Equalizer Gain Adjustment Under Acoustic Safety Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio device manufacturers face the challenge of maximizing audio output levels while adhering to acoustic safety thresholds, such as European Norm (EN) 50332, which often results in reduced gain for settings other than the worst-case scenario, limiting audio performance for normal listening conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine a gain for a floating equalizer associated with an audio device by calculating the maximum allowed audio output level based on acoustic safety thresholds, using an excitation vector generated from simulated noise, and adjusting the equalizer gain through term-by-term multiplication and root mean squares (RMS) summarization to achieve optimal audio output while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If audio device manufacturers reduce maximum audio output levels to conform to acoustic safety thresholds, then acoustic safety is improved, but audio output level is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gain adjustment where the equalizer gain is not fixed but adaptively determined based on the specific equalizer settings and the maximum audio output level. The system calculates different gain values for different equalizer configurations, allowing the audio output level to dynamically optimize for each setting while maintaining acoustic safety compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of gain from a static worst-case value to a dynamic value that varies with equalizer settings. By determining gain based on the specific equalizer configuration and maximum audio output level, the system adjusts the gain parameter to allow higher output levels for settings that don't represent worst-case acoustic scenarios, thereby improving audio performance while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If audio device manufacturers use worst-case scenario gain reduction to ensure compliance with acoustic safety thresholds, then reliability is improved, but audio performance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining gain specifically for each equalizer setting rather than using a uniform worst-case gain reduction across all settings. The system identifies which settings represent actual worst-case scenarios and applies appropriate gain reduction only where necessary, allowing other settings to operate at higher performance levels while maintaining compliance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the maximum audio output level and calculates the appropriate gain for each equalizer setting in advance. By pre-calculating gain values based on the specific equalizer configuration and maximum output level, the system ensures compliance reliability is maintained while optimizing audio performance for each setting before actual use.
3Reliability
If audio device manufacturers apply uniform gain reduction across all equalizer settings, then acoustic safety compliance is improved, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the gain value changes according to the specific equalizer setting. Instead of a uniform gain reduction, the system determines appropriate gain values for different equalizer configurations based on the maximum audio output level and the characteristics of each setting, allowing the equalizer to adaptively optimize performance for each scenario while maintaining safety compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gain parameter from a fixed uniform value to a variable value that depends on the equalizer setting. By determining gain based on the specific configuration and maximum output level, the system allows different gain parameters for different equalizer settings, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining compliance through calculated gain adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is directed to determining a gain for an equalizer associated with an audio device. An exemplary method comprises determining a maximum audio output level allowed by an acoustic safety threshold; determining a setting of the equalizer; and adjusting a gain of the equalizer based on the setting and the maximum audio output level. The invention enables an audio device to simultaneously satisfy an acoustic safety threshold and deliver an optimum audio output level.