Audio Receiver Loudness Equalization Across Broadcast Formats
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of different audio formats and equipment in digital television and radio systems leads to inconsistencies in loudness levels, causing users to frequently adjust volume settings when switching between channels or inputs, due to varying processing and decoding methods across different devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and device that equalizes loudness levels by outputting multiple audio signals in different formats, prompting user input to adjust their relative loudness, and saving these adjustments for future playback, using a processor with control software to manage the equalization process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple audio formats are used for digital broadcast, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but loudness consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the loudness levels of different audio formats through gain adjustments. The system measures the loudness of each audio format and applies specific gain values to equalize them, transforming the loudness parameter to achieve consistency across formats while maintaining data transmission efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different audio equipment and decoding methods are used, then user choice and adaptability are improved, but loudness uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual loudness of audio signals from different formats and using this measurement to adjust gain values. The system creates a feedback loop where loudness is measured, compared against a reference, and corrected through gain adjustment, ensuring uniform loudness regardless of the audio format or equipment used.
3Measurement precision
If manual loudness adjustment is required for each audio format, then loudness precision is improved, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically measure, compare, and adjust the loudness of different audio formats without requiring manual user intervention. The automated loudness equalization process performs what would otherwise require complex manual adjustment for each format, maintaining precision while simplifying operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application discusses a computer implemented method and apparatus for performing audio equalisation in an audio receiver device, such as an integrated receiver/decoder or set top box, or integrated TV, connected to one or more audio playback devices, such as a television unit, computer screen and speakers, amplifier or home theatre equipment. The method and apparatus use an equalisation process which compares audio signals received in different audio formats (e.g. MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3 2.0, AC-3 5.1 and HE-AAC) with one another, allowing a correction gain factor to be determined for equalising the perceived loudness of the signals when played-back at a connected playback device. The correction gain factor is then applied in the audio receiver device before output.