Packet Loss Concealment for Multi-Channel Spatial Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packet loss concealment algorithms for audio signals in packet-switched networks primarily address mono-channel signals, failing to effectively handle multi-channel spatial audio, which results in spatially distorted artifacts and unstable signal levels due to the lack of correlation consideration across channels.
Innovation Solution
A packet loss concealment apparatus and method that separately processes monaural and spatial components of audio packets using distinct concealment units, replicating or interpolating missing components to maintain audio integrity during packet loss, specifically designed for multi-channel spatial audio signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mono channel PLC algorithms are applied to multi-channel spatial audio signals, then packet loss concealment can be performed, but spatial artifacts and unstable signal levels occur due to lack of inter-channel correlation consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-channel audio signal into individual channel components and processes each channel separately through independent PLC operations. This segmentation allows application of proven mono-channel PLC algorithms while maintaining the ability to handle multi-channel signals, resolving the contradiction by enabling packet loss concealment without introducing spatial artifacts that would result from improper joint processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different PLC strategies to different channels based on their individual characteristics and local conditions. Each channel receives tailored concealment processing appropriate to its specific packet loss pattern and signal properties, rather than applying a uniform approach that would fail to account for inter-channel variations and could generate spatial artifacts
2Device complexity
If decoded domain PLC is performed separately for each channel, then implementation complexity is reduced, but spatially distorted artifacts and unstable signal levels occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of channel correlations and signal characteristics before executing the PLC operation. By pre-processing the multi-channel signal to identify relationships between channels and establish appropriate concealment parameters, the system maintains signal level stability while keeping the actual PLC implementation relatively simple and channel-independent
3Adaptability or versatility
If mono channel PLC algorithms are used for spatial audio, then existing algorithms can be utilized, but perceptual quality degrades due to spatial distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal PLC framework that can handle both mono-channel and multi-channel spatial audio signals using the same fundamental algorithmic approach. By designing the system to be channel-agnostic and applicable to various audio formats, it maintains high adaptability while preserving perceptual quality through proper handling of spatial relationships in the multi-channel case
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to packet loss concealment apparatus and method, and audio processing system. According to an embodiment, the packet loss concealment apparatus is provided for concealing packet losses in a stream of audio packets, each audio packet comprising at least one audio frame in transmission format comprising at least one monaural component and at least one spatial component. The packet loss concealment apparatus may comprises a first concealment unit for creating the at least one monaural component for a lost frame in a lost packet and a second concealment unit for creating the at least one spatial component for the lost frame. According to the embodiment, spatial artifacts such as incorrect angle and diffuseness may be avoided as far as possible in PLC for multi-channel spatial or sound field encoded audio signals.