Audio Equalization Metadata for Playback and Hearing Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio playback systems and human hearing variability result in inconsistent sound quality, as audio tracks are engineered to accommodate various systems rather than maintaining the intended sound quality, and users' unique hearing profiles differ from those of recording engineers, preventing consumers from experiencing the artist's intended sound.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods to measure and compensate for the frequency transfer functions of playback systems and users' hearing profiles by embedding acoustic environment and hearing profile data inaudibly within audio tracks, allowing for modification before playback to recreate the intended studio sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio tracks are engineered to sound acceptable on a wide variety of sound playback systems, then compatibility across different systems is improved, but the intended sound quality cannot be maintained on any particular system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and storing the acoustic environment data and hearing profile information before audio playback. The system pre-calculates compensation parameters that will be applied during playback to counteract the specific characteristics of the user's playback system and hearing profile, thereby maintaining the artist's intended sound quality across different systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting audio signal parameters (frequency response, amplitude, timing) based on the measured acoustic environment and user hearing profile. The system modifies playback parameters in real-time to compensate for system-specific characteristics, enabling the same audio content to sound consistent across different playback systems while preserving the original artistic intent.
2Manufacturing precision
If audio is engineered for best sound on a particular sound playback system, then sound quality on that system is improved, but it cannot sound the same on other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual acoustic environment and user hearing profile, then using this information to adjust the audio playback parameters. The system creates a closed-loop process where playback characteristics are continuously optimized based on measured data about the specific reproduction environment and user characteristics, enabling consistent sound quality across different systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of the acoustic environment and hearing profile before playback, storing these characteristics for later compensation. This advance preparation allows the system to apply precise corrections tailored to each specific playback situation, maintaining sound consistency across different systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If audio tracks contain additional metadata for acoustic environment and hearing profile compensation, then sound quality consistency is improved, but the complexity of the audio processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that sits between the audio source and playback system. This intermediary component handles the complex tasks of measuring acoustic environments, analyzing hearing profiles, calculating compensation parameters, and applying corrections to the audio signal. By consolidating these functions in a dedicated intermediary module, the system manages complexity while achieving consistent sound quality across different playback systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If the frequency transfer functions of playback systems and hearing profiles are measured and compensated for, then intended sound quality is restored, but the measurement and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the playback system to automatically measure its own acoustic characteristics and the user's hearing profile without requiring external calibration equipment or expert intervention. The system uses built-in microphones and processors to perform self-diagnosis and self-correction, measuring the frequency transfer functions and applying compensation automatically, thereby reducing measurement complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced here are systems and methods to enable recording artists and engineers to specify exactly how the audio track should be played as well as perceived by the user in the case where the frequency transfer functions of the sound playback system and/or listening mechanisms (user's own hearing) can be measured and compensated for. For example, the acoustic environment during recording and mastering can be measured, and the measurements can be recorded in an inaudible portion of an audio track. The acoustic environment can include speaker frequency, distortion, reverberation, channel separation, room acoustics, etc. In addition, a hearing profile of the audio creator, such as the recording artist, sound engineer, mastering person, etc., can be included within the inaudible data. Further, the acoustic environment and/or the hearing profile of the audio consumer can also be used to modify the audio prior to reproducing the audio to the audio consumer.