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

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 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 includes an audio classifier to identify audio types in real-time and an adjusting unit to continuously tune audio improving devices such as dialog enhancers, surround virtualizers, volume levelers, and equalizers based on confidence values, allowing for automatic configuration and smooth parameter adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual preset selection is used for different audio content types, then the system can apply appropriate processing algorithms, but user convenience deteriorates and transition artifacts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent-based processing adaptationVSAvoidmanual preset selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically classifies audio content and adjusts processing parameters without user intervention. The audio classifier continuously analyzes the input signal and determines the appropriate content type, while the adjusting unit automatically configures the audio improving device parameters based on the classification results, eliminating the need for manual preset selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static preset selection to dynamic continuous adjustment. The adjusting unit continuously modifies processing parameters in real-time based on the audio classifier's ongoing analysis of the content type, allowing smooth adaptation as the audio content changes over time rather than requiring discrete preset switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If discrete preset parameters are used for different content types, then the system can provide optimized processing, but audible artifacts occur during transitions between presets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing optimizationVSAvoidaudible artifacts during transition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting unit continuously adjusts processing parameters without interruption or discrete jumps. By continuously monitoring the audio content through the audio classifier and smoothly modifying parameters based on changing content type probabilities, the system maintains uninterrupted optimized processing and eliminates audible artifacts that would occur during discrete preset transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes processing parameters continuously rather than switching between fixed discrete presets. The adjusting unit dynamically modifies parameters such as dialog enhancement strength, surround virtualization level, and equalization settings in real-time based on the audio classifier's continuous assessment of content type, ensuring smooth transitions without audible artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If automatic content classification is implemented, then user convenience improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic configurationVSAvoidaudio classifier and adjusting unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio classifier and adjusting unit serve multiple functions within a single integrated system. The audio classifier not only identifies content types but also provides probability information that the adjusting unit uses to continuously optimize multiple processing parameters simultaneously (dialog enhancement, surround virtualization, volume leveling, equalization), reducing overall system complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio classifier acts as an intermediary between the raw audio input and the audio improving device. It analyzes the content and translates it into classification probabilities that the adjusting unit then uses to control the processing parameters, creating a modular architecture that manages complexity by separating classification functionality from parameter control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9548713B2Volume leveler controller and controlling method

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 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.