Moving-Average Volume Control for Smooth Sound Level Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volume control devices face challenges in implementing various patterns of gradual volume changes without increasing data storage requirements or complicating calculation structures.
Innovation Solution
A volume control device that includes a target volume storage unit and a volume determination unit, which uses a moving average of target volumes to generate various gradual volume change patterns using a consistent calculation structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple time-to-volume tables are stored to support different gradual volume change patterns, then various volume control patterns can be implemented, but the data storage requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from storing multiple complete time-to-volume tables to storing a single table with adjustable parameters (initial volume, final volume, time constant). By varying these parameters, the system can generate different gradual volume change patterns without requiring multiple separate tables, thus reducing data storage while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal time-to-volume table structure that can serve multiple functions. A single table with parameterized values can generate various gradual volume change patterns (different durations, volume ranges) by adjusting the parameters, making one table multi-functional instead of requiring separate tables for each pattern.
2Device complexity
If a fixed time-to-volume table is used for gradual volume change, then the calculation structure remains simple, but the system cannot adapt to different target volumes or duration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic parameters (initial volume, final volume, time constant) that can be adjusted based on requirements. The calculation structure remains simple because it uses the same exponential decay formula, but the dynamic parameters allow the system to adapt to different target volumes and durations without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By allowing the initial volume, final volume, and time constant parameters to change based on requirements, the system achieves adaptability while keeping the core calculation structure simple. The same exponential decay formula is used with different parameter values to generate various volume control patterns.
Data Source
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AI summary
The volume control device is included in a sound generation system (8), which controls a sound generator (80) to generate a sound based on sound data (Dsd). The volume control device controls a volume (Vp) of the sound data. The volume control device includes a target volume storage unit (181) that sequentially stores and accumulates target volumes (d) that are repeatedly set at a predetermined period (T1). The volume control device also includes a volume determination unit (183) that sequentially determines, as the volume of the sound data, a moving average of the target volumes accumulated in the target volume storage unit during a predetermined average target period (Tav).