Audio Dynamics Reset Control for Fast Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio dynamics processors face slow adaptation times during abrupt changes in audio content, leading to perceived volume fluctuations that can be jarring for viewers, especially when switching between channels or sources, due to large time constants used in smoothing algorithms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reset mechanism that analyzes the audio signal or receives external triggers to rapidly adjust time constants and modification parameters, allowing for quicker adaptation to new audio levels by setting them to shorter values temporarily or restoring stored states when switching sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If large time constants are used in smoothing algorithms, then short-term dynamics of the audio signal are preserved, but adaptation time during abrupt content changes becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the time constants adaptive rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts time constants based on signal characteristics - using large time constants during normal operation to preserve short-term dynamics, and switching to small time constants when abrupt changes are detected to accelerate adaptation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between preserving dynamics and enabling fast adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of time constants from static to variable. By monitoring signal level changes and automatically adjusting time constant values, the system transitions between different operational states - maintaining stability with large time constants during steady-state operation, and enabling rapid adaptation with small time constants during transitions. This parameter change strategy directly addresses the contradiction.
2Loss of time
If small time constants are used to enable fast adaptation, then adaptation time during content changes is reduced, but short-term dynamics of the audio signal are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects time constant values based on operational context. During normal operation, large time constants preserve short-term dynamics. When abrupt changes are detected through signal level monitoring, the system switches to small time constants for fast adaptation. This dynamic selection resolves the contradiction by applying the appropriate time constant magnitude at the appropriate time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic evaluation of signal characteristics to determine appropriate time constant values. By continuously monitoring signal levels and detecting abrupt changes, the system periodically adjusts time constants between large and small values. This periodic action enables the system to maintain short-term dynamics during stable periods while achieving fast adaptation during transition periods.
3Loss of time
If time constants are drastically reduced to speed up adaptation, then adaptation time is significantly reduced, but audio quality and smoothness of transitions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts time constants based on detected signal conditions rather than using a fixed small value. During abrupt changes, small time constants enable fast adaptation. During normal operation, large time constants maintain audio quality and smooth transitions. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for drastic permanent reduction of time constants, resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes time constant parameters adaptively based on operational state. By switching between large and small time constant values rather than permanently reducing them, the system achieves fast adaptation when needed while preserving audio quality during steady-state operation. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction between adaptation speed and audio quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An audio dynamics processor or processing method that uses a reset mechanism or process in order to adapt quickly to content changes in the audio signal. A reset signal may be generated by analyzing the audio signal itself or the reset may be triggered from an external event such as a channel change on a television set or an input selection change on an audio/visual receiver. In the case of an external trigger, one or more indicators of the state of the dynamics processor for a current audio source may be saved and associated with that audio source before switching to a new audio source. Then, if the system switches back to the first audio source, the dynamics processor may be reset to the state previously stored or an approximation thereof.