Apparatus and Methods for Adapting Audio Information in Spatial Audio Object Coding

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This patent describes an apparatus and methods for adapting spatial audio object coding (SAOC) data for flexible and efficient handling in audio systems. It introduces a mechanism that can modify both the audio downmix channels and accompanying parametric side information (metadata that describes how audio objects are mixed) based on adaptation information—usually related to the capabilities or requirements of a given playback device or decoder. This enables the audio stream to be easily tailored to different playback scenarios, such as varying speaker setups or processing limitations, by reducing channel numbers or reconfiguring the audio mix, and ensures that the necessary metadata is updated accordingly.

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

• Adapting multichannel audio content (e.g., cinema soundtracks, music productions) for playback on devices with fewer output channels (like stereo or mono speakers).
• Optimizing audio streams for resource-constrained devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets), where decoding complexity must be minimized.
• Improving compatibility in conferencing systems or broadcast environments with diverse playback hardware.
• Enabling customizable listening experiences, such as allowing users to select or change audio object positions (e.g., boosting vocals for karaoke or isolating instruments for musicians).
• Reducing data transmission or storage needs by trimming audio downmix channels and corresponding metadata for simpler applications.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables efficient, on-the-fly adaptation of complex spatial audio to different device capabilities and user needs.
• Reduces computational complexity and power consumption for decoding on limited hardware.
• Decreases required bandwidth or storage by optimizing the number of audio channels and corresponding metadata.
• Improves compatibility and flexibility across a wide range of playback devices and application scenarios.
• Supports advanced, user-personalized audio experiences by allowing object-level control in playback.

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Patent Abstract

An apparatus for adapting input audio information, encoding one or more audio objects, to obtain adapted audio information is provided. The input audio information comprises two or more input audio downmix channels and further comprises input parametric side information. The adapted audio information comprises one or more adapted audio downmix channels and further comprises adapted parametric side information. The apparatus comprises a downmix signal modifier (110) for adapting, depending on adaptation information, the two or more input audio downmix channels to obtain the one or more adapted audio downmix channels. Moreover, the apparatus comprises a parametric side information adapter (120) for adapting, depending on the adaptation information, the input parametric side information to obtain the adapted parametric side information.