Surround Audio Decoder Segmentation for Stereo Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surround audio decoding methods require additional computational resources and steps to generate stereo channels from multi-channel signals, as they are not optimized for direct stereo channel output, leading to inefficiencies in processing and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to generate a stereo signal by determining the number of decoding levels and using pre-existing spatial information such as Channel Level Differences (CLDs) and Inter-Channel Correlations (ICCs) to up-mix a down-mixed mono signal directly to a stereo configuration, reducing the need for full multi-channel decoding and minimizing computational requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 5-1-5 tree structure decoding is used to generate multi-channel signals, then complete multi-channel decoding is achieved, but additional computational resources and steps are required to generate stereo channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the decoding process into two distinct paths: a simplified single-stage OTT module for stereo signal generation, and the complete multi-stage 5-1-5 tree structure for full multi-channel decoding. This allows the system to select the appropriate decoding path based on the desired output, avoiding unnecessary computational steps when only stereo channels are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by enabling the decoding system to switch between different decoding configurations - either the simplified single-stage OTT for stereo output or the complete multi-stage structure for multi-channel output. This dynamic selection allows the system to optimize computational resources based on the specific application requirements.
2Reliability
If full multi-channel decoding is performed through staged OTT modules, then all channels are decoded, but additional computations and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a simplified single-stage OTT module that performs only the necessary up-mixing operations for stereo signal generation, without executing the complete multi-stage decoding process. This partial decoding approach maintains sufficient signal quality for stereo applications while significantly reducing computational energy consumption by avoiding redundant processing stages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional decoding structures are used, then multi-channel signals are generated, but stereo channel generation is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the decoding functionality into specialized components: a dedicated single-stage OTT module optimized specifically for stereo signal generation, separate from the complete multi-stage structure used for multi-channel decoding. This segmentation creates an efficient specialized path for stereo output while preserving full multi-channel capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a flexible decoding system that can output both stereo and multi-channel signals based on configuration. The same spatial information (CLD and ICC parameters) serves both decoding paths, allowing the system to adapt to different application requirements without requiring separate processing chains.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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Figure 2B
AI summary
Surround audio decoding for selectively generating an audio signal from a multi-channel signal. In the surround audio decoding, a down-mixed signal, e.g., as down-mixed by an encoding terminal, is selectively up-mixed to a stereo signal or a multi-channel signal, by generating spatial information for generating the stereo signal, using spatial information for up-mixing the down-mixed signal to the multi-channel signal.