Multiband Audio Compression Using a Single Control Parameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting audio signals for hearing aids is complex due to numerous adjustable parameters, overwhelming both users and experts, as modern instruments often require multichannel compression with multiple settings per channel, making it difficult to find optimal adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a single control parameter to adjust compression across all frequency bands using Input-Output functions, simplifying the process by ensuring that the compression parameter for higher frequency bands is either higher or equal to those of lower frequency bands, allowing for simplified modification without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multichannel compression with multiple parameters per channel is used, then the precision and flexibility of audio signal modification is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single control parameter is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling compression across all frequency bands simultaneously. This universal parameter replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, allowing one parameter to adjust the overall compression characteristic while preserving band-specific compression ratios through the transfer function design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter representation from multiple independent compression parameters to a single control parameter that modulates compression across bands. By using a transfer function to map the single control parameter to band-specific compression ratios, the system achieves precise control over compression characteristics while maintaining simple user interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple compression parameters are provided for each frequency band, then the adaptability of audio modification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio spectrum is segmented into multiple frequency bands, each capable of independent compression control through the transfer function. This segmentation allows different compression characteristics to be applied to different frequency ranges, providing adaptability for various hearing impairments while maintaining a unified control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A transfer function acts as an intermediary between the single control parameter and the multiple frequency bands. This intermediary component translates the simple control input into complex band-specific compression ratios, reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability through the mathematical transformation.
3Ease of operation
If a single control parameter is used for all frequency bands, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of individual band compression may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter transformation through a transfer function to convert a single control parameter into multiple band-specific compression ratios. This mathematical transformation preserves precision by allowing non-linear mapping and different scaling factors for each frequency band, ensuring that simple user input translates to precise compression control across all bands.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a process for modifying an audio signal that comprises the following steps: a. Determining a compression parameter (y) of the audio signal that should be modified; b. Fractionizing the audio signal into different frequency bands; c. Obtaining the values of the compression parameter (y) for each frequency band; d. Compressing at least a part of the frequency bands as a function of the determined compression parameter (y); The invention also relates to a device for modifying an audio signal comprising at least one fractionizing unit (11) for fractionizing an incoming audio signal into different frequency bands, a plurality of compression units (12) for compression of at least a part of the frequency bands depending on a determined compression parameter (y) and a control unit (13) for determining the values of a compression parameter (y) by means of a specific I/O function (1-8) for each frequency band and using a single control parameter (x) as input value. The object of the invention, to simplify the process of adjustment of the modification of the audio signal, is met by obtaining the values of the compression parameter (y) by I/O functions (1-8) for each frequency band by using a single control parameter (x) as input value, or by the fact that the control unit (13) controls all compression units (12).