Background Noise Estimation for Smooth Automatic Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices adjust playback volume based on instantaneous background noise levels, leading to sudden and often inappropriate volume changes that can be embarrassing or harmful to users.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a device that uses exponential smoothing methods to calculate a smoothed noise estimate by combining current and historical noise data, adjusting playback volume gradually based on a weight factor that responds to the speed of noise transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If playback volume is adjusted quickly based on instantaneous background noise levels, then the device responds rapidly to noise changes, but the user experiences sudden volume changes that are troubling and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by smoothing the background noise estimate before using it to adjust playback volume. Instead of directly responding to instantaneous noise measurements, the system pre-processes the noise data through smoothing algorithms (exponential smoothing, moving average) to predict future noise levels, thereby avoiding sudden volume changes that cause user discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a smoothing buffer between noise detection and volume adjustment. The smoothed noise estimate acts as a cushion that absorbs sudden noise spikes, preventing them from directly affecting playback volume and thus protecting users from abrupt and uncomfortable volume transitions
2Adaptability or versatility
If playback volume is adjusted based on instantaneous background noise levels, then the device adapts to current noise conditions, but the adjustment may be unnecessary when noise is not sustained (e.g., sudden door slam)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by calculating smoothed noise estimates that incorporate historical noise data before making volume adjustment decisions. This pre-processing allows the system to distinguish between sustained noise changes and transient spikes, improving the reliability of noise level assessment while maintaining adaptability to genuine environmental changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring both instantaneous and smoothed noise levels, and using this information to make informed volume adjustment decisions. The system feedback mechanism evaluates whether noise changes are sustained before triggering volume changes, thereby improving reliability by avoiding unnecessary adjustments due to transient noise events
3Reliability
If a smoothed noise estimate is calculated using historical data, then sudden noise changes are filtered out, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing smoothing algorithms that modify the noise estimate parameters (using weight factors in exponential smoothing or window sizes in moving average). These parameter-based approaches provide stable and reliable noise level assessment while maintaining relatively simple computational requirements, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for applying a volume gain to change the playback volume of a device by calculating a smoothed noise estimate. The smoothed noise estimate may be calculated using an exponential smoothing method. The exponential smoothing method may include applying a weight factor to both a background noise estimate and a historical smoothed noise estimate. The weight factor may place more emphasis on either the background noise estimate or the historical smoothed noise estimate depending on the value of the weight factor. The value of the weight factor may change based on the type of environment the device is in, the speed of the background noise transitions, and/or historical data. The calculated smoothed noise estimate may be used to calculate a volume gain. The volume gain may be applied over a period of time such that the playback volume of the device changes smoothly.