Volume Leveler Tuning Through Real-Time Audio Content Detection

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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 content-specific parameters.

Innovation Solution

An audio processing apparatus 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 audio processing can be applied to specific content, but user convenience deteriorates and audible artifacts occur during transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio processing adaptation to different content typesVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects audio content type and adjusts processing parameters without user intervention. The audio processing device self-adapts by analyzing the input signal characteristics and selecting appropriate processing modes, eliminating the need for manual preset selection while maintaining content-specific optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between different audio processing parameters based on real-time content detection. Instead of discrete preset switches that cause audible artifacts, the system continuously adapts parameters as the audio content changes, providing smooth transitions and maintaining user convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete preset switching is used for audio processing, then different audio improving algorithms can be applied, but audible artifacts are introduced during transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio improving algorithm selectionVSAvoidaudio quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic parameter adjustment where processing parameters change continuously based on real-time audio content analysis. This dynamic approach replaces discrete preset switching, allowing the system to adapt to changing audio content while maintaining consistent audio quality without introducing audible transition artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The audio processing system maintains continuous adaptation to audio content rather than switching between discrete states. The processing parameters are continuously adjusted based on the detected audio type, ensuring uninterrupted and artifact-free audio quality throughout the playback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2979358B1Volume leveler controller and controlling method

Publication Date: 2017.03.15 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

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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.