Audio Output Signal Comparison for Sound Abnormality Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio amplifier systems cannot detect abnormalities in the content of output sounds, limiting their ability to ensure reliable and accurate sound output, particularly for critical warnings like those in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An output sound abnormality detection apparatus that generates a first sound and a second sound with the same content, compares their signal levels using a comparator, and determines abnormalities in the output system based on the comparison results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an audio amplifier uses a power amplifier circuit to amplify audio signals, then the amplification function is achieved, but the system cannot detect abnormalities in the content of output sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates a reference sound signal that is an exact copy of the original audio signal before amplification. This reference signal is then compared with the actual output sound signal to detect any abnormalities in content. By using a copied reference signal, the system can identify deviations without adding complex analysis mechanisms to the existing amplifier circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a comparator as an intermediary device that mediates between the reference sound signal and the output sound signal. The comparator detects differences between these two signals and generates abnormality detection results. This intermediary approach allows for simple yet effective detection without directly modifying the power amplifier circuit itself.
2Measurement precision
If the audio amplifier only detects power amplifier circuit operation abnormalities, then circuit operation faults are detected, but content abnormalities in output sound cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a reference sound signal that is an exact copy of the input audio signal. This reference signal serves as a baseline for comparison, enabling precise detection of content abnormalities in the output sound. The copying approach ensures that any deviation from the expected sound content can be accurately identified without requiring complex analysis of the amplified signal itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output sound signal is fed back to the comparator for comparison with the reference sound signal. This feedback loop continuously monitors the sound content and provides real-time abnormality detection. The feedback approach maintains detection simplicity while improving measurement precision through continuous comparison.
3Reliability
If a comparator is used to compare output signals with threshold values, then operation abnormalities are detected, but content abnormalities in sound cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of comparing the output signal with fixed threshold values, the patent compares it with a copied reference signal that contains the expected sound content. This approach detects content abnormalities by identifying deviations from the reference, rather than checking against predetermined thresholds. The copying principle enables content verification without increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional detection approach by comparing the actual output signal with a reference signal instead of comparing with threshold values. This inversion allows for content-based detection rather than amplitude-based detection, enabling the system to identify abnormalities in sound content while maintaining simple comparator-based implementation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively detects abnormalities in the content of output sounds and the operation of the amplifier, ensuring reliable sound output and timely notification of system abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
a comparator configured to compare signal levels of the first sound and the second sound output from the amplifier
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An output sound abnormality detection apparatus includes an output sound generation circuit configured to generate a first sound and a second sound, the first sound being an output target and the second sound having same content as content of the first sound; an amplifier configured to amplify and output the first sound and the second sound; a comparator configured to compare signal levels of the first sound and the second sound output from the amplifier; and an abnormality determination circuit configured to determine whether there is an abnormality in one or both of the first sound generated by the output sound generation circuit and the amplifier based on a comparison result obtained by the comparator.