20240040327. METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DECODING A HIGHER-ORDER AMBISONICS (HOA) REPRESENTATION OF AN AUDIO SOUNDFIELD simplified abstract (Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation)

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METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DECODING A HIGHER-ORDER AMBISONICS (HOA) REPRESENTATION OF AN AUDIO SOUNDFIELD

Organization Name

Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation

Inventor(s)

Johannes Boehm of Göttingen (DE)

Florian Keiler of Hannover (DE)

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DECODING A HIGHER-ORDER AMBISONICS (HOA) REPRESENTATION OF AN AUDIO SOUNDFIELD - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240040327 titled 'METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DECODING A HIGHER-ORDER AMBISONICS (HOA) REPRESENTATION OF AN AUDIO SOUNDFIELD

Simplified Explanation

The invention described in this patent application is a method for rendering sound field signals, such as higher-order ambisonics (HOA), for arbitrary loudspeaker setups. The goal of this method is to improve the localization properties of the rendered sound field while preserving energy.

Here are the key points of the patent/innovation:

  • The method involves rendering an audio sound field representation for arbitrary spatial loudspeaker setups.
  • The rendering is done using a decoder that decodes based on a decode matrix (D).
  • The decode matrix (D) is obtained by smoothing and scaling a first decode matrix (D̂) with smoothing coefficients.
  • The first decode matrix (D̂) is based on a mix matrix (G) and a mode matrix (𝚻), which are determined based on the number of speakers (L) and positions of a spherical modeling grid related to a HOA order (N).

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Immersive audio systems: This method can be used in the design and implementation of immersive audio systems, such as virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) applications, to enhance the spatial audio experience.
  • Home theater systems: The method can be applied to improve the sound localization and overall audio quality in home theater setups with arbitrary loudspeaker configurations.
  • Live performances and concerts: This technology can be utilized in live sound reinforcement systems to create a more realistic and immersive audio experience for the audience.

Problems solved by this technology:

  • Localization accuracy: The method addresses the problem of accurately localizing sound sources in a rendered sound field, regardless of the loudspeaker setup.
  • Energy preservation: The method ensures that the energy of the sound field is preserved during the rendering process, resulting in a more natural and balanced audio experience.

Benefits of this technology:

  • Improved sound localization: The method significantly enhances the localization properties of the rendered sound field, allowing listeners to perceive the direction and position of sound sources more accurately.
  • Versatile loudspeaker setups: This technology enables the use of arbitrary loudspeaker configurations, providing flexibility in designing audio systems without compromising the quality of the sound field.
  • Energy efficiency: By preserving the energy of the sound field, the method optimizes the use of audio resources, resulting in more efficient and balanced sound reproduction.


Original Abstract Submitted

the invention discloses rendering sound field signals, such as higher-order ambisonics (hoa), for arbitrary loudspeaker setups, where the rendering results in highly improved localization properties and is energy preserving. this is obtained by rendering an audio sound field representation for arbitrary spatial loudspeaker setups and/or by a a decoder that decodes based on a decode matrix (d). the decode matrix (d) is based on smoothing and scaling of a first decode matrix {circumflex over (d)} with smoothing coefficients. the first decode matrix {circumflex over (d)} is based on a mix matrix g and a mode matrix {tilde over (�)}, where the mix matrix g was determined based on l speakers and positions of a spherical modelling grid related to a hoa order n, and the mode matrix {tilde over (�)} was determined based on the spherical modelling grid and the hoa order n.