Audio Volume Leveling with Real-Time Content-Based Gain Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional audio processing systems require manual preset selection for different audio content types, leading to inconvenient user experiences and audible artifacts during transitions, as they lack continuous adjustment capabilities based on real-time content identification.

Innovation Solution

An audio processing apparatus and method that automatically classify audio signals in real-time and adjust parameters of devices like dialog enhancers, surround virtualizers, and equalizers based on confidence values, enabling continuous and content-based processing without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual preset selection is used for different audio content types, then the system can apply appropriate processing parameters, but the user experience becomes inconvenient and audible artifacts occur during transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidaudio quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically classifies audio content and adjusts processing parameters without requiring manual user intervention. The audio processing device autonomously identifies content type (dialog, music, effect) and selects appropriate processing modes, eliminating the need for users to manually switch presets while maintaining consistent audio quality across transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on real-time audio content classification. Instead of static manual presets, the processing mode changes continuously according to the detected audio type, enabling smooth transitions without audible artifacts while keeping the system easy to operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete preset switching is used for audio processing, then different content types can be processed appropriately, but audible artifacts occur during transitions and continuous adjustment is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent-based processingVSAvoidaudible artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous audio content classification and parameter adjustment rather than discrete preset switching. The processing parameters change continuously based on the audio content type detection, eliminating abrupt transitions and audible artifacts while maintaining adaptability to different content types through real-time classification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11218126B2Volume leveler controller and controlling method

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

AI summary

Volume leveler controller and controlling method are disclosed. In one embodiment, A volume leveler controller includes an audio content classifier for identifying the content type of an audio signal in real time; and an adjusting unit for adjusting a volume leveler in a continuous manner based on the content type as identified. The adjusting unit may configured to positively correlate the dynamic gain of the volume leveler with informative content types of the audio signal, and negatively correlate the dynamic gain of the volume leveler with interfering content types of the audio signal.