Automatic Volume Reduction for Hearing-Safe Audio Output

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Prolonged exposure to high volumes from electronic devices can cause hearing loss, as continuous exposure to volumes above 85 dB or temporary exposure to higher volumes can lead to temporary or permanent auditory damage.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a sonic processor, detecting unit, and control unit that automatically adjusts volume by calculating and applying volume drop rates, switching between two volume ranges (above 100 dB and between 85-100 dB) to limit exposure and prevent hearing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the volume is kept high for extended listening, then the listening duration is extended, but the risk of hearing damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelistening durationVSAvoidhearing damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic volume adjustment by automatically decreasing volume based on listening duration. The system transitions from static high-volume output to dynamic volume reduction, adjusting the sonic processor's output based on real-time monitoring of usage time to prevent hearing damage while extending safe listening duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring listening duration and using this information to automatically adjust volume levels. The system continuously monitors usage time and provides feedback to the volume control system, which then decreases volume accordingly to maintain safe listening levels throughout extended usage periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the volume is automatically decreased, then the hearing protection is improved, but the user experience and audio quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehearing protectionVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by automatically decreasing volume before hearing damage can occur. The system proactively reduces volume based on predetermined safe listening thresholds and duration limits, preventing harmful exposure before it happens rather than reacting after damage occurs, thus maintaining both protection and user experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring listening duration and adjusting volume without requiring user intervention. The electronic device autonomously manages its own output levels based on built-in timing and volume control algorithms, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment while maintaining hearing protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10812032B2Method of automatically decreasing volume and electronic device

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 MERRY ELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) CO LTD

AI summary

A method of automatically decreasing volume includes detecting a volume of a sound generated by an electronic device; determining whether the volume is in a first volume range or in a second volume range, wherein the volume in the first volume range is higher than the volume in the second volume range; calculating a first single drop amount according to the volume when the volume is in the first volume range; and calculating a second single drop amount according to the volume when the volume is in the second volume range, wherein the second single drop amount is less than the first single drop amount.