DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
This Office Action is in response to the applicant application filed on July 11, 2024.
In virtue of this communication, claims 1-18 are currently pending in this Office Action.
In the response to this office action, the Examiner respectfully requests that support be shown for language added to any original claims on amendment and any new claims. That is, indicate support for newly added claim language by specifically pointing to page(s) and line numbers in the specification and/or drawing figure(s). This will assist the Examiner in prosecuting this application.
Claim Interpretation
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(f) ELEMENT IN CLAIM FOR A COMBINATION.—An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.
The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is invoked.
As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f):
(A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function;
(B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and
(C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function.
Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f). The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function.
This application includes one or more claim limitations that do not use the word “means,” but are nonetheless being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) because the claim limitations use a generic placeholder, such as “chain”, “stage”, etc., that are coupled with functional language without reciting sufficient structure to perform the recited function and the generic placeholder is not preceded by a structural modifier. Such claim limitations are: “audio processing chain”, “a plurality of adjustment stages”, “dynamic range control stage”, “a guided clipping prevention stage” in claims 10, 26, 27, “a metadata and parameter control stage” in claim 16, “a loudness normalization stage” in claim 21.
Because these claim limitations are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f), they are being interpreted to cover the corresponding structure described in the specification as performing the claimed function, and equivalents thereof.
A review of the specification shows that the following appears to be the corresponding structure described in the specification for the 35 U.S.C. 112(f) limitation:
“an audio processing chain” in claim 1 is read under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) and corresponding structure is a processor or a computer (para 47, 106, 159, the application USPGPub 20240363128 A1 hereinafter) with associated program to implement claimed functions specified in the application specification (para 48) or being belong to “typical audio decoder (para 87, 96)”,
“a metadata and parameter control stage” in claim 1 is read under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) and corresponding structure is a processor or a computer (para 47) with associated program to implement the claimed functions specified in the application specification (para 74-78),
“a loudness normalization stage” in claim 12 is read under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) and corresponding structure is a processor or a computer (para 47) with associated program to implement claimed functions specified in the application specification (para 83-84),
“a transducer adaption stage” in claim 15 is read under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) and corresponding structure is a processor or a computer (para 47) with associated program to implement claimed functions as specified in the application specification (para 98-99).
If applicant wishes to provide further explanation or dispute the examiner’s interpretation of the corresponding structure, applicant must identify the corresponding structure with reference to the specification by page and line number, and to the drawing, if any, by reference characters in response to this Office action.
If applicant does not intend to have the claim limitation(s) treated under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) applicant may amend the claim(s) so that it/they will clearly not invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or present a sufficient showing that the claim recites/recite sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function to preclude application of 35 U.S.C. 112(f).
For more information, see MPEP § 2173 et seq. and Supplementary Examination Guidelines for Determining Compliance With 35 U.S.C. 112 and for Treatment of Related Issues in Patent Applications, 76 FR 7162, 7167 (Feb. 9, 2011).
Claim Objections
Claims 1-18 are objected to because of the following informalities:
Claim 1 recited “where assignment of one of the final …” which should be -- where an assignment of one of the final --. Claims 2-16 are objected due to the dependencies to claim 1.
Claim 7 further recited “the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to … from a configuration providing stage” which should be -- the audio decoder further comprising [[a]] the metadata and parameter control stage configured to … from [[a]] the configuration providing stage -- because they are referred back to “a metadata and parameter control stage” and “a configuration providing stage” as recited in parent claim 1. Claim 8 further objected due to the dependency to claim 7.
Claim 17-18 objected for the at least similar reason as described in claim 15 above since claims 17-18 recited similar deficient feature as recited in claim 15. Claim 18 further recited “… having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for …” which should be --… having a computer program stored thereon to perform a method for …-- because “method” herein is first-time referred in claim.
Appropriate correction is required.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory obviousness-type double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); and In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/ patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/ patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Claims 1-18 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory obviousness-type double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-16 of U.S. Patent No. 12,051,432 B2 in view of reference Zhang (US 20120095580 A1). The conflicting claims 1-16 of U.S. Patent No. 12,051,432 B2) teaches all the limitations of instant application claims 1-18, including wherein “the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage”, etc., except explicitly teaching wherein “wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed”. Zhang teaches the features above by disclosing the guided clipping prevention stage (filter unit 503 in fig. 6) receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences (receiving the clipping factor updating from the clipping factor updating unit 501 to obtain the clipping restoration filter 502 in fig. 6) from the metadata and parameter control stage (from the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76) in an uncompressed form (plain voice/audio signal, para 28), wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated (through the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76 and a linear interpolation between a gain of the previous audio signal frame and a gain of the current frame to obtain sample resolution represented by I, 79-80) with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal (the resolution of the sample represented by i, para 79), wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the plain audio signal (final out signal through the clipping control device with the automatic gain control to eliminate clipping phenomenon, para 80), where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed (the effectiveness is observed in the final output signal to prevent the clipping from eliminating the clipping from the audio signal, para 80) for benefits of improving audio quality (by restoring the original audio signal to prevent from outputting clipping signal, para 27, 80, abstract and improving voice intelligence in the voice communication, para 3, and by increasing the voice quality, para 27). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to applied the guided clipping prevention stage that receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, as taught by Zhang, to the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in the audio decoder, as taught by the conflicting claims 1-16 of U.S. Patent No. 12,051,432 B2, for the benefits discussed above. The following is the comparison between the claims 1-18 of the instant application and the conflicting claim 1-16 of U.S. Patent No. 12,051,432 for reference:
Claims in the current application
Conflicting claims in US Patent No. 12,051,432 B2
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio processing chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1,
wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
17. A method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
18. A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; and supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, when said computer program is run by a computer.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages comprising a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select parts of the metadata bitstream corresponding to the dynamic range control gain sequences to be provided to the dynamic range control stage.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
8. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio processing chain.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 11, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
15. A method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream and receiving the decoded audio signal by an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages; adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain by using the audio processing chain, wherein adjusting the characteristics of the audio output signal includes adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; providing metadata and parameters by using a metadata and parameter control stage to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and selecting parts of the metadata bitstream corresponding to the dynamic range control gain sequences to be provided to the dynamic range control stage by using the metadata and parameter control stage.
16. A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream and receiving the decoded audio signal by an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages; adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain by using the audio processing chain, wherein adjusting the characteristics of the audio output signal includes adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; providing metadata and parameters by using a metadata and parameter control stage to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and selecting parts of the metadata bitstream corresponding to the dynamic range control gain sequences to be provided to the dynamic range control stage by using the metadata and parameter control stage, when said computer program is run by a computer.
Claims 1-18 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory obviousness-type double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-16 of U.S. Patent No. 11,170,795 B2 in view of reference Zhang (US 20120095580 A1). The conflicting claims 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,170,795 B2) teaches all the limitations of instant application claims 1-18, including wherein “the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage”, etc., except explicitly teaching wherein “wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed”. Zhang teaches the features above by disclosing the guided clipping prevention stage (filter unit 503 in fig. 6) receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences (receiving the clipping factor updating from the clipping factor updating unit 501 to obtain the clipping restoration filter 502 in fig. 6) from the metadata and parameter control stage (from the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76) in an uncompressed form (plain voice/audio signal, para 28), wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated (through the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76 and a linear interpolation between a gain of the previous audio signal frame and a gain of the current frame to obtain sample resolution represented by I, 79-80) with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal (the resolution of the sample represented by i, para 79), wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the plain audio signal (final out signal through the clipping control device with the automatic gain control to eliminate clipping phenomenon, para 80), where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed (the effectiveness is observed in the final output signal to prevent the clipping from eliminating the clipping from the audio signal, para 80) for benefits of improving audio quality (by restoring the original audio signal to prevent from outputting clipping signal, para 27, 80, abstract and improving voice intelligence in the voice communication, para 3, and by increasing the voice quality, para 27). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to applied the guided clipping prevention stage that receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, as taught by Zhang, to the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in the audio decoder, as taught by the conflicting claims 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,170,795 B2, for the benefits discussed above. The following is the comparison between claims 1-16 of the instant application and conflicting claims 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,170,795 B2 for reference:
Claims in the current application
Conflicting claims in US Patent No. 11,170,795 B2
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio processing chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1,
wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
17. A method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
18. A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; and supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, when said computer program is run by a computer.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, which are produced in particular by an audio encoder for producing the audio bitstream comprising one or more audio channels and/or one or more audio objects, the audio encoder comprising a metadata encoder for producing the metadata bitstream, the audio encoder being configured: to receive at least one dynamic range control gain sequence for an audio frame comprising one or more dynamic range control gains for a dynamic range control stage of an audio decoder; to receive at least one guided clipping prevention gain sequence for the audio frame comprising one or more guided clipping prevention gains for a guided clipping prevention stage of the audio decoder; and to incorporate at least one of dynamic range control gain sequences and at least one of guided clipping prevention gain sequences into the metadata bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; and a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract the dynamic range control gain sequences and the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio adjustment chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio adjustment chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio adjustment chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio adjustment chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio adjustment chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, which are produced in particular by an audio encoder for producing the audio bitstream comprising one or more audio channels and/or one or more audio objects, the audio encoder comprising a metadata encoder for producing the metadata bitstream, the audio encoder being configured: to receive at least one dynamic range control gain sequence for an audio frame comprising one or more dynamic range control gains for a dynamic range control stage of an audio decoder; to receive at least one guided clipping prevention gain sequence for the audio frame comprising one or more guided clipping prevention gains for a guided clipping prevention stage of the audio decoder; and to incorporate at least one of dynamic range control gain sequences and at least one of guided clipping prevention gain sequences into the metadata bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; and a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract the dynamic range control gain sequences and the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, which are produced in particular by an audio encoder for producing the audio bitstream comprising one or more audio channels and/or one or more audio objects, the audio encoder comprising a metadata encoder for producing the metadata bitstream, the audio encoder being configured: to receive at least one dynamic range control gain sequence for an audio frame comprising one or more dynamic range control gains for a dynamic range control stage of an audio decoder; to receive at least one guided clipping prevention gain sequence for the audio frame comprising one or more guided clipping prevention gains for a guided clipping prevention stage of the audio decoder; and to incorporate at least one of dynamic range control gain sequences and at least one of guided clipping prevention gain sequences into the metadata bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; and a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract the dynamic range control gain sequences and the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
Claims 1-18 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory obviousness-type double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,551,703 B2 in view of reference Zhang (US 20120095580 A1). The conflicting claims 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,551,703 B2) teaches all the limitations of instant application claims 1-18, including wherein “the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage”, etc., except explicitly teaching wherein “wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed”. Zhang teaches the features above by disclosing the guided clipping prevention stage (filter unit 503 in fig. 6) receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences (receiving the clipping factor updating from the clipping factor updating unit 501 to obtain the clipping restoration filter 502 in fig. 6) from the metadata and parameter control stage (from the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76) in an uncompressed form (plain voice/audio signal, para 28), wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated (through the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76 and a linear interpolation between a gain of the previous audio signal frame and a gain of the current frame to obtain sample resolution represented by I, 79-80) with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal (the resolution of the sample represented by i, para 79), wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the plain audio signal (final out signal through the clipping control device with the automatic gain control to eliminate clipping phenomenon, para 80), where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed (the effectiveness is observed in the final output signal to prevent the clipping from eliminating the clipping from the audio signal, para 80) for benefits of improving audio quality (by restoring the original audio signal to prevent from outputting clipping signal, para 27, 80, abstract and improving voice intelligence in the voice communication, para 3, and by increasing the voice quality, para 27). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to applied the guided clipping prevention stage that receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, as taught by Zhang, to the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in the audio decoder, as taught by the conflicting claims 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,551,703 B2, for the benefits discussed above. The following is the comparison between the claims of the instant application and the conflicting claim 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,551,703 for reference:
Claims 1-18 in the current application
Conflicting claims in US Patent No. 11,551,703 B2
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio processing chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1,
wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
17. A method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
18. A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; and supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, when said computer program is run by a computer.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal; and a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal; and a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal; and a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
Claims 1-18 provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-16 of copending Application No. 18/769,853 in view of reference Zhang (US 20120095580 A1). The conflicting claims 1-18 of copending Application No. 18/769,853 teaches all the limitations of instant application claims 1-18, including wherein “the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage”, etc., except explicitly teaching wherein “wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed”. Zhang teaches the features above by disclosing the guided clipping prevention stage (filter unit 503 in fig. 6) receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences (receiving the clipping factor updating from the clipping factor updating unit 501 to obtain the clipping restoration filter 502 in fig. 6) from the metadata and parameter control stage (from the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76) in an uncompressed form (plain voice/audio signal, para 28), wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated (through the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76 and a linear interpolation between a gain of the previous audio signal frame and a gain of the current frame to obtain sample resolution represented by I, 79-80) with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal (the resolution of the sample represented by i, para 79), wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the plain audio signal (final out signal through the clipping control device with the automatic gain control to eliminate clipping phenomenon, para 80), where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed (the effectiveness is observed in the final output signal to prevent the clipping from eliminating the clipping from the audio signal, para 80) for benefits of improving audio quality (by restoring the original audio signal to prevent from outputting clipping signal, para 27, 80, abstract and improving voice intelligence in the voice communication, para 3, and by increasing the voice quality, para 27). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to applied the guided clipping prevention stage that receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, as taught by Zhang, to the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in the audio decoder, as taught by the conflicting claims 1-18 of copending Application No. 18/769,853, for the benefits discussed above. This is a provisional obviousness-type double patenting rejection because the conflicting claims have not in fact been patented. The following is the comparison between claims 1-18 of the instant application and claims 1-18 of copending Application No. 18/769,853 for reference:
Claims of copending Application 18/769,853
Claims of in the current application
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the dynamic range control stage receives the dynamic range control gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain dynamic range control gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to a temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final dynamic range control gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final dynamic range control sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio processing chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
17. A method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the dynamic range control stage for receiving the dynamic range control gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain dynamic range control gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to a temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final dynamic range control gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final dynamic range control sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
18. A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the dynamic range control stage for receiving the dynamic range control gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain dynamic range control gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to a temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final dynamic range control gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final dynamic range control sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, when said computer program is run by a computer.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio processing chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
17. A method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
18. A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; and supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, when said computer program is run by a computer.
Claims 1-18 provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-16 of copending Application No. 18/769,933 in view of reference Zhang (US 20120095580 A1). The conflicting claims 1-18 of copending Application No. 18/769,933 teaches all the limitations of instant application claims 1-18, including wherein “the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage”, etc., except explicitly teaching wherein “wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed”. Zhang teaches the features above by disclosing the guided clipping prevention stage (filter unit 503 in fig. 6) receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences (receiving the clipping factor updating from the clipping factor updating unit 501 to obtain the clipping restoration filter 502 in fig. 6) from the metadata and parameter control stage (from the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76) in an uncompressed form (plain voice/audio signal, para 28), wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated (through the automatic gain control factor calculation unit 601 in fig. 6, para 76 and a linear interpolation between a gain of the previous audio signal frame and a gain of the current frame to obtain sample resolution represented by I, 79-80) with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal (the resolution of the sample represented by i, para 79), wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the plain audio signal (final out signal through the clipping control device with the automatic gain control to eliminate clipping phenomenon, para 80), where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed (the effectiveness is observed in the final output signal to prevent the clipping from eliminating the clipping from the audio signal, para 80) for benefits of improving audio quality (by restoring the original audio signal to prevent from outputting clipping signal, para 27, 80, abstract and improving voice intelligence in the voice communication, para 3, and by increasing the voice quality, para 27). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to applied the guided clipping prevention stage that receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, as taught by Zhang, to the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in the audio decoder, as taught by the conflicting claims 1-18 of copending Application No. 18/769,933, for the benefits discussed above. This is a provisional obviousness-type double patenting rejection because the conflicting claims have not in fact been patented. The following is the comparison between claims 1-18 of the instant application and copending claims 1-18 of application No. 18/769,933 for reference:
Claims in the current application
Claims of copending Application 18/769,933
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the guided clipping prevention stage receives the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the decoded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio processing chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
17. A method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed.
18. A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; and supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the guided clipping prevention stage for receiving the guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata and parameter control stage in an uncompressed form, wherein final time-domain guided clipping prevention gain values are interpolated with a temporal resolution corresponding to the temporal resolution of the de-coded audio signal, wherein the final guiding clipping prevention gains are applied to the decoded audio signal, where assignment of one of the final guided clipping prevention sequences to channels and/or objects is observed, when said computer program is run by a computer.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select parts of the metadata bitstream corresponding to the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to be provided to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
2. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two dynamic range control gain sequences for the same audio frame comprising different dynamic range control gains.
3. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
4. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a dynamic range control gain sequence comprising at least two dynamic range control gains related to different frequency bands of the audio decoder.
5. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream at least two guided clipping prevention gain sequences comprising different guided clipping prevention gains.
6. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata decoder is configured to extract from the metadata bitstream a guided clipping prevention gain sequence comprising at least two guided clipping prevention gains related to different audio channels and/or to different audio objects.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
8. The audio decoder according claim 7, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of dynamic range control gain sequences is supplied to the dynamic range control stage.
9. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select, in the event that a plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is received, which of the plurality of guided clipping prevention gain sequences is supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage.
10. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic range control stage in a direction of a signal flow is a first adjustment stage of the audio processing chain.
11. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a format converter stage configured to adjust a channel configuration of the audio output signal.
12. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a loudness normalization stage configured to normalize the loudness of the audio output signal.
13. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a peak limiter stage configured to limit peaks of the audio output in the event that a threshold is exceeded.
14. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises an object renderer stage configured to mix audio objects into channels of the audio output signal.
15. The audio decoder according to claim 1, wherein the audio processing chain comprises a transducer adaption stage configured to adjust characteristics of the audio output signal to a transducer system used for reproducing the audio output signal.
16. The audio decoder according to claim 13, wherein the peak limiter stage in the direction of the signal flow is the last adjustment stage of the audio adjustment chain.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select parts of the metadata bitstream corresponding to the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to be provided to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
17. A method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the metadata and parameter control stage for selecting parts of the metadata bitstream corresponding to the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to be provided to the guided clipping prevention stage.
1. An audio decoder for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the audio decoder comprising: an audio processing chain configured to receive a decoded audio signal derived from the audio bitstream and to adjust characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain, the audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjustment stages including a dynamic range control stage for adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal and a guided clipping prevention stage for preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder; a metadata decoder configured to receive the metadata bitstream and to extract dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream, at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences being supplied to the dynamic range control stage, and at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences being supplied to the guided clipping prevention stage; and a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; wherein the metadata and parameter control stage is configured to select parts of the metadata bitstream corresponding to the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to be provided to the guided clipping prevention stage.
7. The audio decoder according to claim 1, the audio decoder further comprising a metadata and parameter control stage configured to provide metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage.
18. A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for operating an audio decoder, for decoding an audio bitstream and a metadata bitstream related to the audio bitstream, the method comprising: deriving a decoded audio signal from the audio bitstream; using an audio processing chain comprising a plurality of adjusting stages for adjusting characteristics of an audio output signal of the audio processing chain including adjusting a dynamic range of the audio output signal by a dynamic range control stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain, and preventing of clipping of the audio output signal at the audio decoder by a guided clipping prevention stage, which is an adjustment stage of the audio processing chain; receiving, on the part of a metadata decoder, the metadata bitstream and extracting dynamic range control gain sequences and guided clipping prevention gain sequences from the metadata bitstream; supplying at least a part of the dynamic range control gain sequences to the dynamic range control stage; supplying at least a part of the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to the guided clipping prevention stage; using a metadata and parameter control stage for providing metadata and parameters to at least one of the adjustment stages on the basis of configuration information received from a configuration providing stage; and using the metadata and parameter control stage for selecting parts of the metadata bitstream corresponding to the guided clipping prevention gain sequences to be provided to the guided clipping prevention stage, when said computer program is run by a computer.
Examiner Comments
As set forth above, claims 1-18 are rejected under non-statutory obviousness-type double patenting issues and objected for formality issues. However, on the ground of the claim interpretation under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) as set forth above, claims 1-18 would be in condition for allowance if Terminal Disclaimer is filed and qualified for overcoming the non-statutory obviousness-type double patenting rejections as set forth above and associated amendment is performed to overcome the objections of claims 1-18. The reasons for allowance be found in page 12 of office action of the parent application 17/174,269 and mailed on August 4, 2022.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to LESHUI ZHANG whose telephone number is (571)270-5589. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday-Friday 6:30amp-4:00pm EST.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Vivian Chin can be reached on 571-272-7848. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/LESHUI ZHANG/
Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2695