Open Audio Volume Control Using Acoustic-Null Noise Sensing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio devices, such as earbuds and over-the-ear headphones, obstruct the ear canal and inhibit users from hearing ambient sounds, necessitating manual volume adjustments to balance audio output with changing noise levels, and often require resource-intensive echo cancellation.

Innovation Solution

Wearable open audio devices with microphones positioned in the acoustic null of speakers automatically adjust sound pressure levels based on ambient noise, enhancing acoustic isolation and minimizing leakage, using distinct threshold adjustments for different frequency bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If open audio devices are used to allow ambient sound perception, then user availability for interaction is improved, but audio signal leakage to others increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser availability for interactionVSAvoidaudio signal leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the sound pressure level parameter of the audio signal based on detected ambient noise conditions. By adjusting the volume parameter in real-time, the device maintains adequate audio output for the user while reducing leakage to acceptable levels during quiet periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a microphone to detect ambient noise and provides feedback to the processor, which then adjusts the audio output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to changing acoustic environments, balancing user needs with minimal leakage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If manual volume adjustments are required to balance audio output with ambient noise, then audio quality is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio qualityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The audio device performs self-adjustment of volume levels by automatically detecting ambient noise and modifying its output accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual user intervention while maintaining optimal audio quality across varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static volume settings to dynamic automatic adjustment. The audio output level changes continuously based on real-time ambient noise detection, providing adaptability without requiring user action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If echo cancellation is implemented to improve microphone accuracy, then speech detection is improved, but device complexity and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeech detection accuracyVSAvoidcomputational resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary separation of audio signals by exploiting the acoustic null positioning before full echo cancellation processing is needed. By pre-processing the microphone input to isolate ambient noise from speech, the system reduces the computational burden on subsequent echo cancellation algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides a seamless listening experience by automatically adjusting audio volume to ambient noise levels, reducing manual intervention and echo cancellation needs, while maintaining comfortable audio levels for the user and minimizing disturbance to others.

Implementation Method 1

microphones positioned in the acoustic null of speakers automatically adjust sound pressure levels based on ambient noise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic null:

Implementation Method 2

speaker configured to output the adjusted audio signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 3

automatically adjusting the sound pressure level of the audio signal based, at least in part, on the comparison to generate an adjusted audio signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound pressure level adjustment:

Data Source

PatentUS12482447B2Ambient volume control in open audio device

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 BOSE CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically adjusting, by an audio device, the SPL of its audio output. As described herein, the SPL is adjusted based on detected ambient noise. According to aspects, audio device iteratively adjusts the SPL based on the ambient noise. According to aspects, the SPL is adjusted to be greater than the ambient noise by a threshold SPL amount. According to aspects, the audio device outputs sound in substantially a first direction and the microphone detects sound substantially outside of the first direction. The adjusted sounds are output by the audio device.