Audio Loudness Normalization Using Metadata and OBB Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience due to varying volume levels between different audio content, leading to frequent volume adjustments and discomfort, as existing standards for loudness measurement differ across countries and are not well implemented, causing a 'loudness war' that affects the perceived quality of service.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal processing method and system that adjusts the loudness of audio signals based on metadata, using an outlier bounce back (OBB) offset value to match a target loudness, calculated by considering parameters like section-by-section loudness, loudness range, true-peak, and peak-to-loudness ratio, to unify volume levels across content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different loudness standards are applied to audio content from different countries, then each content can maintain its original loudness characteristics, but users experience inconvenience due to varying volume levels between contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (audio processing system) that mediates between audio content with different loudness characteristics and the user. This system measures the loudness of incoming audio content and automatically adjusts it to a standardized target loudness level, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust volume when switching between contents from different countries or sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the loudness parameter of audio content dynamically based on measurement and control processes. By measuring the actual loudness of audio content and comparing it to a target loudness value, the system automatically adjusts the loudness parameter to ensure consistent playback levels across different contents, resolving the contradiction between maintaining original characteristics and ensuring user convenience.
2Manufacturing precision
If loudness is increased to improve perceived sound quality, then audio content becomes more appealing to users, but volume differences between contents increase causing frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the loudness of audio content is measured and the measurement result is used to control the loudness adjustment process. The system continuously monitors the loudness parameter, compares it to the target value, and automatically adjusts the audio signal to maintain consistent loudness levels, eliminating the need for manual volume adjustments while preserving sound quality.
3Ease of operation
If automatic loudness adjustment is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but complexity of the audio processing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the audio processing system to perform self-service by automatically measuring its own input audio loudness and adjusting the output loudness without external intervention. The system includes built-in measurement and control functions that operate autonomously, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining user convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing an audio signal includes setting target loudness; receiving metadata of an audio signal from a server; and adjusting the loudness of the audio signal by using the received metadata, so that the loudness of the audio signal corresponds to the set target loudness.