Bang & Olufsen has filed a patent for a method to increase the perceived loudness of an audio signal. The method involves reducing temporal amplitude peaks in the signal based on a predicted perceptual difference model and then amplifying the signal to achieve a higher perceived loudness. GlobalData’s report on Bang & Olufsen gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Bang & Olufsen, AR audio was a key innovation area identified from patents. Bang & Olufsen's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for increasing perceived loudness of audio data signal
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230163739A1) describes a method for increasing the perceived loudness of an audio data signal. The method involves obtaining a first digital audio data signal and determining at least one temporal amplitude peak in the signal. A second digital audio data signal is then generated by reducing the amplitude peak based on a predicted perceptual difference model. This model represents the predicted difference in perception between the original signal and a version with reduced peaks. The second digital audio data signal is then amplified to have a predetermined peak value, resulting in a third digital audio data signal with a higher perceived loudness than the original signal.
The patent also includes additional claims and features. For example, the first digital audio data signal can include various types of digital signals related to acoustic drivers, such as driver current, driver voltage, driver excursion, and sound pressure during playback. The reduction of amplitude peaks in the second digital audio data signal can be controlled by a predetermined threshold value, ensuring that the predicted perceptual difference remains within acceptable limits.
The method may involve selecting the best peak reduced version of the first digital audio data signal from multiple options based on the predicted perceptual difference. A masking model, which represents the perceptual weight of frequencies in an audio signal, can be used to guide the reduction of peaks. This masking model can be obtained based on the first digital audio data signal.
The patent also describes the application of low-pass and/or band-pass filters to the first digital audio data signal before determining the amplitude peaks and generating the second digital audio data signal. In the case of a loudspeaker device, the signal processing device performs the method and outputs the second digital audio data signal to an amplification arrangement connected to a loudspeaker driver. The loudspeaker device may be powered by a battery.
In summary, the patent presents a method for increasing the perceived loudness of an audio data signal by reducing amplitude peaks and amplifying the signal. The method incorporates a predicted perceptual difference model and can be applied to various types of digital audio signals. The patent also includes claims related to loudspeaker devices and computer program products implementing the method.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
