Audio Classification Gain Control for Consistent Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional audio media systems face challenges in maintaining consistent volume levels across different audio sources and media types, leading to noticeable volume differences and potential irritation to listeners.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic volume adjustment via audio classification, which involves classifying audio signals into specific groups based on characteristics such as genre, time period, and dynamic range, and then applying targeted gain values to adjust the volume levels accordingly, thereby minimizing the need for dynamic range compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic range compression is used to adjust volume levels, then volume consistency across different audio sources is improved, but audio quality deteriorates due to perceptible artifacts and degraded dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments audio sources into different categories (e.g., music, speech, nature sounds) and applies different gain values to each category. This segmentation allows for more nuanced volume adjustment that preserves audio quality while achieving consistency across diverse sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using classification-specific gain values tailored to each audio category rather than a uniform compression approach. Each category receives optimized gain adjustment that preserves its inherent audio characteristics, thereby maintaining quality while achieving volume consistency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If classification-based gain adjustment is applied, then audio quality is preserved with minimal compression, but system complexity increases due to audio classification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of audio sources into categories before applying gain adjustment. This preliminary action enables the system to select appropriate gain values in advance, preserving audio quality without requiring complex real-time compression algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter being adjusted from continuous compression ratios to discrete classification-based gain values. This parameter change simplifies the processing while maintaining audio quality, as the system only needs to select from predefined gain values based on audio category.
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous volume monitoring and adjustment is performed, then volume consistency is maintained, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic reclassification and gain adjustment rather than continuous monitoring. The system reevaluates audio classification at intervals and updates gain values accordingly, maintaining volume consistency while reducing computational burden compared to continuous adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs classification and gain value selection in advance before audio playback, allowing for efficient real-time implementation. This preliminary action reduces processing time during actual playback while maintaining volume consistency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for dynamic volume adjustment via audio classification. Examples methods include analyzing, with a neural network trained model, a parameter of an audio signal associated with a first volume level to determine a classification group associated with the audio signal, determining an input volume of the audio signal, the selection based on the classification group associated with the audio signal, applying a gain value to the audio signal, the gain value based on the classification group and the input volume, the gain value to modify the first volume level to a second volume level, and applying a compression value to the audio signal, the compression value to modify the second volume level to a third volume level that satisfies a target volume threshold.