Apparatus and Method for Processing an Encoded Audio Signal

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

This invention concerns an apparatus and method for processing encoded audio signals that have been compressed using techniques like downmixing (combining multiple audio sources into fewer channels) and parametric coding. Instead of processing all the combined audio signals as one large set—which can lead to audio artifacts and inefficiencies—it introduces a way to group related downmix signals and process each group separately before recombining them. This approach helps preserve audio quality and reduces computational complexity, especially in advanced audio formats like 3D audio or object-based audio coding.

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

• High-quality audio decoding in multimedia players, TVs, or smartphones using advanced audio codecs.
• Decoding multi-object or 3D audio formats such as MPEG-H for immersive experiences (home theaters, VR, AR).
• Post-production audio processing and remixing where clean separation and manipulation of audio objects are needed.
• Live broadcasting where efficient, high-quality audio object separation and mixing are crucial.
• Hearing aid devices that require clear separation of multiple audio sources for better intelligibility.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly improved audio quality after decoding, reducing artifacts (e.g., missing frequencies, spectral holes) often introduced by earlier techniques.
• Lower computational complexity because smaller groups are processed independently—enabling efficient real-time processing even on resource-constrained devices.
• Better scalability to complex audio scenarios with many objects or channels (e.g., 3D audio environments).
• Flexible architecture: Grouping information is derived from existing encoded data, requiring no extra transmission overhead.
• Enhanced 'pass-through' feature: If an audio object was mixed into its own channel, it can be perfectly reconstructed, preserving original quality.

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Patent Abstract

The invention refers to an apparatus (1) for processing an encoded audio signal (100) comprising a plurality of downmix signals (101) associated with a plurality of input audio objects (111) and object parameters (E). The apparatus (1) comprises a grouper (2) configured to group the downmix signals (101) into groups of downmix signals (102) associated with a set of input audio objects (111). The apparatus (1) comprises a processor (3) configured to perform at least one processing step individually on the object parameters (Εκ) of each set of input audio objects (111) in order to provide group results (103, 104). Further, there is a combiner (4) configured to combine said group results (103, 104) or processed group results in order to provide a decoded audio signal (110). The grouper (2) is configured to group the downmix signals (101) so that each input audio object (111) belongs to just one set of input audio objects (111). The invention also refers to a corresponding method.