Dual Gain Audio Control for Natural Voice Level Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic gain variable devices in acoustic apparatuses set gains based on signal strength detected within a predetermined time period, leading to unnatural gain adjustments that are not suitable for both averaged and instantaneous signal strengths, resulting in incongruous gain control.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic apparatus with a first gain setting unit for averaged signal strength, a second gain setting unit for instantaneous signal strength, a gain calculating unit to synthesize these gains, and a second signal amplifying unit to adjust signal strength based on the calculated gain, along with a switch unit for controlling the automatic gain variable operation and a display unit to visualize the gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gain is set based on signal strength detected within one predetermined time period, then the gain setting is simple and fast, but the gain adjustment becomes unnatural and unsuitable for both averaged and instantaneous signal strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gain setting function into two separate gain setting units: one for averaged signal strength and one for instantaneous signal strength. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in one aspect, enabling both fast response and natural adjustment characteristics to be achieved simultaneously without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outputs of two separate gain setting units through a gain calculating unit that synthesizes both gains. This combination allows the system to benefit from both the speed of instantaneous gain setting and the naturalness of averaged gain adjustment, resolving the contradiction between productivity and precision.
2Device complexity
If only a single gain setting unit is used, then the device complexity is low, but the gain control becomes incongruous and cannot adapt to both averaged and instantaneous signal strength requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gain control function into multiple specialized units (first gain setting unit for averaged signal, second gain setting unit for instantaneous signal) rather than using a single general-purpose unit. This segmentation increases adaptability while keeping each individual unit relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The gain calculating unit serves as a universal component that processes and synthesizes gains from multiple different gain setting units, allowing the system to adapt to various signal conditions while maintaining a manageable overall complexity through functional integration.
3Speed
If gain is adjusted based on instantaneous signal strength only, then the response speed is fast, but the gain adjustment lacks naturalness and becomes incongruous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines instantaneous gain and averaged gain through the gain calculating unit, merging the fast response characteristic of instantaneous detection with the natural adjustment characteristic of averaged detection. This merging allows the system to achieve both speed and quality simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the gain control system are assigned different qualities: the second gain setting unit provides fast local response for instantaneous changes, while the first gain setting unit provides smooth local adjustment for averaged levels. The gain calculating unit integrates these local qualities into a coherent whole.
Data Source
AI summary
A purpose of the present invention is to provide an acoustic apparatus capable of automatically setting a gain which is suitable for both an averaged signal strength of input voice and an instantaneous signal strength thereof, capable of easily recognizing an effect by a user, which is achieved by switching a turn-ON and a turn-OFF of an automatic gain variable operation, and further capable of readily recognizing a change in gain values by the user. The acoustic apparatus is provided with a gain setting unit (20) for setting a gain from an averaged voice strength within a predetermined time period, and another gain setting unit (22) for setting a gain in response to an instantaneous signal strength thereof; and the acoustic apparatus adjusts a signal strength of an audio input signals (Si) based upon a gain “C” obtained by multiplying a gain “A” by another gain “B.”