Volume Leveler Gain Control for Seamless Audio Content Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional audio processing systems require manual preset selection and lack continuous parameter adjustment, leading to inconvenient user experiences and audible artifacts when transitioning between different audio content types.

Innovation Solution

An audio processing apparatus and method that automatically classify audio signals in real-time and adjust parameters of dialog enhancer, surround virtualizer, volume leveler, and equalizer based on confidence values, enabling continuous tuning and seamless transitions between content types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual preset selection is used for audio processing, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects audio content type and adjusts processing parameters without user intervention. The audio processing device performs self-service by classifying content and selecting appropriate parameters autonomously, eliminating manual preset selection while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes processing parameters based on detected audio content type. Different parameters are applied for different content types (music, speech, video, game), allowing the device to adapt automatically without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete preset parameters are used for different audio types, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to audible artifacts during transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static discrete presets to dynamic continuous parameter adjustment. Parameters change smoothly based on real-time audio content analysis, enabling the system to adapt to different content types while maintaining reliability through continuous rather than abrupt transitions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous adjustment of processing parameters rather than discrete switching between presets. This continuity eliminates audible artifacts during transitions by maintaining smooth parameter evolution, thereby improving reliability while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If automatic content-based parameter adjustment is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal audio content classification mechanism that handles multiple content types (music, speech, video, game) through a single automated process. This multi-functional approach improves ease of operation while managing device complexity by consolidating control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3217545B1Volume leveler controller and controlling method
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP
  • EP3217545B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3217545B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3217545B1 patent drawingFigure 4

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.