Networked Audio Output Monitoring for Sound Stoppage Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio devices do not effectively predict or prevent the occurrence of sound stoppages, which is crucial for uninterrupted operation.

Innovation Solution

An audio system comprising an audio device and a server that allows for external monitoring and analysis of output values such as current and voltage to predict potential issues, utilizing network interfaces and signal processing to assess impedance and power supply states, enabling proactive problem detection and prevention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If audio device operates autonomously without external monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to predict and prevent sound stoppages deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction of sound stoppageVSAvoidexternal monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an external server as an intermediary that performs the complex analysis and prediction functions. The audio device simply outputs data to the server, which then analyzes impedance characteristics and predicts potential sound stoppages. This mediator approach allows the audio device to maintain simplicity while achieving reliable prediction capabilities through the external server's processing power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If audio device monitors internal states continuously, then prediction accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance characteristic detectionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex computation and analysis functions from the audio device itself and relocates them to an external server. The audio device only performs basic data collection and transmission, while the server handles the intensive impedance analysis and prediction algorithms. This extraction allows precise measurement without the energy cost of continuous local processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If dedicated inspection signals are used to detect speaker abnormalities, then detection accuracy is improved, but interruption of actual audio output occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detectionVSAvoidcontinuous audio output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the audio signal itself multi-functional by using it for both its primary purpose (audio output) and secondary purpose (impedance analysis). The same audio signal that drives the speaker also serves as the inspection signal for detecting abnormalities. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated inspection signals and allows continuous monitoring without interrupting audio playback.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3771097B1Acoustic apparatus, server, acoustic system, method for controlling acoustic apparatus, and program
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 YAMAHA CORP
  • EP3771097B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3771097B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3771097B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An audio device (1) includes a network interface (103), an amplifier (109) that amplifies an audio signal received through the network interface (103), and a sending portion (150) that obtains an output value of the amplifier (109) and sends the output value through the network interface (103).