Object Extraction Feedback for Artifact-Free Channel Audio Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio processing systems struggle to convert traditional channel-based audio content, such as 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound, into a channel- and object-based format efficiently, often introducing artifacts and inaccuracies in the automatic object extraction and ambience upmixing process, necessitating manual intervention by audio engineers.

Innovation Solution

An audio processing system comprising a control module, adaptive post-processing module, and modification module to automatically convert channel-based audio to object-based audio, using signal processing techniques to extract and modify audio objects and bed channels, and evaluate them for discontinuities and artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated techniques are used to extract objects and bed channels from traditional mixes, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to artifacts and inaccurate estimations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of object extractionVSAvoidaudio quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the rendered audio signal is compared with the original channel-based audio signal to generate a detection score. This feedback loop enables the automated system to identify and correct artifacts and inaccuracies, thereby maintaining high audio quality while preserving productivity benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of the extracted audio objects and bed channels by generating a detection score before final rendering. This preliminary action allows the system to identify potential artifacts and inaccuracies early in the process and apply corrections proactively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated rendering tools are used to modify or upmix extracted audio objects and bed channels, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to introduced artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of rendering processVSAvoidaudio quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by comparing the rendered audio signal with the original channel-based audio signal to generate a detection score. This comparison enables the automated rendering tool to identify introduced artifacts and apply corrections, maintaining audio quality while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by generating a detection score that identifies potential artifacts before they become problematic. The correction process then applies counter-actions to eliminate these artifacts, preventing quality degradation while maintaining automated efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional manual evaluation and manipulation methods are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to extensive manual intervention required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling automated evaluation and correction of audio artifacts through the detection score mechanism. The system independently identifies and corrects issues without requiring extensive manual intervention, thereby maintaining high audio quality while significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical manual evaluation and manipulation process with an automated electronic system that generates detection scores and applies corrections automatically. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive manual intervention while preserving audio quality, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated object extraction is performed, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate estimations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of extraction processVSAvoidextraction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by generating a detection score that compares the extracted audio objects and bed channels with the original channel-based audio signal. This feedback mechanism enables the system to identify inaccurate estimations and apply corrections, thereby maintaining high extraction accuracy while preserving productivity benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12610206B2Generating channel and object-based audio from channel-based audio

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

AI summary

A method of audio processing includes generating a detection score based on the partial loudnesses of a reference audio signal, extracted audio objects, extracted bed channels, a rendered audio signal and a channel-based audio signal. The detection score is indicative of an audio artifact in one or more of the audio objects and the bed channels. The extracted audio objects and extracted bed channels may be modified, in accordance with the detection score, to reduce the audio artifact.