Hierarchical Amplifier Volume Control for A/V Content Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio/video systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust amplifier volume settings based on specific A/V components, channels, frequencies, or content types, relying on global factory-specified or previous volume levels, which fails to accommodate varying audio content needs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that apply initial volume levels to amplifiers, determining the selected A/V component, channel, or content type, and adjust the volume using stored user-defined settings stored in a database, allowing for hierarchical volume control across different A/V components, channels, and content types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If global factory-specified volume levels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different A/V components and content types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The volume control system is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: global system-level volume settings, component-level volume settings for individual A/V devices, and content-level volume settings for specific channels, frequencies, and media types. This segmentation allows each level to be independently configured and applied, resolving the contradiction by enabling high adaptability through detailed segmentation while keeping the overall system manageable through hierarchical organization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hierarchical volume control for multiple components and content types is implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested hierarchical structure where content-level volume settings are nested within component-level settings, which are in turn nested within global system-level settings. The system evaluates and applies these nested levels in sequence (global first, then component, then content), allowing detailed adaptability at each level while maintaining system coherence through the nested organization. This resolves the contradiction by structuring complexity in a manageable hierarchical pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring volume settings at multiple hierarchical levels before actual playback occurs. User preferences and optimal volume levels are established in advance for different components and content types, stored in a database, and automatically retrieved during playback. This preliminary configuration reduces real-time processing complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user-defined volume settings are stored and applied dynamically, then adaptability improves, but loss of time for processing volume adjustments increases
Solution Approach 1:
Volume settings are predetermined and stored in a database during system setup or previous usage sessions. When playback occurs, the system retrieves pre-configured volume levels from the database based on the identified component and content type, rather than calculating or determining volumes in real-time. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time during actual playback while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate volume settings from stored user preferences without requiring manual user input during playback. The amplifying device self-services by autonomously determining which hierarchical level settings apply and adjusting its output accordingly, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for amplifier volume specification and control, the method includes: applying an initial volume level to an amplifier; determining one or more of: which A/V component has been selected for use, which channel or frequency is being outputted, and the type of outputted A/V content; modifying the initial amplifier volume level with one or more stored volume level settings in response to at least one of the following: the determined A/V component in use; the selected channel and frequency outputted, and the type of outputted A/V content; wherein the one or more stored volume level settings include: received volume level settings for audio/video (A/V) components; received volume level settings for selected channels and frequencies that are outputted by the A/V components; and received volume level settings for A/V content.