Media Audio Volume Limiting With Feedback-Based Output Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volume control systems for media presentation devices do not effectively manage loud audio outputs, potentially disturbing others, especially in unsupervised scenarios or during specific times, as they lack the ability to dynamically adjust volume levels based on user-defined limits and environmental considerations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling media presentation device volume output that includes an electronic program guide for setting maximum volume limits, an audio detector to monitor output levels, and processing means to generate and communicate volume commands, ensuring the volume does not exceed user-defined limits during specified times or for specific programs, with options for different volume settings based on content genres or scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the volume of media presentation devices is allowed to be controlled freely by users, then user convenience and audio quality are improved, but disturbance to others and potential harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting audio output levels before disturbance occurs and proactively generating volume commands to reduce volume when thresholds are exceeded. The audio detector continuously monitors output and the processor prepares volume reduction commands in advance, preventing harmful disturbance before it affects others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the audio detector to monitor the actual audio output of media presentation devices and feeding this information back to the processor. The processor compares detected levels against thresholds and automatically adjusts volume through feedback loops, creating a closed-control system that prevents excessive volume without requiring constant user intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic volume control is implemented to prevent disturbance, then disturbance to others is reduced, but user control flexibility and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing media presentation devices to automatically monitor their own audio output levels through the audio detector and autonomously adjust their volume through the processor-generated commands. The devices serve themselves by detecting when they exceed volume thresholds and automatically reducing volume without requiring external user intervention or complex centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the volume parameter of media presentation devices based on detected audio output levels. The processor modifies volume parameters in response to threshold exceedances, changing the operational state of the devices to prevent disturbance while maintaining simplicity through automated parameter adjustment rather than complex control logic.
3Productivity
If volume monitoring is performed remotely using an audio detector, then real-time volume control is achieved, but system complexity and detection accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audio detector serves as an intermediary between the media presentation devices and the volume control system. It mediates the detection process by capturing audio output signals and converting them into measurable data that the processor can analyze. This intermediary approach enables real-time monitoring without requiring direct complex measurement systems integrated into each media device, simplifying the overall detection architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is proposed to control the volume output from a media presentation device (102) using control means (120) which are not manipulated by the user. The sound (142) output by the media device is detected by an audio detector (134) and communicated to a processor (106) of the media device (102) for comparison with predetermined volume parameters, such as a maximum volume level. Where the detected sound level exceeds the maximum volume level, a volume limit output command is generated by a volume output limiter (120) and the command is communicated to a volume controller of an audio device (128b) of the media device (102).