Delta Detector Control for Smooth Audio Level Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic control systems struggle to adapt quickly to changes in input signals without causing abrupt audio level changes or degrading artistic intent, often requiring trade-offs between reactivity and latency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a delta detector unit that dynamically adjusts control algorithm parameters based on differences in signal averages across time intervals, allowing for adaptive adjustment of attack and release times to maintain signal parameters within desired ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the automatic control system uses fixed control algorithm parameters, then the system is simple to operate, but the system cannot adapt quickly to changes in input signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to signal changesVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control algorithm parameters are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts parameters such as attack time and release time based on the detected delta values of signal levels, allowing the system to adapt to changing input conditions without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple preset modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the control system increases reactivity to signal changes, then the responsiveness improves, but abrupt audio level changes and artifacts occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness to signal changesVSAvoidaudio artifacts and abrupt transitions

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes control parameters dynamically based on the magnitude of signal level changes. When small delta values are detected, the system applies smoother adjustments with longer attack and release times. When larger delta values indicate significant signal changes, the system adjusts parameters to respond more quickly while still maintaining smooth transitions, thus preventing audio artifacts across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control algorithm transitions from static parameter settings to dynamic parameter adjustment. The system continuously monitors signal level changes and adapts its response characteristics in real-time, allowing it to be gentle during small variations and more responsive during significant changes without producing abrupt transitions or artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the control system uses longer processing intervals to smooth transitions, then audio artifacts are reduced, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio artifactsVSAvoidprocessing latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The processing interval and smoothing characteristics are made dynamic rather than fixed. The system adjusts the effective processing time based on the current signal conditions and delta values, using shorter intervals when rapid response is needed and longer intervals when smoothing is prioritized, thus minimizing latency while still preventing artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If preset control parameters are optimized for best results, then performance is improved, but the system cannot adapt to different signal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol performanceVSAvoidadaptability to different conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the input signal levels and their changes over time. Based on this feedback, the delta detector unit provides information about signal variations, allowing the control algorithm to automatically adjust its parameters to maintain optimal performance across different signal conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on fixed preset parameters optimized for specific conditions, the system dynamically changes control parameters based on the actual signal conditions detected. This allows the system to maintain reliable performance across a wide range of different input signals and operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250390067A1Delta detector unit and automatic control system comprising a delta detector unit

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH

AI summary

A delta detector unit is configured to determine an average value of a signal parameter of an input signal of an automatic control system within a first time interval, determine an average value of the signal parameter of the input signal within a second time interval, determine a difference between the average value of the signal parameter within the first time interval, and the average value of the signal parameter within the second time interval, and, if the determined difference exceeds a defined first threshold or falls below a defined second threshold, instruct the automatic control system to adapt at least one parameter of a control algorithm of the automatic control system.