Object-Based Audio Metadata Coding with Adaptive Bitrate Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio coding technologies struggle to efficiently manage bitrate distribution and metadata coding for object-based audio formats, leading to inefficiencies and reduced robustness in immersive audio experiences.
Innovation Solution
A framework for coding object-based audio signals that includes an audio stream processor, metadata processor, and encoder, which employs intra-object and inter-object bitrate adaptation logic to optimize metadata coding and distribute bitrates efficiently, ensuring robustness and flexibility in immersive audio systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metadata is coded with high precision for each audio object, then the quality of immersive audio experience is improved, but the bitrate consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the precision of metadata coding based on audio object characteristics and scene complexity. The system varies quantization levels, metadata representation formats, and coding resolution according to the specific requirements of each audio object and the overall scene, thereby optimizing the balance between metadata precision and bitrate consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different metadata coding precision levels to different audio objects within the same scene. Important audio objects that require high spatial accuracy receive more precise metadata coding, while less critical objects use lower precision representations. This selective approach ensures high quality where needed while controlling overall bitrate consumption.
2Device complexity
If bitrate is distributed uniformly across all audio objects, then the system complexity is reduced, but the quality of individual audio objects cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bitrate distribution that adapts to the characteristics of each audio object and the overall scene composition. The system continuously adjusts bitrate allocation based on factors such as audio object importance, spatial position, movement characteristics, and scene complexity. This dynamic approach replaces static uniform distribution with adaptive allocation that optimizes quality while managing system complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Reliability
If more metadata is transmitted for each audio object, then the robustness against channel noise is improved, but the loss of information in other parts of the bitstream increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively transmitting metadata for only those audio objects that require it based on their characteristics and scene context. Rather than transmitting complete metadata sets for all objects, the system transmits partial metadata information where sufficient for robust noise resistance, and omits or reduces metadata for objects where full precision is less critical, thereby preserving bitrate for audio stream quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method code an object-based audio signal comprising audio objects in response to audio streams with associated metadata. In the system and method, an audio stream processor analyses the audio streams. A metadata processor is responsive to information on the audio streams from the analysis by the audio stream processor for coding the metadata. The metadata processor uses a logic for controlling a metadata coding bit-budget. An encoder codes the audio streams.