Apparatus, Method, Computer Program and Bitstream for Quality Control And/or Enhancement of Audio Scenes

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent introduces an apparatus, method, computer program, and bitstream for quality control and/or enhancement of audio scenes. The core invention analyzes audio content to automatically detect 'critical passages' where speech intelligibility is compromised due to background noise or music. By measuring short-term intensity differences between speech (dialogue) and background portions, the system generates reports, metadata, and/or adjustments to improve listening comfort and clarity. It can process both fully mixed and multi-channel/object-based audio formats and supports integration in audio production, streaming, broadcast, and playback devices. Enhancements can be performed either during production or dynamically at playback, based on metadata or user/device/environment settings.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Broadcast television and streaming services to ensure that dialogue in movies and TV shows remains clear and intelligible, even with dynamic background music or sound effects.
• Automated quality control during audio production, post-production, and mastering to identify problematic audio passages and suggest or apply corrections.
• Integration in Next Generation Audio (NGA) systems (e.g., MPEG-H Audio, AAC, AC-4) to enable dialogue enhancement, especially for users with hearing impairments or in noisy environments.
• On-device audio enhancement in TVs, smartphones, tablets, and hearing aids, where playback can be dynamically optimized based on the audio scene and current listening environment.
• Providing accessibility features for audiences with special needs by identifying and enhancing sections with poor speech intelligibility.
• Streaming platforms can use the generated metadata to enable user-selectable dialogue enhancement or automatic adaptation based on environmental noise or personal preference.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly improves speech intelligibility in audio content by automatically detecting and enhancing problematic passages, especially in complex mixes with loud backgrounds.
• Low computational complexity: Focuses on low-level intensity measures rather than requiring complex cognitive or linguistic analysis, making it suitable for real-time processing and broad deployment.
• Flexible integration: Can be implemented as a standalone tool, production plugin, or embedded in existing audio encoding, broadcast, or playback frameworks as an extension (e.g., via metadata).
• Supports a wide range of audio formats and delivery channels, including traditional mixes and modern object-based audio scenes.
• Enables individualized listening experiences and accessibility by allowing enhancement to be tailored to user preferences, device capabilities, and the listening environment.
• Allows content creators and broadcasters to ensure regulatory compliance and higher quality of experience with minimal manual effort.

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Patent Abstract

Embodiments according to the invention comprise apparatuses, methods, computer programs and bitstreams for quality control and/or enhancement of audio scenes. Embodiments according to the invention are related to apparatuses and methods for quality control and enhancement of audio scenes.