Multi-Channel Audio Attenuation Control for Overcurrent Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel audio reproduction devices face impairment of acoustic effects due to power supply shutdown caused by overcurrent, where the upper limit value of the limiter unit is lowered preferentially from the channel with the largest predicted current consumption.
Innovation Solution
An audio reproduction device with a signal processing circuit and an attenuation amount control unit that estimates the total current flowing through multi-channel speakers and controls attenuation amounts to prevent power supply shutdown, prioritizing relationships between channels to maintain acoustic effects by adjusting audio data for each channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the upper limit value of the limiter unit is lowered preferentially from the channel with the largest predicted current consumption, then the power supply shutdown is prevented, but the acoustic effect of multi-channel audio reproduction is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from individual channel current limits to total aggregate current across all channels. By monitoring and limiting the sum of currents from all channels rather than individually limiting each channel, the system prevents power supply shutdown while maintaining the acoustic balance and spatial relationships of the multi-channel audio reproduction.
2Reliability
If the attenuation amount is controlled to prevent overcurrent, then the power supply shutdown is prevented, but the relationships between channels are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the control parameter from individual channel attenuation to aggregate total current control. This allows the system to maintain the original channel relationships and spatial audio effects while preventing the total current from exceeding the power supply's capacity, thus avoiding shutdown.
3Reliability
If the limiter unit reduces current from individual channels, then the overcurrent protection is achieved, but the multi-channel reproduction effect is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts from controlling current at the individual channel level to controlling the aggregate current level across all channels. This parameter change enables the system to protect against overcurrent while preserving the multi-channel reproduction effect, as all channels can operate at their optimal levels as long as their combined current remains within safe limits.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an audio reproduction device including: a signal processing circuit that generates multi-channel audio data; an attenuation amount control unit that is connected to the signal processing circuit and controls an attenuation amount of audio data of each channel; and a speaker device that is driven by a multi-channel audio signal from the attenuation amount control unit and has multi-channel speakers including a woofer, in which the attenuation amount control unit estimates, from an audio data value of each channel, a total value of currents flowing through the speaker device, and controls the attenuation amount in such a way that the estimated total value of currents does not exceed a predetermined value that has been set in advance, and the attenuation amount is controlled in accordance with a priority that has been set in advance in such a way that relationships between the channels are maintained.