Volume Automation Curves for Adaptive Audio Dynamics Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio processing methods fail to effectively adjust loudness range in response to environmental noise changes, leading to unwanted artifacts like pumping noise and distortion, and do not adapt well to different listening environments, resulting in suboptimal audio quality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using volume automation curves (VAC) that allow continuous control of loudness range, scalable via a factor, to match target dynamics complexity, with algorithms segmenting the curve into piecewise linear or logarithmic sections, enabling adaptation to specific audio content and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If dynamics compression is used to increase loudness at constant maximum peak level, then loudness is improved, but pumping noise and distortion artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compression ratio variable rather than constant. The system dynamically adjusts the compression ratio based on the instantaneous loudness level, using lower compression ratios for moderate loudness levels and higher compression ratios only when necessary to reach target loudness. This dynamic approach prevents the aggressive compression that causes pumping noise while still achieving the desired loudness increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the compression parameter (compression ratio) based on the loudness level. Instead of applying a fixed compression ratio, the patent varies the compression ratio as a function of the input loudness, allowing the system to adapt the amount of compression applied. This parameter change strategy enables achieving target loudness with minimal necessary compression, reducing artifacts.
2Illumination intensity
If strong dynamics compression is applied to increase loudness, then average loudness is improved, but audio quality deteriorates due to artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial compression by using a compression ratio that is just sufficient to reach the target loudness level, rather than applying excessive compression. The system calculates the minimum necessary compression ratio based on the difference between input and target loudness, applying only that necessary amount. This partial action approach achieves the loudness goal while minimizing quality degradation from over-compression.
3Stability of the object's composition
If constant loudness normalization is applied to programs, then loudness consistency is improved, but dynamics range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the compression ratio dynamic rather than constant, allowing it to vary with the input signal characteristics. By adjusting the compression ratio based on instantaneous loudness levels, the system maintains target loudness consistency while preserving more of the original dynamics range compared to fixed-ratio compression. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to be more versatile in handling different program material.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamics compression is used to adapt to listening environments, then adaptability is improved, but pumping noise artifacts are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the compression parameter (ratio) based on the measured loudness level and target loudness difference. By dynamically adjusting the compression ratio parameter rather than using a fixed value, the system adapts to different listening environments and program material while minimizing the aggressive compression that causes pumping noise. The parameter change is proportional to the necessary loudness adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a preferred aspect, there is provided a system and method for controlled dynamics adaptation of audio works. The dynamics complexity of the audio is adapted depending on the listening environment and its dynamics properties. The instant invention utilizes a function of stepwise linear and logarithmical sections, which describe individual points of a curve and which therefore with the use of a parameter can be utilized to calculate and control the target value of the loudness range. The curve points are stored and provided as metadata of the musical program, which allows the dynamics scaling functionality to be implemented dynamically and not tied to a certain time or place.