Independent Game-Chat Audio Mixing for Clear Voice Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiplayer games played over local area networks or the internet, the wide dynamic range of game audio can drown out voice communication signals, making it difficult for users to hear chat audio during intense game events.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system for independent game and chat volume control, allowing users to separately adjust game and chat audio volumes, with adaptive mixing and characterization of audio sources to maintain optimal chat audio levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If game audio volume is increased to enhance gaming experience, then game audio quality is improved, but chat audio becomes inaudible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the combined audio signal into separate game audio and chat audio components, allowing independent volume control for each. The system identifies and separates chat audio packets from game audio packets, applies different gain adjustments to each component, and then combines them for output. This enables game audio volume to be increased without compromising chat audio audibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic volume adjustment where the system continuously monitors audio signals and automatically adjusts the mix between game and chat audio in real-time. When chat audio is detected, the system dynamically boosts its volume relative to game audio, creating an adaptive mixing ratio that responds to current audio conditions rather than using a fixed setting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate volume controls for game and chat audio are implemented, then audio control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic audio source identification and classification. The system automatically detects whether incoming audio packets are game audio or chat audio based on packet metadata and source identification, eliminating the need for manual user classification. The automatic gain adjustment and dynamic mixing ratios are computed and applied without requiring user intervention, making the complex system operate transparently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary audio processing layer between the audio sources and the output device. This intermediary system handles the complex tasks of packet identification, separation, independent volume control, and dynamic mixing. By placing this intelligent intermediary in the audio signal path, the patent manages complexity in a centralized manner while maintaining simple user interaction through automatic operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. An audio device may include mixing circuitry configured to determine a desired balance, between a first type of audio signal and a second type of audio signal; determine a desired volume, of the first type of audio signal and the second type of audio signal; determine a virtualization, of one or both of the first type of audio signal and the second type of audio signal; and generate a stereo signal by combining the first type of audio signal and the second type of audio signal according to the desired balance, the desired volume, and the virtualization. The mixing circuitry may determine or adjust the desired balance, the desired volume, and/or the stereo signal based on a data set characterizing the audio device, a component that includes the mixing circuitry, and/or a component that includes an audio output device.