Source Mapping and Interpolation for Surround Signal Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods and apparatuses are unable to generate a surround signal with multi-channel features in environments capable only of producing mono or stereo signals, limiting the efficient processing of media signals.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize spatial information to convert a media signal into a surround signal by generating source mapping information, applying filter information to achieve a surround effect, and integrating this information with a downmix signal to produce a surround signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing methods use spatial information to generate multi-channel signals, then surround signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the surround signal generation process into distinct functional units: a downmixing unit that creates downmix signals from multi-channel signals, a spatial information generating unit that extracts spatial characteristics, and a surround signal generating unit that reconstructs surround signals. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its function independently, improving surround signal quality while managing device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial information as an intermediary element that bridges the downmix signal and the final surround signal. The spatial information generating unit extracts spatial characteristics from the downmix signal, and this spatial information is then used by the surround signal generating unit to reconstruct the surround effect. This intermediary approach enables high-quality surround signal generation without requiring complex direct processing of original multi-channel signals.
2Device complexity
If devices are limited to mono or stereo output, then device complexity is reduced, but surround signal generation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal processing system that can handle multiple output formats (mono, stereo, and surround) using the same core components. The downmixing unit and spatial information generating unit can process signals for any output format, and the surround signal generating unit can selectively activate based on device capabilities. This multi-functionality allows devices with simpler hardware to generate surround signals when needed while maintaining compatibility with mono and stereo outputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the surround signal generating unit can be selectively activated or deactivated based on device capabilities and environmental conditions. The system dynamically adjusts its processing mode: when surround capability is available, it generates full surround signals; when only stereo or mono output is possible, it adapts to those formats. This dynamic behavior enables versatile adaptability without requiring all devices to have fixed complex surround processing hardware.
3Manufacturing precision
If multi-channel signals are processed directly, then surround effect is achieved, but compatibility with stereo-only devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential spatial characteristics from multi-channel signals through the spatial information generating unit, which processes the downmix signal to obtain spatial information. This extraction approach separates the critical surround effect elements from the full multi-channel signal structure. The extracted spatial information can then be applied to generate surround effects on stereo-only devices without requiring the original multi-channel signal, thus maintaining compatibility while preserving the surround effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters based on device capabilities. The spatial information generating unit extracts spatial parameters from the downmix signal, and these parameters are then used by the surround signal generating unit to reconstruct surround effects with adjusted parameter sets suitable for different output formats. This parameter transformation enables the system to maintain high-quality surround effects while adapting to stereo-only devices by modifying the signal parameters rather than requiring the original multi-channel format.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing a media signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which the media signal can be converted to a surround signal a surround signal by using spatial information of the media signal. The present invention provides a method of processing a signal, the method comprising of generating source mapping information corresponding to each source of multi-sources by using spatial information indicating features between the multi-sources; generating at least one rendering information by using the source mapping information and filter information having a surround effect; and performing interpolation by using neighbor rendering information of the at least one rendering information.