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Apparatus and method for down converting multichannel programs to dual channel programs using a smart coefficient generator

Apparatus and method for down converting multichannel programs to dual channel programs using a smart coefficient generator description/claims

A. Field of Invention

This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for storing multichannel audio programs such as recordings of DVDs and other similar media. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for determining coefficients useful for down-converting multichannel recordings to a dual channel (right/left) stereo recording. The coefficients thus obtained are recorded on the respective media together with program and other data as well.

B. Description of the Prior Art

Standard recordings of audio programs, for example for DVD or other modern high quality recording media normally include up to six or even more channels. The standard six channels are generally termed as left front (LF), right front (RF), left rear (LR), right rear (RR), center (C) and subwoofer (SW). A problem with this type of recording is that in some instances, for example, in a car, or in other environments, such a high quality is not required and a lower quality dual channel stereo reproduction (left and right) is sufficient. Other types of equipment were dual channels may be sufficient include most portable stereos, boom boxes, personal stereos such as the Walkman®, table top radios, and so forth. Multichannel recording can be converted to two channels by the respective playing equipment using, for example, a set of either preset, or arbitrary coefficients. However, this type of conversion is very inaccurate and results in sounds which may not be acceptable to consumers. Moreover, it is the interest of the producer and artist recording a program to insure that the programs are played back as accurately as possible and without unduly compromising the artistic rendition of the respective musical work. If the down conversion takes place using standardized or arbitrary coefficients, the artist and/or producer loses control over the modified program.

In order to insure uniformity and compatibility between various program recording and playback equipment various national and international organizations have promulgated standards for data formatting and other aspects of recording programs on media. Some of these standards include designations for down converting coefficients as well. However, the standards do not specify how the coefficients are to be determined.

In view of the above-mentioned disadvantages, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that can be used to generate a set of down converting coefficient which allow for the conversion of a multichannel program into a dual channel (left/right) program.

A further objective is to provide a device and equipment in which the producer of the program is provided with a system which includes a down converting circuit to allow the producer to select the down converting coefficient while or after he has listened to the converted program to insure that he is satisfied with its quality.

A further objective is to provide a method of generating a multichannel program in the form of digital data wherein the down converting coefficients are imbedded in a conventional form into the program using the appropriate standards.

Other objectives and advantages of the invention shall become apparent from the following description of the invention.

Briefly, the present invention pertains to an apparatus for recording a multichannel program, which apparatus includes an audio converter adapted to convert the multichannel program at least partially into a modified program requiring fewer channels than the multichannel program. The audio converter includes control elements used to modify the conversion process thereby generating the modified program. A coefficient generator is also provided which is coupled to the converter to generate a coefficient indicative of the operation of the controls. Finally, a mixer is provided to mix the coefficient with program data corresponding to the program and a recorder is provided and arranged to record the mixed data on a medium, whereby the medium can be played either using a multichannel player device or a reduced channel player device by using said coefficient.

In one embodiment of the invention, the audio converter includes a plurality of controls adapted to be activated by an operator. These controls have corresponding positions, and the coefficient generator includes sensors arranged to sense the control positions. The coefficient generator translates these positions into coefficients.

In another embodiment of the invention, the audio converter includes a variable resistor having a resistor position. In this embodiment, the coefficient generator includes a sensor that senses the position of said variable resistor.

The apparatus is arranged so that the audio converter is adapted to convert a multichannel program into a dual program that can be played through a stereo player.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for generating conversion coefficients characteristic of a process for converting a multichannel program into a modified program, the apparatus comprising an audio converter including an input for receiving multichannel signals of a multichannel program and a control circuit adapted to operate on these signals to generate a modified program in accordance with a selectable parameter. A sensor adapted is also provided to determine the parameter and to generate a coefficient corresponding to this parameter. The audio converter is adapted to generate modified signals defining a dual channel program based on the multichannel signals.

The apparatus may be provided with control circuit including a plurality of control elements, each element having a plurality of positions. In this embodiment, the sensor detects said positions and generates coefficients indicative of said positions. The control elements could include a variable resistor which is adjusted by an operator and said sensor is adapted to sense a current value of said variable resistor, the coefficient being dependent on said current value.

The apparatus may include a voltage detector that detects an analog voltage. The sensor then includes an analog-to-digital converter that converts said analog voltage into said coefficient.

Generally speaking, the present application further pertains to a method of generating a data storage medium with a multichannel program comprising the steps of receiving a multichannel program; generating a modified program corresponding to said multichannel program in accordance with a selectable parameter; detecting the selectable parameter; generating a coefficient corresponding to said selectable parameter; combining said coefficient and said multichannel to form combined digital data; and recording said combined digital data on the medium. Generating a modified program includes generating a dual channel program. The step of generating the modified program may include changing the operational parameter until said modified program has certain target characteristics. Generating the modified program may be performed using a circuitry with a control having a variable position, wherein the step of determining the parameter includes determining a current position of the control.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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