System and Method of Adjusting the Sound of Multiple Audio Objects Directed Toward an Audio Output Device

• US 20120250899A1
• Filed: 06/15/2012
• Published: 10/04/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dolby International AB (Dolby Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Dolby International AB (Dolby Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Ho, Chi Fai, Chiu, Shin Cheung Simon
• Granted Patent: US 8,897,466 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 381/119
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/04 Studio equipment; Interconnection of studios

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatuses for adjusting audio content when more multiple audio objects are directed toward a single audio output device. The amplitude, white noise content, and frequencies can be adjusted to enhance overall sound quality or make content of certain audio objects more intelligible. Audio objects are classified by a class category, by which they are can be assigned class specific processing. Audio objects classes can also have a rank. The rank of an audio objects class is used to give priority to or apply specific processing to audio objects sin the presence of other audio objects of different classes.

Claims

1. An audio system for a wireless telephone, comprising:

an audio output pacer, wherein the audio output pacer receives a plurality of audio objects, the plurality of audio objects comprising a first audio object comprising audio data of at least one of a telephone call, music and radio, and a second audio object comprising distress audio data, and wherein the audio output pacer modifies at least one of the first audio object and the second audio object to increase intelligibility of sound associated with the second audio object; and

an audio output blender, wherein the audio object blender receives from the audio output pacer modified sounds of the plurality of audio objects, combines the modified sounds of the plurality of audio objects into an audio output, and sends the audio output to an audio output device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the audio output device is a headset.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the audio output device is headphones.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the audio output device is at least one speaker.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the distress audio data is a siren.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the distress audio data is an alarm.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the distress audio data is a scream.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the distress audio data is a cry for help.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the distress audio data is a barking dog.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the distress audio data is a screeching tire.

11. A method of adjusting sounds in a wireless telephone, comprising:

receiving a plurality of audio objects, the plurality of audio objects comprising a first audio object comprising audio data of at least one of a telephone call, music and radio, and a second audio object comprising distress audio data, wherein at least one of the first audio object and the second audio object is modified to increase intelligibility of sound associated with the second audio object;

receiving modified sounds of the plurality of audio objects;

combining the modified sounds of the plurality of audio objects into an audio output; and

sending the audio output to an audio output device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the audio output device is a headset.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the audio output device is headphones.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the audio output device is at least one speaker.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the distress audio data is a siren.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the distress audio data is an alarm.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the distress audio data is a scream.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the distress audio data is a cry for help.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the distress audio data is a barking dog.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the distress audio data is a screeching tire.

21. A computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having a computer readable program, wherein the computer readable program when executed on a computer causes the computer to:

receive a plurality of audio objects, the plurality of audio objects comprising a first audio object comprising audio data of at least one of a telephone call, music and radio, and a second audio object comprising distress audio data, wherein at least one of the first audio object and the second audio object is modified to increase intelligibility of sound associated with the second audio object;

receive modified sounds of the plurality of audio objects;

combine the modified sounds of the plurality of audio objects into an audio output; and

send the audio output to an audio output device.

22. The product of claim 21, wherein the audio output device is a headset.

23. The product of claim 21, wherein the audio output device is headphones.

24. The product of claim 21, wherein the audio output device is at least one speaker.

25. The product of claim 21, wherein the distress audio data is a siren.

26. The product of claim 21, wherein the distress audio data is an alarm.

27. The product of claim 21, wherein the distress audio data is a scream.

28. The product of claim 21, wherein the distress audio data is a cry for help.

29. The product of claim 21, wherein the distress audio data is a barking dog.

30. The product of claim 21, wherein the distress audio data is a screeching tire.