Spatial Audio Codec for Simultaneous Translation Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio codec systems face challenges in providing real-time language translation with low latency and natural conversation flow, especially in immersive audio environments like virtual reality, due to sequential translation methods that double call time and disrupt conversational flow.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of secondary audio tracks encoded and decoded using spatial audio techniques, allowing for simultaneous playback of original and translated audio signals, and user-controlled rendering of these tracks to enhance conversation flow and reduce latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential translation methods are used, then language translation can be achieved, but call time is doubled and conversational flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is segmented into multiple independent tracks (primary track with original audio, secondary track with translated audio). Each track is processed and transmitted separately, allowing the receiver to play them simultaneously rather than sequentially, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining translation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from sequential time-based processing to parallel spatial processing by introducing multiple audio tracks that can be rendered simultaneously in different spatial positions. This dimensional change from time-sequential to space-parallel processing eliminates the doubling of call time while preserving translation quality.
2Ease of operation
If multiple audio tracks are played simultaneously, then conversational flow is improved, but audio rendering complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spatial metadata acts as an intermediary that simplifies the rendering process. Instead of complex multi-track mixing, the spatial metadata provides pre-calculated position information that guides the renderer to place audio tracks in appropriate spatial positions, reducing rendering complexity while maintaining natural conversational flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter representation from complex time-synchronized multi-track control to simpler spatial position parameters. By encoding track identification and spatial position as metadata parameters, the system reduces rendering complexity while enabling simultaneous playback that improves conversational flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spatial audio decoding is used, then immersive audio experience is enhanced, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Spatial analysis and metadata generation are performed in advance during the encoding phase. This preliminary action prepares the spatial information before transmission, reducing the processing burden on the receiving device while maintaining immersive audio capabilities through efficient spatial audio decoding.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising means configured to: receive a primary track comprising at least one audio signal; receive at least one secondary track, each of the at least one secondary track comprising at least one audio signal, wherein the at least one secondary track is based on the primary track; and decode and render the primary track and the at least one secondary track using spatial audio decoding.