Audio Object Visualization for Signal Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio mixing interfaces face challenges in effectively visualizing and editing multiple audio signals, requiring users to make numerous adjustments to faders to achieve desired signal intensities and balances, which can be complex and cumbersome, especially when dealing with large numbers of audio sources.
Innovation Solution
The system generates audio objects that represent audio signals, allowing for visualization and editing of signal properties such as intensity, panorama, and stereo width, enabling users to adjust these properties by manipulating the position and width of objects on a virtual stage, thereby simplifying the management and modification of multiple audio signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fader-based audio mixing interface is used, then signal intensity control is achieved, but the complexity of operation increases with large numbers of audio sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional fader control into a two-dimensional spatial arrangement where audio objects are positioned on a virtual stage. The position of each object along the vertical axis represents signal intensity, while the horizontal axis represents panorama/stereo position. This dimensional transformation allows users to visually manage multiple audio sources simultaneously without requiring sequential fader adjustments, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of audio signals in the form of audio objects that represent each signal source. These graphical objects are displayed on the user interface and can be manipulated directly, replacing the need to physically adjust multiple faders. Each audio object serves as a visual copy that encapsulates the signal's properties, making it easier to track and manage numerous audio sources at once.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple faders are adjusted to achieve desired signal intensities, then mixing precision is improved, but the time required for mixing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary visualization of all audio signal properties before mixing begins. By displaying audio objects with their initial positions representing signal intensities and panorama settings, users can plan and execute mixing adjustments more efficiently. The system pre-presents all necessary information in a visual format, allowing users to make coordinated adjustments across multiple channels simultaneously rather than sequentially adjusting faders one by one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables simultaneous adjustment of multiple mixing parameters by utilizing the two-dimensional spatial interface. Users can visually position multiple audio objects along both the vertical (intensity) and horizontal (panorama) axes at the same time, achieving multi-dimensional mixing precision without the sequential time consumption of traditional fader-based adjustment.
3Loss of information
If traditional level meters are used to visualize signal properties, then signal intensity display is achieved, but the ability to edit multiple properties simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal property visualizations into a single integrated audio object representation. Instead of separate level meters for intensity and separate controls for panorama, the system combines these properties into the spatial position of a single graphical object. This consolidation allows users to visualize and edit multiple properties simultaneously by manipulating one object, thereby reducing information loss while improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio object serves multiple functions simultaneously: it visualizes signal intensity through its vertical position, displays panorama information through its horizontal position, and acts as a direct control element for editing both properties. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate visualization and control elements for each parameter, allowing comprehensive signal property management through a unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies relating to user interfaces for visualization and editing of audio signals. In some implementations, a method is provided that include the actions of receiving one or more audio signals including digital audio data; generating one or more audio objects, each of the one or more audio objects representing one or more audio signals; and displaying a corresponding representation of each of the one or more audio objects in an interface according to one or more parameters of the audio signals associated with the respective one or more audio objects such that a location of each particular audio object representation in the interface is based on the one or more parameters associated with the particular audio object.