Object-Based Audio Decoding for Precise Sound Image Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio encoding and decoding techniques struggle to accurately localize sound images for each object audio signal, as they treat object signals similarly to channel signals, leading to inefficiencies in processing and complexity during multi-channel audio reproduction.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a third downmix signal by combining first and second downmix signals, and third object-based side information by combining first and second object-based side information, which is then converted into channel-based side information to generate a multi-channel audio signal, allowing for precise localization of sound images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If object-based audio encoding treats object signals similarly to channel signals, then the encoding process becomes simpler, but the precision of sound image localization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing into distinct object-based components, treating each object signal independently with its own spatial parameters. This allows precise localization control for each object while maintaining manageable processing complexity through modular organization of encoding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces and utilizes object-based spatial parameters that differ from traditional channel-based parameters. By changing the parameter system from channel-oriented to object-oriented, the patent achieves both simplified processing (through parameter efficiency) and improved localization precision (through dedicated spatial control parameters for each object).
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple downmix signals and side information are combined for multi-channel reproduction, then the flexibility of sound positioning is improved, but the decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary combination of downmix signals and side information during the encoding phase, organizing the data structures in advance. This preliminary action allows the decoder to work with pre-processed, organized data, reducing decoding complexity while maintaining the flexibility to position sounds at multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that bridges the gap between multiple downmix signals and the final multi-channel output. This intermediary organization of side information and downmix signals simplifies the decoding process by providing a structured intermediate representation that is easier to process than raw separate signals.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an audio encoding method and apparatus and an audio decoding method and apparatus in which audio signals can be encoded or decoded so that sound images can be localized at any desired position for each object audio signal. The audio decoding method generating a third downmix signal by combining a first downmix signal extracted from a first audio signal and a second downmix signal extracted from a second audio signal; generating third object-based side information by combining first object-based side information extracted from the first audio signal and second object-based side information extracted from the second audio signal; converting the third object-based side information into channel-based side information; and generating a multi-channel audio signal using the third downmix signal and the channel-based side information.