, integrating separate audio streams into the spatial audio framework without requiring additional independent transmission channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented HOA coefficient structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it represents the spatial soundfield characteristics and embeds additional audio channels. This multi-functional design enables the same data structure to provide both immersive spatial audio and supplementary audio content (like commentary or accessibility features) without requiring separate dedicated channels for each function.
2Ease of operation
If audio channels are embedded within the soundfield representation, then the integration and accessibility are improved, but the decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the augmented HOA coefficient structure into distinct components that correspond to different audio channels and spatial information. By organizing the embedded channels as separate extractable elements within the unified representation, the decoder can selectively process and extract specific audio channels (such as main soundfield, commentary, or guide audio) independently, managing complexity through structured segmentation rather than monolithic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables extraction of individual audio channels from the augmented HOA representation. The decoding process can isolate and extract specific embedded channels (such as commentary or accessibility audio) from the combined soundfield representation, allowing selective processing and output of different audio streams based on user needs or device capabilities, thereby managing decoding complexity through targeted extraction rather than complete reprocessing.
3Measurement precision
If higher-order ambisonic coefficients are used to represent the soundfield, then the spatial accuracy and quality are improved, but the data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different components of the HOA representation. Higher-order coefficients that provide fine spatial detail are processed with higher precision where needed, while lower-order coefficients that provide coarse spatial structure use standard processing. This localized quality approach maintains spatial accuracy where critical while reducing overall computational burden by applying intensive processing only where it provides maximum benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective processing of HOA coefficients based on their contribution to perceptual quality. Not all higher-order coefficients are processed with equal intensity; instead, processing is applied partially to those coefficients that most significantly impact spatial accuracy and perceptual quality, while reducing or omitting processing for coefficients with minimal perceptual impact, thereby balancing spatial fidelity with computational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described for inserting audio channels into descriptions of soundfields. A device comprising a processor may be configured to perform the techniques. The processor may be configured to obtain an audio channel separate from a higher-order ambisonic representation of a soundfield. The processor may further be configured to insert the audio channel at a spatial location within the soundfield such that the audio channel is able to be extracted from the soundfield.