Neural Ambisonic Transcoding for Binaural Spatial Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transcoding methods for multi-channel audio, particularly ambisonic signals, suffer from noise coloring and attenuation at high frequencies, especially for lower order signals, using linear signal processing models.

Innovation Solution

Employ a machine learning technique using neural networks to model complex non-linear signal relationships for transcoding ambisonic signals into binaural audio, incorporating training with both real and synthetic data to enhance accuracy and resource efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If linear signal processing methods are used for ambisonic to binaural transcoding, then the transcoding process is simple and computationally efficient, but noise coloring and attenuation at high frequencies occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranscoding process simplicityVSAvoidnoise coloring and high frequency attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional linear signal processing methods with a machine learning-based neural network system. The neural network is trained to model the complex non-linear relationship between ambisonic and binaural signals, substituting the mechanical linear processing approach with an intelligent system that can capture non-linear characteristics and avoid noise coloring while preserving high frequency content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the transcoding approach by moving from fixed linear transformation matrices to adaptive non-linear mappings learned from data. The neural network learns optimal parameter transformations during training, enabling dynamic adaptation to different signal characteristics and avoiding the fixed limitations of linear methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If higher order ambisonic signals are used, then spatial accuracy and immersion are improved, but computational complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by training the neural network on a comprehensive dataset that includes various ambisonic orders and configurations. During deployment, the model can handle different input orders efficiently without requiring proportional increases in computational resources, as the non-linear mapping has already learned the essential transformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses synthetic data copying and augmentation during the training phase to create diverse training examples without requiring proportional increases in real recording data. This allows the model to learn from a wide variety of scenarios while keeping the actual processing requirements during deployment manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If machine learning models are trained with both real and synthetic data, then model accuracy and generalization are improved, but training time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidtraining time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by generating and preparing synthetic training data in advance before actual model training begins. This pre-computation of diverse synthetic scenarios allows the model to be trained more efficiently, as the training dataset is already prepared and structured for optimal learning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges real recorded data with synthetic generated data to create a comprehensive training dataset. This combination leverages the authenticity of real recordings with the diversity and controllability of synthetic data, achieving better generalization without requiring exponentially more real data collection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250342842A1Multi-channel transcoder
Publication Date: 2025.11.06 GOOGLE LLC
  • US20250342842A1 patent drawing
  • US20250342842A1 patent drawing
  • US20250342842A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method including receiving first audio having a first accuracy and a first number of channels and generating second audio based on the first audio, the second audio having a second accuracy and a second number of channels, the first accuracy is a greater spatial accuracy than the second accuracy, the first number of channels is greater than the second number of channels.