Multi-stage 3D Audio Signal Processing for Playback Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional systems require specialized hardware and software to play high-quality 3D audio, resulting in limited success and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage processing system that filters and prioritizes audio signals, using selected audio processing tools to convert and decode audio objects into various multi-channel formats, adjusting gain levels based on metadata for accurate 3D sound rendering across multiple playback devices without specific hardware or software requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional systems use specialized hardware and software for 3D audio processing, then audio quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D audio processing into multiple distinct stages: initial encoding of audio objects, decoding to intermediate format, metadata extraction for spatial positioning, gain level adjustment based on spatial coordinates, and final encoding to output format. This segmentation allows each stage to be processed independently using standard hardware components rather than requiring specialized dedicated hardware for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that converts audio objects from the source multi-channel format to an intermediate multi-channel format, then to the final output format. This intermediary approach uses standard audio processing tools and formats that are widely supported across different playback devices, eliminating the need for specialized hardware while maintaining audio quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-stage processing is implemented to support various playback devices, then adaptability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of audio objects with embedded metadata containing spatial positioning information during the audio production phase. This preliminary action allows the playback system to directly utilize the pre-prepared audio objects and their associated spatial data without requiring complex real-time processing, thus reducing playback processing time while maintaining compatibility across devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters by working with audio objects in a standardized multi-channel format that can be efficiently processed by common audio tools. The system adjusts parameters such as gain levels based on metadata rather than performing complex spatial transformations in real-time, which reduces processing time while maintaining adaptability to different playback configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If audio signals are processed through multiple stages with format conversions, then rendering accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the audio objects contain embedded metadata that automatically provides spatial positioning information. The processing system simply reads and applies this metadata to adjust gain levels and positioning without requiring complex external processing or specialized hardware, thus achieving high rendering accuracy with relatively simple processing logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Audio signals are obtained and filtered. First and second audio processing tools are selected, and priorities associated with the first and second audio processing tools are assigned. In response to a higher priority associated with the first audio processing tool, the audio signal is encoded using the first audio processing tool. A multi-channel audio format for decoding the encoded may be selected and the encoded audio signal is decoded to the selected multi-channel audio format. Further, metadata associated with audio objects may be obtained. A gain level for each audio object may be determined based on the metadata and the gain level may be adjusted using the second audio processing tool. Another multi-channel audio format may be selected, and the gain level adjusted audio signal may be encoded based on the other selected multi-channel audio format. The gain level adjusted audio signal is output to be rendered via playback devices.