Per-Source Audio Rendering for Speech Clarity and Spatial Realism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio rendering technologies do not effectively customize the listening experience to enhance speech intelligibility or accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments, particularly in environments with mixed audio sources.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that dynamically adjust the ratio of indirect audio to direct audio based on whether the source is a priority speech audio source, applying a first reduction for speech sources and a lesser or no reduction for non-speech sources, using metadata and decoder operations to prioritize speech clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a uniform reduction in indirect audio to direct audio ratio is applied to all audio sources in audio intelligibility mode, then speech intelligibility is improved, but non-speech audio quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different rendering strategies to different audio sources based on their type. Speech audio sources receive a first reduction in indirect audio to direct audio ratio to maximize intelligibility, while non-speech audio sources receive a second reduction (less than or equal to the first) to preserve audio quality and realism. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing for speech clarity without uniformly degrading non-speech content.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio rendering system segments audio sources into distinct categories (speech vs. non-speech) using metadata identification. This segmentation allows the system to apply tailored processing parameters to each category, enabling speech sources to be optimized for intelligibility while non-speech sources maintain their natural characteristics, thus resolving the quality trade-off.
2Measurement precision
If indirect audio is reduced for all audio sources to improve speech intelligibility, then speech clarity is enhanced, but overall audio realism and spatial perception are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality differentiation by identifying speech audio sources through metadata and applying a stronger indirect audio reduction specifically to them. Non-speech sources retain more indirect audio content, preserving spatial realism and environmental context. This selective approach enhances speech clarity locally without globally degrading audio realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the rendering parameters (indirect audio to direct audio ratio) based on the identified audio source type. Speech sources undergo parameter change with a first reduction ratio, while non-speech sources experience a second reduction ratio (less than or equal to the first). This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction by achieving speech clarity through targeted parameter adjustment rather than uniform modification.
3Measurement precision
If audio rendering is customized per audio source type, then speech intelligibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of audio source types using metadata embedded in the audio stream before rendering. This preliminary classification (speech vs. non-speech) is done in advance during decoding, allowing the rendering system to apply appropriate parameters without complex real-time analysis. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden and system complexity while still enabling customized rendering for speech intelligibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metadata as an intermediary to convey audio source type information from the content to the rendering system. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the system architecture by providing ready-to-use classification information, eliminating the need for complex source identification algorithms. The metadata acts as a bridge that enables differentiated rendering without significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising means for:providing an audio intelligibility mode or audio accessibility mode in which a ratio of indirect audio to direct audio for an audio source is reduced compared to another mode on a per audio source basiswhereina priority audio source is rendered:with a first reduction in the ratio of indirect audio to direct audio, if it is a speech audio source; andwith a second reduction, or no reduction, in the ratio of indirect audio to direct audio, if it is not a speech audio source, wherein the second reduction is less than the first reduction.