DETAILED ACTION
This action is in response to the initial filing of application no. 19/055,174 on 02/17/2025.
Claims 1 – 6 are still pending in this application, with claims 1 and 4 being independent.
Note, the ordinary and customary meaning of “first” is used to interpret the claim language, “first dynamic range control”. Therefore, a prior art teaches or discloses this claim language if there are more than one dynamic range control.
Note, the priority documents were reviewed to establish the effective filing date(s) for the claims. The effective filing dates for the claim limitations are as follows.
1. An audio signal processing method, comprising: down-mixing an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter; and outputting the N-channel audio signal (04/19/2013), wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1) (04/18/2014).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein the generating the N-channel audio signal comprises downmixing the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N- channel audio signal including the height channel. (04/19/2013)
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels. (04/19/2013)
4. An audio signal processing apparatus comprising: one or more processor configured to: down-mix an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout and output the N-channel audio signal (04/19/2013); wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1) (04/18/2014).
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein one or more processor downmix the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N-channel audio signal including the height channel. (04/19/2013)
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels. (04/19/2013)
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Allowable Subject Matter
Aside from the non-prior art rejections, it has been determined that the prior art fails to teach or suggest in reasonable combination the limitations recited in independent claim 1 (with dependents 2 and 3).
Claim 1 recites
An audio signal processing method, comprising: down-mixing an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter; and outputting the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
For example, Carroll et al. (US 2008/0080722) (“Carroll”) discloses a multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a decoder (Abstract), comprising: down-mixing an M-channel into N-channel audio signal a format converter (2-Ch Downmix, Fig.1, 114) [0034] [0037]); outputting the N-channel audio signal (Fig.1, 116,117, 119; [0037]), wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a dynamic range control (DRC1) (Fig.1, 112 and 114; [0034] [0035] [0037]).
Yet, Carroll fails to teach that the dynamic range control is a first dynamic range control.
Kuech et al. (US 2016/0240204) (“Kuech”) discloses a concept for combined dynamic range compression and guided clipping prevention for audio devices (Abstract), comprising the following: a plurality of channels corresponding to a M-channel audio signal are inputted to a format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1) (The DRC for audio channels is a first DRC. The DRC for audio objects is a second DRC., Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4; [0076] [0176]). However, there is no motivation to combine Carroll and Kuech.
Aside from the non-prior art rejections, it has been determined that the prior art fails to teach or suggest in reasonable combination the limitations recited in independent claim 4 (with dependents 5 and 6).
Claim 4 recites
An audio signal processing apparatus comprising: one or more processor configured to: down-mix an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout; and output the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
For example, Seefeldt et al. (US 2008/0033732) (“Seefeldt”) teaches, an audio signal processing apparatus, comprising: one or more processors (device which performs channel reconfiguration is a computer system comprising a processor, [0046] [0115]) configured to: down-mix an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter( device or function which reconfigures channels, Fig.4A, 36) according to a reproduction layout (Thus, a channel "reconfiguration" may include … "downmixing” in which two or more channels are mapped in some manner to a smaller number of channels, [0042] [0044] [0045] [0046]); and output the N-channel audio signal (As in the FIG. 3 example, the M-Channel Original Signals and the N-Channel Reconfigured Signals are potential outputs of the Consumption portion 34 of the arrangement. Either or both may be provided as outputs (as shown) or one or the other may be selected, [0046]).
Yet, Seefeldt fails to teach, “wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).”
Kuech et al. (US 2016/0240204) (“Kuech”) discloses a concept for combined dynamic range compression and guided clipping prevention for audio devices (Abstract), comprising the following: a plurality of channels corresponding to a M-channel audio signal are inputted to a format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1) (The DRC for audio channels is a first DRC. The DRC for audio objects is a second DRC., Figure2, Figure3 and Figure 4; [0076] [0176]). However, there is no motivation to combine Seefelt and Kuech.
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 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); 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.
A. Regarding the current application and US 12,231,864.
The claim mapping is as follows.
Current Application
1. An audio signal processing method, comprising: down-mixing an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter; and outputting the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein the generating the N-channel audio signal comprises downmixing the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N- channel audio signal including the height channel.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
4. An audio signal processing apparatus comprising: one or more processor configured to: down-mix an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout; and output the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein one or more processor downmix the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N-channel audio signal including the height channel.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
US 12,231,864
1. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a decoder, comprising: generating an N-channel audio signal by down-mixing an M-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout; and outputting the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein the generating the N-channel audio signal comprises downmixing the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N-channel audio signal including the height channel.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
4. A format converter comprising: one or more processor configured to: generate an N-channel audio signal by down-mixing an M-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout; and output the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
5. The format converter of claim 4, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein one or more processor downmix the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N-channel audio signal including the height channel.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
Claims 1 -5 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1- 5 of U.S. Patent No. 12,231,864. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, claims 1 – 5 of US 12,231,864 anticipate claims 1 – 5 of the current application, respectively. Thus, claims 1 – 5 of the current application and claims 1- 5 of US 12,231,864 are obvious variants.
Claims 6 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 4 of U.S. Patent No. 12,231,864. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, claim 4 of US 12,231,864 recite the limitations of claim 6 of the current application, except for the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels. However, it would have been it would have been both well-known and obvious at the time of applicant’s filing that downmixing channels comprises forming a smaller number of channels from a larger number of channels. Thus, claim 6 of the current application and claim 4 of US 12,231,864 are obvious variants.
B. Regarding the current application and US 11,871,204.
The claim mapping is as follows.
Current Application
1. An audio signal processing method, comprising: down-mixing an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter; and outputting the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein the generating the N-channel audio signal comprises downmixing the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N- channel audio signal including the height channel.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
4. An audio signal processing apparatus comprising: one or more processor configured to: down-mix an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout; and output the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein one or more processor downmix the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N-channel audio signal including the height channel.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
US 11,871,204
1. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a decoder, comprising: generating an N-channel audio signal of N channels by down-mixing an M-channel audio signal of M channels in a format converter using playback environment or virtual layout, the number of M channels being greater than the number of N channels; generating a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering of the N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and outputting the stereo audio signal, wherein a plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects from a bitstream.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M channel audio signal of M channels are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into a binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises: applying a N binaural filter for binaural rendering into each channel audio signal of N-channel audio signal, for each left channel audio signal and each right channel audio signal of the stereo audio signal.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises: summing a filtering result of the N binaural filter related to a head related transfer function (HRTF) or a binaural room impulse response (BRIR) for binaural rendering.
8. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a decoder, comprising: downmixing a M-channel audio signal of M channels for generating N-channel audio signal of N channels in a format converter using playback environment or virtual layout; generating a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering the downmixed N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and outputting the stereo audio signal, wherein a plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
9. The method of claim 8, wherein a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects are extracted from a bitstream.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M channel audio signal of M channels are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into the binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises performing binaural rendering of the downmixed multichannel audio signal in a frequency domain.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises generating the stereo audio signal using a plurality of binaural filters respectively corresponding to the N channels of the N-channel audio signal.
15. A multichannel audio signal processing apparatus processed by a Unified Speech Audio Coding (USAC) 3D decoder, comprising: one or more processor configured to: downmix a M-channel audio signal of M channels in a format converter for generating N-channel audio signal of N channels based on a three-dimensional (3D) loudspeaker layout; generate a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering of the downmixed N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and output the stereo audio signal, wherein a plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the USAC 3D decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects from a bitstream.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M channel audio signal of M channels are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into the binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
Claims 1 and 3 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 3 of U.S. Patent No. 11,871,204. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, the limitations of claim 3 of US 11,871,294 recite the limitations of both claims 1 and 3 of the current application, except for outputting the N channels. However, it would have been both well-known and obvious at the time of applicant’s filing to output decoded audio channels.
Thus, claims 1 and 3 of the current application and claim 3 of US 11,871,294 are obvious variants.
Claim 4 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 17 of U.S. Patent No. 11,871,204. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, the limitations of claim 17 of US 11,871,294 recite the limitations of claim 4 of the current application, except for outputting the N channels. However, it would have been both well-known and obvious to output decoded audio channels.
Thus, claim 4 of the current application and claim 17 of US 11,871,294 are obvious variants.
C. Regarding the current application and US 11,405,738.
The claim mapping is as follows.
Current Application
1. An audio signal processing method, comprising: down-mixing an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter; and outputting the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein the generating the N-channel audio signal comprises downmixing the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N- channel audio signal including the height channel.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
4. An audio signal processing apparatus comprising: one or more processor configured to: down-mix an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout; and output the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein one or more processor downmix the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N-channel audio signal including the height channel.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
US 11,405,738
1. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a decoder, comprising: generating an N-channel audio signal of N channels by down-mixing an M-channel audio signal of M channels in a format converter using playback environment or virtual layout, the number of M channels being greater than the number of N channels; generating a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering of the N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and outputting the stereo audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M channel audio signal of M channels are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects from a bitstream.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through the first dynamic range control (DRC1).
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into a binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises: applying a N binaural filter for binaural rendering into each channel audio signal of N-channel audio signal, for each left channel audio signal and each right channel audio signal of the stereo audio signal.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises: summing a filtering result of the N binaural filter related to a head related transfer function (HRTF) or a binaural room impulse response (BRIR) for binaural rendering.
8. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a decoder, comprising: downmixing a M-channel audio signal of M channels for generating N-channel audio signal of N channels in a format converter using playback environment or virtual layout; and generating a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering the downmixed N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and outputting the stereo audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M channel audio signal of M channels are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
9. The method of claim 8, wherein a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects are extracted from a bitstream.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein a plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through the first dynamic range control (DRC1).
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into the binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises performing binaural rendering of the downmixed multichannel audio signal in a frequency domain.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises generating the stereo audio signal using a plurality of binaural filters respectively corresponding to the N channels of the N-channel audio signal.
15. A multichannel audio signal processing apparatus processed by a Unified Speech Audio Coding (USAC) 3D decoder, comprising: one or more processor configured to: downmix a M-channel audio signal of M channels in a format converter for generating N-channel audio signal of N channels based on a three-dimensional (3D) loudspeaker layout; and generate a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering of the downmixed N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and output the stereo audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M channel audio signal of M channels are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the USAC 3D decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects from a bitstream.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through the first dynamic range control (DRC1).
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into the binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
Claims 1 and 3 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 4 of U.S. Patent No. 11,405,738. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, the limitations of claim 4 of US 11,405,738 anticipate the limitations of claims 1 and 3 of the current application. Thus, claims 1 and 3 of the current application are obvious variants of claim 4 of US 11,405,738.
Claims 4 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 18 of U.S. Patent No. 11,405,738. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, the limitations of claim 18 of US 11,405,738 anticipate the limitations of claim 4 of the current application. Thus, claim 4 of the current application and claim 18 of US 11,405,738 are obvious variants.
D. Regarding the current application and US 10,701,503.
The claim mapping is as follows.
Current Application
1. An audio signal processing method, comprising: down-mixing an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter; and outputting the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein the generating the N-channel audio signal comprises downmixing the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N- channel audio signal including the height channel.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
4. An audio signal processing apparatus comprising: one or more processor configured to: down-mix an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout; and output the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein one or more processor downmix the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N-channel audio signal including the height channel.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
US 10,701,503
1. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a Unified Speech Audio Coding (USAC) 3D decoder, comprising: generating an N-channel audio signal of N channels by down-mixing an M-channel audio signal of M channels in a format converter using playback environment or virtual layout, the number of M channels being greater than the number of N channels; generating a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering of the N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and outputting the stereo audio signal, wherein the USAC 3D decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects from a bitstream, wherein the plurality of channel/prerendered objects are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through the first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into a binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises: applying a N binaural filter for binaural rendering into each channel audio signal of N-channel audio signal, for each left channel audio signal and each right channel audio signal of the stereo audio signal.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises: summing a filtering result of the N binaural filter related to a head related transfer function (HRTF) or a binaural room impulse response (BRIR) for binaural rendering.
4. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a Unified Speech Audio Coding (USAC) 3D decoder, comprising: downmixing a M-channel audio signal of M channels for generating N-channel audio signal of N channels in a format converter using playback environment or virtual layout; and generating a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering the downmixed N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and outputting the stereo audio signal, wherein the USAC 3D decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects from a bitstream, wherein the plurality of channel/prerendered objects are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through the first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into the binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises performing binaural rendering of the downmixed multichannel audio signal in a frequency domain.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises generating the stereo audio signal using a plurality of binaural filters respectively corresponding to the N channels of the N-channel audio signal.
7. A multichannel audio signal processing apparatus processed by a Unified Speech Audio Coding (USAC) 3D decoder, comprising: one or more processor configured to: downmix a M-channel audio signal of M channels in a format converter for generating N-channel audio signal of N channels based on a three-dimensional (3D) loudspeaker layout; and generate a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering of the downmixed N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and output the stereo audio signal, wherein the USAC 3D decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects and a plurality of objects from a bitstream, wherein the plurality of channel/prerendered objects are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the plurality of objects are inputted to an object renderer through the first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from a mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into the binaural renderer connected with a second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor performs binaural rendering of the downmixed multichannel audio signal in a frequency domain.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor generates the stereo audio signal using a plurality of binaural renderers respectively corresponding to the N channels of the N-channel audio signal.
Claims 1 and 3 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 10,701,503. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, the limitations of claim 1 of US 10,701,503 anticipate the limitations of claims 1 and 3 of the current application. Thus, claims 1 and 3 of the current application and claim 1 of US 10,701,503 are obvious variants.
Claim 4 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 7 of U.S. Patent No.10,701,503. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, the limitations of claim 7 of US 10,701,503 anticipate the limitations of claim 4 of the current application. Thus, claim 4 of the current application and claim 7 of US 10,701,503 are obvious variants.
E. Regarding the current application and US 10,701,503.
The claim mapping is as follows.
Current Application
1. An audio signal processing method, comprising: down-mixing an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter; and outputting the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein the generating the N-channel audio signal comprises downmixing the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N- channel audio signal including the height channel.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
4. An audio signal processing apparatus comprising: one or more processor configured to: down-mix an M-channel audio signal into N-channel audio signal in a format converter according to reproduction layout; and output the N-channel audio signal, wherein a plurality of channels corresponding to the M-channel audio signal are inputted to the format converter through a first dynamic range control (DRC1).
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the M-channel audio signal includes a height channel, wherein one or more processor downmix the M-channel audio signal to minimize loss of the height channel included in the M-channel audio signal to generate the N-channel audio signal including the height channel.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the number of M channels is greater than the number of N channels.
US 10,075,795
1. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a unified speech audio coding (USAC) 3D decoder, comprising: generating an N-channel audio signal of N channels by down-mixing an M-channel audio signal of M channels in a format converter using playback environment or virtual layout, the number of M channels being greater than the number of N channels; generating a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering of the N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and outputting the stereo audio signal, wherein the USAC 3D decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects, a plurality of objects, compressed object metadata (OAM), spatial audio object coding (SAOC) transport channels, SAOC side information (SI), and high-order ambisonics (HOA) signals from a bitstream, wherein the plurality of channel/prerendered objects are inputted to the format converter through first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the plurality of objects are inputted to the object renderer through first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the spatial audio object coding (SAOC) transport channels, SAOC side information (SI) are inputted into a SAOC 3D decoder, wherein the high-order ambisonics (HOA) signals are inputted into a HOA renderer, wherein an outputs results of the format converter, the object renderer, the HOA render, and a SAOC 3D decoder are input to a mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from the mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into a binaural renderer connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) with connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises: applying a N binaural filter for binaural rendering into each channel audio signal of N-channel audio signal, for each left channel audio signal and each right channel audio signal of the stereo audio signal.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises: summing a filtering result of the N binaural filter related to a head related transfer function (HRTF) or a binaural room impulse response (BRIR) for binaural rendering.
4. A multichannel audio signal processing method processed by a unified speech audio coding (USAC) 3D decoder, comprising: downmixing a M-channel audio signal of M channels for generating N-channel audio signal of N channels in a format converter using playback environment or virtual layout; generating a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering the downmixed N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and outputting the stereo audio signal, wherein the USAC 3D decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects, a plurality of objects, compressed object metadata (OAM), spatial audio object coding (SAOC) transport channels, SAOC side information (SI), and high-order ambisonics (HOA) signals from a bitstream, wherein the plurality of channel/prerendered objects are inputted to the format converter through first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the plurality of objects are inputted to the object renderer through first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the spatial audio object coding (SAOC) transport channels, SAOC side information (SI) are inputted into a SAOC 3D decoder, wherein the high-order ambisonics (HOA) signals are inputted into a HOA renderer, wherein an outputs results of the format converter, the object renderer, the HOA render, and a SAOC 3D decoder are input to a mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from the mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into a binaural renderer connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) with connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises performing binaural rendering of the downmixed multichannel audio signal in a frequency domain.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the generating of the stereo audio signal comprises generating the stereo audio signal using a plurality of binaural filters respectively corresponding to the N channels of the N-channel audio signal.
7. A multichannel audio signal processing apparatus processed by a unified speech audio coding (USAC) 3D decoder, comprising: one or more processor configured to: downmix a M-channel audio signal of M channels in a format converter for generating N-channel audio signal of N channels based on a three-dimensional (3D) loudspeaker layout; generate a stereo audio signal by performing binaural rendering of the downmixed N-channel audio signal in a binaural renderer; and output the stereo audio signal, wherein the USAC 3D decoder extracts a plurality of channel/prerendered objects, a plurality of objects, compressed object metadata (OAM), spatial audio object coding (SAOC) transport channels, SAOC side information (SI), and high-order ambisonics (HOA) signals from a bitstream, wherein the plurality of channel/prerendered objects are inputted to the format converter through first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the plurality of objects are inputted to the object renderer through first dynamic range control (DRC1), wherein the spatial audio object coding (SAOC) transport channels, SAOC side information (SI) are inputted into a SAOC 3D decoder, wherein the high-order ambisonics (HOA) signals are inputted into a HOA renderer, wherein an outputs results of the format converter, the object renderer, the HOA render, and a SAOC 3D decoder are input to a mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels are outputted from the mixer, wherein the N-channel audio signal of N channels is inputted into the binaural renderer connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) or is inputted into a third dynamic range control (DRC3) with connected with the second dynamic range control (DRC2) for a loudspeaker feed.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor performs binaural rendering of the downmixed multichannel audio signal in a frequency domain.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor generates the stereo audio signal using a plurality of binaural renderers respectively corresponding to the N channels of the N-channel audio signal.
Claims 1 and 3 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of U.S. Patent No. 10,075,795. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, the limitations of claim 1 of US 10,075,795 anticipate the limitations of claims 1 and 3 of the current application. Thus, claims 1 and 3 of the current application and claim 1 of US 10,075,795 are obvious variants.
Claim 4 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 7 of U.S. Patent No. 10,075,795. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other.
As shown above, the limitations of claim 7 of US 10,075,795 anticipate the limitations of claim 4 of the current application. Thus, claim 4 of the current application and claim 7 of US 10,075,795 are obvious variants.
Conclusion
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/SONIA L GAY/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2657
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