Audio Gain Display for Automatic Compensation Signal Levels

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Solution Overview

Problem

In audio signal processing systems with automatic compensation functions, users face difficulty in understanding the signal level output to subsequent stages due to insufficient display information, particularly when automatic compensation is on, as the level remains constant irrespective of the analog amplifier's gain, making it hard to comprehend the actual signal level.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a method where the current analog gain value is displayed as a target gain when automatic compensation is turned on, and the digital gain is set to cancel out differences, while displaying this target gain value; when compensation is off, the display is erased, and the output selects the AD converter's signal, allowing users to easily understand the signal level adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If automatic compensation is turned on to maintain constant signal level, then signal level stability is improved, but user understanding of actual signal level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal level stabilityVSAvoidsignal level information
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a display unit as an intermediary that shows the analog gain value even when automatic compensation is active. This display acts as a mediator between the hidden digital compensation process and the user, providing visual feedback about the signal level adjustments being made by the digital amplifier, thereby resolving the information loss while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by displaying the analog gain value to the user even when automatic compensation is on. This feedback loop allows users to understand the current signal level state despite the constant output level maintained by automatic compensation, enabling informed operation while preserving signal stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If automatic compensation is turned on to prevent gain changes from affecting subsequent stages, then signal level consistency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal level consistencyVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the automatic compensation mechanism and user control needs. By showing the analog gain value, it enables users to operate the gain control intuitively while the system automatically maintains consistent signal levels, combining ease of operation with signal consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If only analog gain value is displayed without indicating compensation state, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay complexityVSAvoidsignal level measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit performs multiple functions: it shows the analog gain value in both automatic compensation and manual modes, and can indicate the compensation state. This multi-functional approach provides precise signal level information without significantly increasing device complexity, as it uses the existing display infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2824834B1Audio signal processing system
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP2824834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2824834B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2824834B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

While level of the inputted analog signal is adjusted according to a set analog gain value and then analog-digital converted and outputted, when an automatic compensation is on and a difference of the analog gain value and a target value is compensated by level adjustment in a digital amplifier, the analog gain value is displayed by a gain knob (161), and in response to an operation to turn on the automatic compensation, a present value of the analog gain value at that time is displayed as a target gain value by a mark (162a) near the analog gain value, and in response to an operation to turn off the automatic compensation, display of the target gain value is erased.