Stereo Audio Image Enhancement Using Acoustic Image Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo audio mastering processes are labor-intensive and require specialized engineers, leading to sub-optimal stereo imaging properties in user-generated content, and existing tools have limited capabilities to restore or enhance stereo image properties.
Innovation Solution
An automatic stereo mastering method that determines acoustic image metrics for input audio signals, compares them to target metrics from reference audio, and applies processing schemes to adjust stereo width and balance, enabling automatic enhancement of stereo image properties without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual mastering by specialized engineers is used, then stereo image properties are properly adjusted, but the process is labor intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic stereo mastering by analyzing the input audio signal and autonomously determining processing parameters. The processor extracts acoustic image metrics, compares them to target values, and automatically generates processing schemes without requiring human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in the mastering process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual engineering operations with an automated digital signal processing system. The processor uses algorithmic analysis of acoustic image metrics and automatic generation of processing schemes to substitute the manual mechanical adjustments previously performed by mastering engineers.
2Productivity
If automatic mastering is used, then productivity increases, but stereo image properties are sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the acoustic image metrics of the processed audio signal and comparing them against target values. The processor adjusts processing parameters based on the difference metric, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes stereo image properties while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes processing parameters based on the analyzed acoustic image metrics. The system determines processing schemes by modifying parameters such as channel level differences and correlation values to match target metrics, enabling automatic optimization of stereo image properties without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If existing automatic mastering tools are used, then user interaction is reduced, but capabilities to restore or enhance stereo image are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic processing schemes that adapt to the specific characteristics of each input audio signal. The processor determines processing parameters based on real-time analysis of acoustic image metrics, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to different music genres, recording qualities, and stereo image conditions, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the audio processing into distinct frequency bands and analyzes acoustic image metrics for each band separately. This segmentation allows the system to apply different processing schemes to different frequency ranges, enhancing the ability to restore and enhance stereo image properties across the entire audio spectrum while maintaining automatic operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for processing stereo audio signals. The method comprises obtaining a stereo input audio signal and determining at least one acoustic image metric of the input audio signal wherein the at least one acoustic image metric indicates a channel level difference and/or channel the input audio signal. The method further comprises obtaining a target acoustic image metric being determined from a set of reference stereo audio signals and determining an audio processing scheme to be applied to decrease the difference metric. The method also comprises processing the input audio signal with the audio processing scheme to obtain a processed audio signal.