Dynamic Audio Normalization With Selectable Playback Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video content distribution technologies, particularly those using broadcast networks or IP-based networks, often result in sudden volume changes, which can be unpleasant for individuals with PTSD, hearing aids users, and those with autism, as dynamic ad insertion techniques frequently cause advertisements to be significantly louder than the content, leading to unpleasant viewing experiences that conventional manual adjustments and audio processing techniques fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically normalizes and compresses audio in video streams by splitting audio into multiple bands based on decibel levels, determining acceptable audio ranges using national hearing data and other standards, and generating a second audio track that maintains the integrity of the audio while reducing loud noises and enhancing quiet portions, which can be selectively played back by users without requiring end-user processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional audio processing techniques are used to reduce loud sounds, then loud audio spikes are reduced, but quiet audio portions are reduced to inaudible levels
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is divided into multiple frequency bands using a filter bank, allowing independent processing of different frequency ranges. This segmentation enables the system to apply different compression ratios to different bands, preserving quiet portions while reducing loud spikes in specific frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different audio processing parameters to different frequency bands based on their specific characteristics. Each band can have its own compression ratio, attack time, and release time, allowing localized optimization that preserves quiet audio portions while controlling loud spikes in problematic frequency ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic ad insertion is used to insert advertisements, then content distribution is improved, but volume changes cause unpleasant viewing experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic audio normalization that continuously adjusts audio levels in real-time based on the current program material. The system detects volume changes and applies dynamic range compression with varying parameters depending on whether the content is advertisement or program material, smoothing transitions and maintaining consistent perceived volume throughout the stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors audio levels and uses this feedback to adjust compression parameters in real-time. The audio processing pipeline includes level detection, analysis of volume characteristics, and dynamic adjustment of compression ratios to maintain consistent audio levels across different content types, preventing sudden volume changes during ad insertions.
3Ease of operation
If manual volume adjustment is used to control audio levels, then user control is provided, but it fails to overcome sudden volume changes automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic audio normalization system that performs volume adjustment without requiring user intervention. The system self-adjusts audio levels by detecting volume characteristics and applying appropriate compression and normalization parameters, providing reliable volume consistency automatically rather than relying on manual user control.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described herein for improved processing audio in a video stream. A system may split audio in a frame of video content into multiple bands based on their audio levels. The system may then dynamically compress and dynamically normalize the audio level in each band. When dynamically compressing the bands, the system may determine, based on stored information, what audio level range is acceptable for an end user and may smooth and maintain the ranges of the audio to be within the acceptable range. The system may include the dynamically normalized and dynamically compressed frames as a second audio track in the video content. A computing device receiving the video content may select the second audio track during playback. If an end user selects the second audio track, the video is delivered with the modified sound of the second audio track.