Audio Output System with Dynamic Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional audio output systems are limited in their ability to be adapted for various applications, requiring rebuilding when usage changes, and cannot adjust parameters of virtual sound imaging middleware to accommodate different scenarios.

Innovation Solution

An audio output system comprising a receiving unit, content identification information generating unit, status identification information generating unit, parameter information generating unit, and output control unit, which processes voice and sound data to control virtual sound image output based on generated parameter information, allowing for flexible application across different use cases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional audio output systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot be adapted for various applications and requires rebuilding when usage changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various applicationsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal audio output system that can handle multiple applications through a standardized parameter information generation process. The system generates parameter information that can be applied across different use cases (audio guides, notifications, communications, etc.) without requiring separate system implementations, thus achieving multi-functionality while maintaining manageable complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from rebuilding systems to adjusting parameters. By generating parameter information based on content identification and status identification, the system can adapt to various applications by modifying output parameters (volume, direction, timing) rather than changing the fundamental system structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional audio output systems are used, then the system structure is fixed, but the system cannot dynamically adjust parameters of virtual sound imaging middleware

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic parameter adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic parameter adjustment through a control unit that modifies audio output parameters in real-time based on generated parameter information. The system dynamically adjusts virtual sound image parameters such as output direction, volume, and timing according to content type and user status, transforming a static system into a dynamic one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system generates parameter information based on content identification and status identification, then uses this feedback to control audio output. The status identification unit monitors user state and provides feedback for adjusting output parameters, creating a closed-loop control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system processes multiple use cases, then the application versatility increases, but the parameter control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple use casesVSAvoidparameter control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the parameter control process into distinct functional units: content identification information generation, status identification information generation, and parameter information generation. Each unit handles specific aspects of parameter control, reducing overall complexity by dividing the control task into manageable segments that can be independently processed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11216242B2Audio output system, audio output method, and computer program product
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 KK TOSHIBA
  • US11216242B2 patent drawing
  • US11216242B2 patent drawing
  • US11216242B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An audio output system according to an embodiment has functions as: a receiving unit that receives voice data including a voice or sound data including a sound as output-data to be output; a content identification information generating unit that generates content identification information for identifying content that is determined from the output-data; a status identification information generating unit that generates status identification information for identifying a status from at least one of sensor data and input data; a parameter information generating unit that generates parameter information used for controlling output of the output-data from the content identification information and the status identification information; and an output control unit that controls audio output of the output-data by using the parameter information.