Brush Tool for Audio Editing With Variable Opacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio editing methods lack precision and efficiency in selecting and editing audio data, particularly in removing noise and applying effects, as they often result in discontinuities and require manual cross-fading, which can compromise audio quality.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a brush tool to select and edit audio data visually, allowing for variable opacity and non-contiguous selection, with automatic healing operations that interpolate audio features across edit boundaries, providing a smoother transition and finer control over audio editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional audio editing methods are used to select and edit audio data, then the editing process is simple, but the precision and efficiency of selection and editing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/audio-based selection methods with a visual brush tool interface. The brush tool allows users to precisely select audio regions by visually painting over them in a waveform display, substituting imprecise audio-based selection with accurate visual selection. This resolves the contradiction by providing high selection precision through a user-friendly visual interface rather than complex technical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mask image as an intermediary between the user's brush strokes and the audio data editing. The mask image captures the brush application with varying opacity values, serving as a mediator that translates visual brush movements into precise selection boundaries and opacity gradients. This intermediary layer enables accurate selection without requiring complex direct manipulation of audio parameters.
2Reliability
If manual cross-fading is used to edit audio data, then the editing process is controllable, but the audio quality and transition smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables automatic healing operations that self-correct audio discontinuities without requiring manual cross-fading by the user. When a brush selection is applied, the system automatically detects discontinuities at edit boundaries and performs healing by interpolating audio features (such as phase and amplitude) across the boundary. This self-service approach maintains audio quality and transition smoothness without requiring the user to manually perform complex cross-fading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the audio data to identify discontinuities and calculate healing parameters before applying the final edit. The system pre-processes the audio to determine the optimal interpolation strategy, preparing the healing operation in advance. This preliminary action ensures high audio quality and smooth transitions are achieved automatically, eliminating the need for manual cross-fading while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If uniform opacity is applied in audio editing, then the editing process is simple, but the precision and control over editing effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable opacity control where different regions of the brush selection can have different opacity values. The opacity is not uniform across the entire selection but varies locally based on the brush stroke characteristics, pressure, and speed. This allows precise control over editing effects in different parts of the audio, applying stronger effects where needed and softer effects elsewhere, without requiring a complex multi-parameter opacity system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If contiguous selection only is allowed, then the selection process is simple, but the versatility and precision in selecting audio regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic brush tool behavior that adapts to user interaction. The brush can be applied in multiple passes, with each pass accumulating or modifying the selection based on the current state. The tool dynamically adjusts to allow both contiguous and non-contiguous selections through repeated brush applications, and the opacity dynamically varies based on brush speed and pressure. This dynamic behavior provides versatile selection capabilities without requiring a complex multi-tool system.
Data Source
AI summary
This specification describes technologies relating to editing digital audio data. In some implementations, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes displaying a visual representation of audio data, receiving an input selecting a selected portion of audio data within the visual representation, the selecting including applying a brush tool to the visual representation of the audio data, and editing the selected portion of audio data including determining a degree of opacity for the selected audio data and applying an editing effect according to the degree of opacity.