Object-Based Audio Identification in Broadcasting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Object-based audio services are incompatible with traditional broadcasting systems like DTV, DMB, and DAB due to difficulties in controlling audio signals for each object, making it challenging to provide an object-based audio experience in these platforms.
Innovation Solution
A broadcast transmitting apparatus and method that encodes multichannel audio signals and generates audio identification information to determine if the signal is object-based, allowing for packetization and multiplexing with mixing information, enabling object-based audio services in broadcasting systems. The apparatus includes an audio encoder, an audio identification information generator, and a packetizing and multiplexing unit, while the playback apparatus determines if the signal is object-based and downmixes it to a stereo signal based on user input or default mixing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If object-based audio encoding is implemented independently for each audio object, then audio control flexibility is improved, but compatibility with broadcasting systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is segmented into multiple independent audio objects, each representing a distinct sound source. This segmentation enables independent encoding and control of each audio object while maintaining compatibility with broadcasting systems through standardized packetization and multiplexing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
An audio identification information generator acts as an intermediary between the object-based audio encoder and the broadcasting system. This component generates metadata that identifies and describes audio objects, enabling the broadcasting system to recognize and properly handle object-based audio content without requiring fundamental system changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio signals are mixed together, then broadcasting system compatibility is improved, but individual audio object control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Audio objects are independently encoded and prepared in advance before being transmitted through the broadcasting system. This preliminary encoding preserves the individual characteristics of each audio object, allowing for post-transmission control and manipulation without requiring the objects to be mixed together during transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Each audio object maintains its own specific properties and characteristics (local quality) even when transmitted through a standardized broadcasting system. This allows different audio objects to be independently controlled, processed, and manipulated at the receiver end while maintaining their distinct identities.
3Device complexity
If object-based audio is transmitted without identification information, then transmission simplicity is improved, but audio object identification accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An audio identification information generator serves as an intermediary that adds metadata to audio objects during encoding. This metadata includes identifiers, spatial information, and other characteristics that enable accurate identification and processing of audio objects without significantly increasing transmission complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Only essential identification information is included in the audio object metadata, avoiding unnecessary data. This partial action approach provides sufficient identification accuracy for practical applications while keeping the added complexity minimal and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A broadcast transmitting apparatus and method, and a broadcast playback apparatus and method for providing an object-based audio by encoding and decoding a multichannel audio signal are provided. The broadcast transmitting apparatus may generate audio identification information used to determine whether the multichannel audio signal is an object-based audio signal. When the multichannel audio signal is determined to be the object-based audio signal, based on the audio identification information, the broadcast playback apparatus may control and output the multichannel audio signal for each channel.