Audio Loudness Normalization Using Corrected Integrated Loudness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The varying loudness levels of audio content across different sources create inconvenience for users, as international standards for loudness measurement differ, leading to a 'loudness war' where content creators prioritize high loudness to enhance sound quality, resulting in inconsistent volume experiences.
Innovation Solution
A method for loudness normalization in audio signals using an audio signal processing device that receives and corrects integrated loudness based on dynamic range control and frequency domain processing, applying audio processing in a specific order and activating processes indicated by bit flags, to achieve a target loudness suitable for the user's environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If content creators increase the loudness of audio signals to improve perceived sound quality, then the sound quality is improved, but the loudness consistency across different contents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring the integrated loudness of audio signals and applying gain adjustments to transform the loudness parameter to a target level. The system calculates the difference between measured loudness and target loudness, then applies compensatory gain to achieve consistent loudness across different audio contents while preserving the original sound quality characteristics.
2Reliability
If different international standards for loudness measurement are applied, then each standard can be optimized for its specific requirements, but the compatibility and uniformity across different regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a loudness normalization system that can handle multiple loudness measurement standards (such as EBU R128 and ATSC A/85). The system measures integrated loudness according to different standards and applies appropriate normalization processing, making it adaptable to various regional requirements while maintaining a unified processing framework.
3Stability of the object's composition
If loudness normalization processing is applied to audio signals, then the loudness consistency is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the integrated loudness of audio signals before playback and pre-calculating the required gain adjustment. The system determines the normalization gain in advance based on the difference between measured and target loudness, then applies this pre-computed gain during playback, simplifying the real-time processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing loudness normalization by an audio signal processing device includes: receiving an audio signal; receiving information relating to integrated loudness of the audio signal; receiving information relating to target loudness of the audio signal; obtaining a corrected integrated loudness by correcting the integrated loudness based on one or more audio processing; and obtaining a normalized audio signal by normalizing the audio signal based on the corrected integrated loudness and the target loudness.