Variable-Tap Surround Signal Rendering from Stereo Downmix
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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 processing efficiency of media signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize spatial information to convert a media signal into a surround signal by generating source mapping information, applying filter information to create sub-rendering information, integrating it to form rendering information, and applying this information to a downmix signal to produce a surround signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods are used to generate multi-channel signals, then multi-channel features can be achieved, but the method is not usable in devices capable of generating only mono or stereo signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatial information as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between multi-channel source material and mono/stereo output devices. This spatial information contains directional and positional data that enables surround effect generation without requiring full multi-channel playback capability, thus resolving the contradiction between device compatibility and surround signal generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the multi-channel signal processing into two independent components: spatial information extraction (from multi-channel source) and surround effect generation (applied to mono/stereo downmix). This segmentation allows the system to process multi-channel content while outputting to limited-capability devices, achieving both multi-channel feature preservation and device compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If spatial information is used to generate surround signals in mono/stereo capable devices, then surround effect can be achieved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction and encoding of spatial information from the multi-channel source signal during the encoding phase. This pre-processing stores directional and positional data in a compact form that can be efficiently decoded and applied during playback, reducing the processing complexity at the decoding stage while still enabling surround effect generation in mono/stereo devices
Data Source
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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 by using spatial information of the media signal. The present invention provides a method of processing a signal, the method comprising of generating rendering information by using spatial information indicating features between multi- sources and filter information having a surround effect; and generating a surround signal by applying the rendering information to a downmix signal generated by downmixing the multi- sources, wherein a tab number of a filter used in applying the rendering information to generate the surround signal is variable.