Multi-Channel LPCM Audio Sample Entry Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The ISO base media file format (ISO/IEC14496-12) lacks definition for storing multi-channel linear PCM audio data, particularly for channels exceeding 2, and existing standards do not provide a method for channel assignment beyond 2 channels.

Innovation Solution

A file generation and reproduction system that serially aligns audio data across multiple channels, generates a sample entry with fields indicating channel assignment, sampling frequency, and quantization bitrate, and decodes media data to output audio samples, supporting 2, 4, 6, or 8 channels, including 7.1 channel configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-channel linear PCM audio data is stored in ISO base media file format, then audio data can be stored, but channel assignment information for channels exceeding 2 is not defined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel assignment capabilityVSAvoidchannel assignment information

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the channel assignment information into separate fields within the AudioSampleEntry structure. Specifically, it introduces a `channelAssignment` field that separately stores assignment information for different channel groups (2ch, 4ch, 6ch, 8ch), allowing each channel configuration to be independently defined and stored without loss of information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the AudioSampleEntry structure by adding new fields (channelAssignment, samplingFrequency, quantizationBitrate) beyond the original ISO/IEC 14496-12 specification. This dimensional expansion enables the structure to accommodate multi-channel audio configurations that were previously unsupported, transforming a 2ch-limited structure into a multi-channel capable one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing ISO/IEC standards are used, then 2ch linear PCM can be stored, but no definition is made for storing linear PCM with more than 2 channels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of channelsVSAvoidstorage method definition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal AudioSampleEntry structure that can handle multiple channel configurations (2ch, 4ch, 6ch, 8ch) through a single standardized format. By introducing generic fields like `channelAssignment` that can represent different channel layouts, the structure becomes multi-functional, eliminating the need for separate storage methods for each channel configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the AudioSampleEntry parameters by adding `channelAssignment`, `samplingFrequency`, and `quantizationBitrate` fields. These parameter changes enable the structure to adapt to different channel configurations and audio qualities, providing a flexible storage method that works for 2ch through 8ch without requiring multiple specialized formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If channel assignment information is added to AudioSampleEntry, then multi-channel audio can be stored, but the structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-channel audio supportVSAvoidsample entry structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple pieces of information (channel assignment, sampling frequency, quantization bitrate) into a single integrated AudioSampleEntry structure. Instead of creating separate structures for each parameter, it combines them into one unified entry that manages all audio sample metadata, reducing overall system complexity while supporting multi-channel audio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent embeds the channel assignment information and other metadata fields within the existing AudioSampleEntry structure. The `channelAssignment` field is nested within the AudioSampleEntry, which itself contains references to media data and sample entries. This nested organization allows multi-channel support to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire file structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10075796B2File generation device, file generation method, file reproduction device, and file reproduction method

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a file generation device, a file generation method, a file reproduction device, and a file reproduction method that enable reproduction of multi-channel liner PCM audio data in a file format. AudioSampleEntry is extended and a box specifying ORG LPCM (ORGLPCMSpecificBox) is assigned immediately thereafter. The box specifying ORG LPCM (ORGLPCMSpecificBox) is configured of fields, namely, from the top, audio data size (the number of bytes) (audio_data_payload_size), channel assignment (channel_assignment), sampling frequency (sampling_frequency), number of bits of the sample (quantization bitrate) (bits_per_sample), and reservation area (reserved). The present disclosure can be applied to a signal processing system including a file generation device and a file reproduction device, for example.