Parameter Encoding and Decoding

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides an efficient method and system for encoding and decoding multichannel audio signals. Instead of transmitting all original audio channels, the system generates a reduced 'downmix' of the original signal plus compact side information that contains key parameters, such as channel levels and correlations. At the receiving (decoding) end, advanced mathematical techniques are used to reconstruct a high-quality, spatially accurate version of the original multichannel signal—even for different speaker configurations or low bitrates—by leveraging both the compact data and the downmix. The approach is highly flexible, scalable, and suitable for modern audio applications needing efficient storage and/or transmission while retaining rich spatial audio characteristics.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Streaming high-quality surround sound (e.g., 5.1, 7.1, or object-based audio) over bandwidth-constrained networks (Internet radio, OTT video, gaming).
• Efficient multichannel audio storage for music libraries, movies, and broadcast archives.
• Audio transmission in conferencing systems where spatial cues for individual speakers or simulated environments are needed but bandwidth is limited.
• Providing immersive sound for AR/VR experiences on devices with variable speaker/headphone layouts.
• Broadcast and cinema distribution, allowing a single encoded stream to be flexibly rendered for setups from stereo headphones to large cinema speaker arrays.
• Hearing aid or assistive-listening systems that adapt spatial rendering depending on device and environment.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significant reduction in data/bandwidth required compared to transmitting all audio channels directly (enables high-quality multichannel audio over low-bitrate links).
• High flexibility, as the reconstructed audio can match any desired speaker configuration at playback time.
• Preserves accurate spatial (directional/immersive) properties of the original audio, even under highly compressed conditions.
• Scalability—system can increase or decrease the number of transmitted parameters depending on quality/bandwidth needs.
• Compatible with both static and dynamic (frame-by-frame, per-band) adaptation, including handling of transients and changes in content.
• Reduces or eliminates the need for strong decorrelation artifacts common in other methods, resulting in higher perceptual audio quality.
• Can be integrated with existing frameworks and standards (e.g., DirAC, MPEG Surround) or used for new audio coding schemes.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

There are disclosed several examples of encoding and decoding technique. In particular, an audio synthesizer (300) for generating a synthesis signal (336, 340, yR) from a downmix signal (246, x), comprises: an input interface (312) for receiving the down mix signal (246, x), the downmix signal (246, x) having a number of downmix channels and side information (228), the side information (228) including channel level and correlation information (314, ξ, χ) of an original signal (212, y), the original signal (212, y) having a number of original channels; and a synthesis processor (404) for generating, according to at least one mixing rule, the synthesis signal (336, 340, yR) using: channel level and correlation information (220, 314, ξ, χ) of the original signal (212, y); and covariance information (Cx) associated with the downmix signal (324, 246, x).