Audio Output Parameter Transfer Across Different Playback Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face significant effort in individually setting audio signal parameters across various devices and applications to achieve optimal listening experience, often resulting in incomplete customization and suboptimal sound quality due to simplified adjustment options and lack of consideration for hearing preferences.

Innovation Solution

A system that manages audio signal output by storing and retrieving parameter settings from a data memory, allowing for automatic transmission of optimized parameter values to output devices based on user preferences, device types, and environmental conditions, reducing the need for manual adjustments and enhancing sound customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive parameter settings are implemented for each output device, then sound quality and listening experience are improved, but user effort and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound qualityVSAvoidparameter setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device serves multiple output devices with different parameters through a universal interface. It translates between different parameter sets (first set for current device, second set for stored devices) enabling one management system to handle diverse audio output devices without requiring each device to have comprehensive individual settings

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

Solution Approach 2:

The management device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple output devices. It stores parameter settings in data memory and automatically retrieves and applies appropriate parameters when switching between devices, eliminating the need for users to manually configure each device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If individual parameter customization is provided for each device, then listening pleasure is improved, but manufacturer effort and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelistening pleasureVSAvoidmanufacturer effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system copies parameter settings from previously configured output devices to current output devices. The management device stores parameter sets in data memory and retrieves them for use with different devices, allowing manufacturers to implement comprehensive settings without creating unique interfaces for each device type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If simplified adjustment options are implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but sound quality and hearing preference adaptation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment optionsVSAvoidsound quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Parameter settings are determined and stored in advance in the data memory before the user needs them. The management device pre-configures parameter sets for different output devices and hearing preferences, so when a user connects a device, the appropriate parameters are already available and can be automatically applied without requiring complex real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3384689B1System for outputting audio signals and associated method and adjusting device
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3384689B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3384689B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3384689B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for outputting audio signals comprising a first output device (1) for outputting audio signals with pre-definable parameter values from a first set of adjustable parameters, a data memory (2) for storing parameter values, and a management device (3). The management device (3) accesses the data memory (2) and searches for stored parameter values for a set of parameters, which is the same as or similar to the first set of parameters. In addition, in the event that the management device has found stored parameter values, the management device (3) transmits the parameter values and/or parameter values determined therefrom to the first output device (1).