Intelligent Audio Mixing for Distinct Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio processing technologies fail to effectively distinguish between multiple audio sources in an audio mixture, leading to interference and poor user experience in scenarios like listening to music during phone calls or instant messaging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of intelligent audio mixing techniques that utilize separate foreground and background processing to assign distinct perceptual locations to audio sources within an audio mixture, allowing listeners to differentiate between them based on angle and attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio sources are summed together to create an audio mixture, then the device can deliver multiple audio signals simultaneously, but the listener cannot distinguish between different audio sources leading to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio processing into separate foreground and background processing paths. Each audio source is routed through appropriate processing (foreground or background) based on its intended perceptual location, allowing the listener to distinguish between sources through spatial separation while maintaining the ability to deliver multiple simultaneous audio signals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension (perceptual location/angle) to differentiate audio sources. By assigning different perceptual locations (foreground vs. background, different angles) to different audio sources, the system enables source distinction without adding physical separation, resolving the contradiction between delivering multiple signals and maintaining source distinguishability
2Productivity
If traditional audio mixing is used to combine multiple audio sources, then the device can play multiple sounds simultaneously, but the listener experiences interference and poor differentiation between sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different audio sources based on their intended perceptual location. Foreground audio sources receive foreground processing optimized for clear, direct perception, while background sources receive background processing optimized for ambient perception. This local differentiation allows multiple sounds to be played simultaneously with reliable source distinction
3Device complexity
If audio sources are processed together without separate foreground and background processing, then the processing system is simpler, but the listener cannot perceive distinct locations for different audio sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic processing system that automatically routes audio sources to appropriate processing paths (foreground or background) based on real-time conditions and source characteristics. This dynamic approach provides perceptual differentiation without requiring complex manual configuration, balancing system complexity with listener ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing an interface to a processing engine that utilizes intelligent audio mixing techniques may include receiving a request to change a perceptual location of an audio source within an audio mixture from a current perceptual location relative to a listener to a new perceptual location relative to the listener. The audio mixture may include at least two audio sources. The method may also include generating one or more control signals that are configured to cause the processing engine to change the perceptual location of the audio source from the current perceptual location to the new perceptual location via separate foreground processing and background processing. The method may also include providing the one or more control signals to the processing engine.