Audio Volume Manager Using Perceived Loudness Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern households, audio devices such as televisions and mobile phones often compete for volume, with fixed audio devices overwhelming mobile devices, leading to interference and an undesirable listening experience.

Innovation Solution

An audio volume manager system that communicates between mobile and fixed audio devices to adjust the volume of the fixed device based on the proximity and perceived loudness, using either direct microphone measurement or indirect distance detection, ensuring that the mobile device can operate effectively without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If fixed audio devices operate at high volume, then audio output quality is improved, but interference with mobile audio devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio volumeVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the mobile audio device's microphone to measure the perceived volume of the fixed audio device and feeds this information back to an audio volume manager, which then adjusts the fixed device's volume accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing audio output quality against interference levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile audio device acts as an intermediary by measuring the fixed audio device's output through its microphone and communicating this information to the audio volume manager. This intermediary measurement approach enables the system to detect and control interference without requiring direct communication between the fixed audio device and the mobile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If audio volume manager dynamically adjusts fixed device volume, then listening experience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelistening experienceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by using the mobile audio device's existing microphone to measure the fixed audio device's output volume. Rather than requiring additional specialized sensors or complex hardware, the system leverages components already present in the mobile device, thereby improving the listening experience while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system effectively reduces the volume of fixed audio devices when a mobile device is in use, minimizing interference and maintaining an optimal listening experience by dynamically adjusting the volume as the user moves relative to the fixed device.

Implementation Method 1

using either direct microphone measurement or indirect distance detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrophone measurement: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS8699723B2Audio device volume manager using measured volume perceived at a first audio device to control volume generation by a second audio device

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An audio system includes a first audio device and a second audio device. A communications link connects the first and second audio devices together so that each may communicate with the other. The system includes an audio volume manager that varies the audio output level of the second audio device as a function of the perceived loudness of the second audio device as perceived at the first audio device.