Decoder, encoder, and method for informed loudness estimation in object-based audio coding systems

An encoder, comprising:

• an object-based encoding unit for encoding a plurality of audio object signals to acquire an encoded audio signal comprising the plurality of audio object signals, and
• an object loudness encoding unit for encoding loudness information on the audio object signals,
• wherein the loudness information comprises one or more loudness values, wherein each of the one or more loudness values depends on one or more of the audio object signals,
• wherein each of the audio object signals of the encoded audio signal is assigned to exactly one group of two or more groups, wherein at least one of the two or more groups comprises at least two of the audio object signals of the encoded audio signal, wherein the object loudness encoding unit is configured to determine a loudness value for said at least one group.

A method for generating an audio output signal comprising one or more audio output channels, wherein the method comprises:

• receiving an audio input signal comprising a plurality of audio object signals,
• receiving loudness information on the audio object signals,
• receiving rendering information indicating whether one or more of the audio object signals shall be amplified or attenuated,
• determining a loudness compensation value depending on the loudness information and depending on the rendering information, and
• generating the one or more audio output channels of the audio output signal from the audio input signal depending on the rendering information and depending on the loudness compensation value.

A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for generating an audio output signal comprising one or more audio output channels, said method comprising:

• receiving an audio input signal comprising a plurality of audio object signals,
• receiving loudness information on the audio object signals,
• receiving rendering information indicating whether one or more of the audio object signals shall be amplified or attenuated,
• determining a loudness compensation value depending on the loudness information and depending on the rendering information, and
• generating the one or more audio output channels of the audio output signal from the audio input signal depending on the rendering information and depending on the loudness compensation value,
• when said computer program is run by a computer.

A non-transitory digital storage medium having a computer program stored thereon to perform the method for encoding, said method comprising:

• encoding an audio input signal comprising a plurality of audio object signals, and
• encoding loudness information on the audio object signals, wherein the loudness information comprises one or more loudness values, wherein each of the one or more loudness values depends on one or more of the audio object signals,
• when said computer program is run by a computer;
• wherein each of the audio object signals of the encoded audio signal is assigned to exactly one group of two or more groups, wherein at least one of the two or more groups comprises at least two of the audio object signals of the encoded audio signal, wherein the method comprises determining a loudness value for said at least one group.