Parametric Audio Signal Generator Mixing Down-Mix Channels

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-channel audio coding techniques lack the ability to efficiently combine two or more parametrically coded audio streams to derive an output stream representing all input audio streams, leading to high computational complexity and delay, making real-time scenarios unfeasible.

Innovation Solution

An audio signal generator combines down-mix channels and associated parameters directly within the parameter domain without decoding, using simple arithmetic operations to form a combined down-mix channel and adjusting parameters, allowing for efficient generation of an output signal that represents all input audio streams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple parametrically coded audio streams are combined by decoding and re-encoding, then the output stream represents all input audio streams, but computational complexity and delay increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput stream representation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple parametrically coded audio streams by directly combining their down-mix channels and parameters in the parameter domain, avoiding separate decoding and re-encoding operations. The channel combiner integrates multiple down-mix channels into a combined down-mix channel, and the parameter calculator combines associated parameters to represent all input audio streams accurately without full decomposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary parameter domain representation that allows efficient combination of audio streams. Instead of working with full audio waveforms or requiring complete decoding, the system uses down-mix channels and parameters as intermediary representations that can be directly manipulated and combined, reducing computational burden while maintaining representation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple parametrically coded audio streams are combined by decoding and re-encoding, then the output stream represents all input audio streams, but processing delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput stream representation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple parametrically coded audio streams by directly combining their down-mix channels and parameters in the parameter domain, avoiding separate decoding and re-encoding operations. The channel combiner integrates multiple down-mix channels into a combined down-mix channel, and the parameter calculator combines associated parameters to represent all input audio streams accurately without full decomposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary parameter combination operations on the down-mix channels and parameters before any potential decoding or rendering steps. By preparing the combined representation in advance in the parameter domain, the system reduces processing time and delay compared to performing decoding and re-encoding sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If parametric audio coding is used to reduce bandwidth, then transmission efficiency improves, but the ability to combine multiple streams efficiently is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth efficiencyVSAvoidstream combination capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal combination mechanism that works with multiple parametrically coded audio streams simultaneously. The channel combiner and parameter calculator are designed to handle multiple input streams and produce a combined output stream that represents all inputs, making the system versatile for various audio mixing and processing applications while maintaining bandwidth efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple parametrically coded audio streams by directly combining their down-mix channels and parameters in the parameter domain, avoiding separate decoding and re-encoding operations. The channel combiner integrates multiple down-mix channels into a combined down-mix channel, and the parameter calculator combines associated parameters to represent all input audio streams accurately without full decomposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2112652B1Apparatus and method for combining multiple parametrically coded audio sources

Publication Date: 2012.11.07 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

According to the present invention, multiple parametrically encoded audio signals can be efficiently combined using an audio signal generator(100), which generates an audio output signal(120) by combining the down-mix channels(110a,112a) and the associated parameters (110b,112b) of the audio signals directly within the parameter domain, i.e. without reconstructing or decoding the individual input audio signals prior to the generation of the audio output signal(120). This is achieved by direct mixing of the associated down-mix channels(110a,112a) of the individual input signals. It is one key feature of the present invention that the combination of the down-mix channels(110a,112a) is achieved by simple, computationally inexpensive arithmetic operations.