Dynamic Audio Playback Equalization with Semantic Features

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio playback systems fail to dynamically adjust equalization based on high-level semantic characteristics of media content and contextual information, relying instead on low-level physical features or metadata that may not accurately represent the content or environment.

Innovation Solution

A computer-based system that utilizes feature vectors representing semantic characteristics of media content and contextual information from auxiliary sensors to determine dynamic frequency response profiles for optimal audio playback, incorporating user preferences and environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual equalizer setting is used, then user can adjust levels for each frequency, but it is troublesome and requires user manipulation for each piece of music

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of equalizer settingVSAvoidcomplexity of manual adjustment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically analyzes the audio signal and applies appropriate equalization without requiring user intervention. The equalizer settings are determined by the system itself based on the musical content, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining optimal sound quality for different music genres and playback scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If pre-set equalizer list is used, then user manipulation is reduced, but it still requires user selection and may not accurately represent individual media content properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of equalizer settingVSAvoidaccuracy of content representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes equalization parameters based on real-time analysis of the audio signal's spectral characteristics. By continuously monitoring frequency content, tempo, and other audio features, the system automatically selects and adjusts equalization settings to precisely match the actual content being played, rather than relying on static pre-sets or metadata.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If automatic equalization based on metadata is used, then user manipulation is eliminated, but audio files are adjusted by manually associated metadata that may not be a true representation of individual media content properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of equalizationVSAvoidaccuracy of content analysis
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces metadata-based equalization with direct audio signal analysis. Instead of relying on externally associated metadata that may be inaccurate or generic, the system performs spectral analysis and feature extraction directly from the audio signal itself, enabling precise automatic equalization that accurately reflects the actual acoustic properties of each individual media content item.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If psychoacoustic-based equalization is used, then low frequency compensation is achieved, but it does not consider high-level semantic characteristics or playback context

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of frequency compensationVSAvoidadaptability to content and context
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system extends equalization from traditional psychoacoustic frequency compensation to include multiple additional dimensions: semantic content analysis (genre, mood, instrumentation), playback context (environmental noise, device type, user preferences), and temporal dynamics. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to adapt equalization settings comprehensively based on both the audio content characteristics and the playback situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3889958B1Dynamic audio playback equalization using semantic features
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 MOODAGENT AS
  • EP3889958B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3889958B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3889958B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A method and system for optimizing audio playback by dynamically equalizing an audio signal (1), using an associated feature vector (2) comprising feature values (3) representing semantic characteristics of the audio signal (1), for determining a frequency response profile (4) and applying the frequency response profile (4) to the audio signal (1) to produce an equalized audio signal (7) for playback through an audio interface (26).