Nonlinear Audio Volume Control for Dynamic Range and Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio signal volume control technologies either output audio at a volume that disturbs others or fail to consider the characteristics of the audio signal, leading to distortion, and do not effectively manage volume fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that use a non-linear gain curve to control audio signal volume, taking into account the genre, channel, and user characteristics, and adjust volume based on previous frame gains to maintain consistent output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a volume of a received audio signal is controlled on a predetermined condition, then a volume control can be provided, but characteristics of the audio signal are ignored to lead a User to listen to a distorted audio source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a non-linear gain curve that varies the gain according to the input signal's volume level. Instead of applying a fixed predetermined gain, the system dynamically adjusts the gain parameter based on the relationship between input and target volume, thereby maintaining audio signal characteristics while achieving volume control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static predetermined volume control to dynamic adaptive volume control. The gain is adjusted in real-time based on the input signal's volume characteristics and the non-linear gain curve, allowing the system to adapt to different audio signals and maintain quality while providing volume control.
2Reliability
If an audio signal received by an electronic device is outputted intact, then the audio signal quality is maintained, but a volume may be high enough to disturb other people or a user may not be able to listen to a desired audio signal due to a low volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by implementing a non-linear gain curve that adjusts the output volume parameter based on the input signal characteristics. The gain is modified according to the relationship between input volume and target volume, allowing the system to output audio at appropriate volume levels without disturbing others while maintaining signal quality.
3Device complexity
If a linear gain curve is used for volume control, then the control process is simple, but the dynamic range of the output volume cannot be effectively reduced or expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the curvature principle by replacing the linear gain curve with a non-linear gain curve. This curved relationship between input and output volume allows the system to effectively reduce or expand the dynamic range of the output signal, providing better adaptability for different listening conditions while maintaining a relatively simple control process.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a volume of an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed, by which a volume of an input signal can be controlled by using a non-linear gain curve and a target volume of the input signal. The present invention includes storing a non-linear gain curve indicating relations between volumes of an input signal and an output signal; receiving an input signal and target volume information; determing a first gain by using the volume of the input signal and the target volume information; determining a second gain from one of a) the volume of the input signal and the target volume information or b) the first gain, by using the non-linear gain curve; and adjusting the volume of the input signal by applying the second gain to the input signal, wherein the non-linear gain curve is generated by using non-linearity information. A volume of an input signal of this invention is controlled using a non-linear gain curve indicating a relation between a volume of an input signal and a volume of an output signal. Therefore, the present invention is able to reduce or expand a dynamic range of an output volume.