Game-Chat Audio Mix Control for Clear Voice During Loud Gameplay
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiplayer gaming, the wide dynamic range of game audio can overpower chat audio, making it difficult for users to hear voice communications during intense game moments due to the combined audio output from consoles like Xbox and Playstation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing independent volume control for game and chat audio components, allowing users to set separate volume parameters for each, with adaptive processing to maintain optimal chat audio levels by adjusting the mix parameter based on user input and console characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If game audio and chat audio are combined into a single output channel, then the system is simple to operate, but chat audio becomes inaudible during loud game audio events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the combined audio output into separate game audio and chat audio channels, allowing independent volume control for each component. This enables users to adjust chat volume independently from game audio, ensuring chat remains audible during intense game moments while maintaining simple operation through dedicated controls.
2Device complexity
If a single volume control is used for combined audio, then the control mechanism is simple, but users cannot independently adjust chat and game audio levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic volume control where the chat audio volume can be independently adjusted relative to game audio volume. The system adapts chat volume based on game audio levels, automatically maintaining optimal chat audibility during dynamic game events while allowing manual override by users.
3Reliability
If chat volume is set for normal game passages, then chat is audible during calm moments, but chat becomes inaudible during loud game events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms that monitor game audio levels and automatically adjust chat volume accordingly. When game audio exceeds certain thresholds during intense moments, the system automatically boosts chat volume to maintain audibility, while returning to normal levels during calm passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the chat audio volume parameter based on game audio characteristics. During loud game events, the chat volume parameter is automatically increased to compensate for masking effects, ensuring consistent chat audibility across varying game intensity levels.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. An audio system that includes at least one audio output element may be configured for handling and outputting, via the at least one audio output element, combined-game-and-chat audio. The handling may include determining, based on user input, a mix setting for mixing together of a chat audio component and a game audio component to generate combined-game-and-chat audio signals; determining a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element of the audio system; and determining based on a mixing related parameter, a delay for applying the volume setting in the audio output element. The mix setting may be determined based on a data set characterizing the audio system. Application of one or both of the mix setting and the volume setting may be controlled, such as based a plurality of ramp up or down steps, for gradual or stepped changes.