Directional Audio Parameter Coding With Split Time-Frequency Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for encoding directional audio coding parameters, such as DirAC metadata, face challenges in achieving low bit-rates while maintaining high quality, particularly due to the large amount of data required for transmitting 3D audio scenes, and previous solutions have compromised on generality and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves calculating diffuseness and direction parameters with different resolutions and quantizing them separately to achieve a lower bit-rate encoding, using a parameter calculator and encoder processor to generate a quantized and encoded representation, and employing a decoder to convert these parameters back to higher resolutions for audio rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If directional audio coding parameters are encoded with high resolution to maintain quality, then audio quality is improved, but data transmission volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments directional audio parameters into two distinct types: diffuseness parameters and direction parameters. Each type is processed independently with its own resolution settings, allowing optimization of data volume for each parameter type while maintaining necessary quality. This segmentation enables selective resolution assignment rather than uniform high-resolution encoding of all parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different resolution levels to different parameter types based on their specific requirements. Diffuseness parameters are encoded with one resolution while direction parameters are encoded with another resolution. This local quality approach ensures that each parameter type receives the appropriate level of precision without unnecessary overhead, resolving the contradiction between overall quality and data volume.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform resolution is used for all directional parameters, then encoding simplicity is maintained, but encoding efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic resolution assignment where diffuseness parameters and direction parameters are encoded with different resolutions. This dynamic approach adapts the encoding process to the specific characteristics of each parameter type, improving encoding efficiency by allocating bits more effectively while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter specifically for direction parameters while keeping diffuseness parameters at a different resolution. This selective parameter change optimizes the balance between simplicity and efficiency by modifying only the necessary parameters rather than redesigning the entire encoding system.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for encoding directional audio coding parameters including diffuseness parameters and direction parameters includes: a parameter calculator for calculating the diffuseness parameters with a first time or frequency resolution and for calculating the direction parameters with a second time or frequency resolution; and a quantizer and encoder processor for generating a quantized and encoded representation of the diffuseness parameters and the direction parameters.