Audio Output Power Adjustment for Time-Based Hearing Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio output devices do not adequately adjust maximum output power to prevent hearing damage, despite some systems limiting power to fixed values or allowing user selection, which can still lead to auditory system harm with prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
A computer system and method that adaptively adjusts the maximum output power of audio output apparatuses by detecting output power and accumulated time, determining if the accumulated time meets tolerable hearing limits, and gradually adjusting the power to a target level within a safe time frame to prevent hearing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the maximum output power of headphones is limited to a fixed value to meet safety specifications, then hearing safety is improved, but user listening experience deteriorates due to insufficient volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of maximum output power based on accumulated listening time. The system transitions from a static fixed power limit to a dynamic threshold that changes over time, allowing higher power levels for short durations and progressively lower limits for prolonged use. This resolves the contradiction by making the power limit adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power parameter dynamically based on time accumulation. The maximum output power is adjusted according to the accumulated listening time parameter, transforming from a constant safety limit to a time-dependent variable limit. This allows the system to maintain hearing safety while providing adequate volume for short-term listening needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the maximum output power is set to a fixed value, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different listening scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple power thresholds corresponding to different accumulated time ranges. Instead of calculating dynamic limits in real-time, the system establishes power limits in advance based on time accumulation, simplifying the control logic while maintaining adaptability to different listening scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by making the maximum output power dependent on accumulated listening time. The system automatically adjusts power limits based on how long the user has been listening, providing versatility for different listening scenarios without requiring complex manual configuration or real-time calculations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the output power is gradually adjusted to target power, then hearing safety is improved, but user perception of power change may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic adjustment of output power rather than continuous or abrupt changes. By adjusting power in periodic intervals and controlling the adjustment speed, the system reduces sudden perceptible changes while still achieving the safety goal of limiting accumulated exposure to harmful noise levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing gradual power adjustment rather than immediate full reduction. The system balances the need for hearing protection with user comfort by making incremental adjustments that are sufficient for safety but controlled enough to minimize perceptible changes in listening experience.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and an output adjusting method used for an audio output apparatus are provided. In the method, detecting the output power of the audio output apparatus while outputting the audio signal, counting the accumulated time of the audio output apparatus while the output power is greater than the reference power, determining whether the accumulated time meets a corresponding adjusting condition, and adjusting the current maximum output power into the target power gradually within the time range according to the determined result that the accumulated time meets the corresponding adjusting condition. The adjusting condition includes that the accumulated time is greater than or equal to the tolerated hearing time of the corresponding reference power. The target power is less than or equal to the reference power which meets the adjusting condition. The maximum output power is the upper limit of the output power of the audio output apparatus.