Object-Based Spatial Audio Mastering With Grouped Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio mastering tools are inadequate for object-based spatial audio, as they cannot efficiently adjust individual audio objects within complex scenes, leading to inefficient production processes and limited sound quality due to environmental constraints.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for audio mastering that organizes audio objects into processing object groups, allowing users to apply effect parameters to multiple objects simultaneously through an interface, with a processor unit determining which objects belong to the group based on metadata and user-defined criteria, enabling real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If audio objects are individually modified during mixing, then sound quality can be optimized, but production efficiency deteriorates due to manual handling of each object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple audio objects into processing object groups, allowing mastering operations to be applied simultaneously to multiple objects. This merging approach enables the mastering engineer to adjust parameters (such as equalization, compression, or spatial positioning) for entire groups of audio objects in a single operation, thereby maintaining high sound quality optimization while dramatically improving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces processing object groups that serve as universal containers for multiple audio objects. These groups can be selectively created and manipulated based on various criteria (spatial proximity, frequency range, directional characteristics), providing a multi-functional framework that applies mastering operations across different object types and configurations without requiring individual handling of each audio object.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mastering tools are used for object-based audio, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to handle complex scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio scene into processing object groups based on spatial and acoustic characteristics. By dividing the complex audio environment into manageable groups (e.g., objects within a specific spatial region or sharing common directional properties), the system maintains ease of operation through simplified group-based control while gaining adaptability to handle the complexity of three-dimensional audio scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic processing object groups that can be automatically formed or reconfigured based on real-time scene analysis. The system dynamically adjusts group memberships based on audio object positions, directions, and spatial relationships, enabling the mastering tools to adapt flexibly to complex and changing audio scenes while preserving user-friendly operation through automated organization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio objects are arranged in large numbers for complex scenes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to rendering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple audio objects into processing object groups, which allows the rendering system to process and manage large numbers of audio objects more efficiently. By organizing objects into groups based on spatial and acoustic properties, the system reduces the computational complexity of rendering individual objects separately, thereby maintaining adaptability to complex scenes while lowering the overall device complexity requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a processed signal using a plurality of audio objects according to an embodiment, each audio object of the plurality of audio objects comprising an audio object signal and audio object metadata, and the audio object metadata comprising a position of the audio object and a gain parameter of the audio object. The apparatus comprises an interface (110) for the user to specify at least one effect parameter of a processing object group of audio objects, the processing object group of audio objects comprising two or more audio objects of the plurality of audio objects. The apparatus also comprises a processor unit (120) which is designed to generate the processed signal such that the at least one effect parameter specified by means of the interface (110) is applied to the audio object signal or to the audio object metadata of each of the audio objects of the processing object group of audio objects. One or more audio objects of the plurality of audio objects do not belong to the processing object group of audio objects.