Audio Volume Control Using Ambient Noise Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inconvenience when manually adjusting volume on playback devices due to changing ambient noise levels, as existing technologies do not effectively automate volume adjustments based on noise conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that acquire noise information to adjust audio volume automatically by generating control instructions for playback devices, turning down volume when ambient noise is below a threshold and turning up when it exceeds a threshold, with the ability to revert to the original user-set volume when noise levels decrease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual volume adjustment is used, then user control over audio volume is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates when ambient noise changes frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidautomatic volume adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic volume adjustment by detecting ambient noise levels and autonomously modifying audio output without requiring user intervention. The control device monitors noise information continuously and automatically generates volume adjustment instructions based on predefined thresholds and algorithms, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on manual user control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic volume adjustment based on noise information is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic volume adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol device functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the automatic volume adjustment functionality into a distinct control device that operates independently from the audio playback device. The control device handles noise detection, threshold comparison, and volume calculation, while the playback device simply executes the generated control instructions. This segmentation allows the complexity to be isolated to a dedicated control unit without complicating the entire audio system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes multiple noise thresholds (first threshold, second threshold, third threshold) and corresponding volume adjustment strategies before operation. When noise levels are detected, the system compares against these pre-defined thresholds and executes corresponding predetermined actions, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making algorithms during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If volume is turned down when ambient noise is low, then audio quality is improved, but user control over original volume setting is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio qualityVSAvoiduser volume preference
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors ambient noise levels and dynamically adjusts volume based on real-time feedback from the acoustic environment. When noise levels change, the system detects these changes and automatically modifies volume to maintain optimal audio quality, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to environmental conditions while preserving user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3163748B1Method, device and terminal for adjusting volume
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3163748B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3163748B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3163748B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Method, device and terminal for adjusting volume are provided in the disclosure, the method for adjusting volume may include: acquiring (101) noise information on ambient noise during playback of audio; and adjusting (102) volume of the audio based on the noise information. By acquiring noise information on ambient noise, volume of the audio may be adjusted based on the noise information. By reflecting the condition of current ambient noise through the noise information, volume of the audio may be adjusted based on the noise information without adjusting volume manually by a user, bringing convenience to the user.