Parallel AGC Gain Range Selection to Prevent Audio Clipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automated gain control (AGC) protocols in media monitoring meters waste time and resources by testing a full range of gain levels each time, starting at either maximum or minimum gain, which is inefficient for varying audio volumes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an AGC parameter protocol using multiple tuners in parallel to identify a smaller range of gain levels where the border between clipping and no clipping occurs, reducing the time and resources required for the AGC protocol by determining the optimal gain level within this range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional AGC protocols test the full range of gain levels starting at maximum or minimum gain, then the optimal gain level can be determined, but time and resources are wasted due to testing unnecessary gain levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the full gain range into multiple sub-ranges and uses multiple tuners to test these sub-ranges in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to identify the optimal gain level while significantly reducing the total number of sequential tests needed, thereby reducing time and resource consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary testing with multiple tuners at different gain sub-ranges simultaneously to identify which sub-range contains the optimal gain level. This preliminary action narrows down the search space before conducting detailed tests, preventing unnecessary testing of gain levels that are unlikely to be optimal.
2Reliability
If traditional AGC protocols test the full range of gain levels, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but computational resources are wasted processing unnecessary gain levels
Solution Approach 1:
The gain range is segmented into sub-ranges that are tested in parallel by multiple tuners. This segmentation ensures reliable determination of the optimal gain level by distributing the computational workload, while simultaneously reducing total resource consumption by eliminating the need to sequentially process the entire gain range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple tuners to test more gain sub-ranges simultaneously than a single tuner would test sequentially, but only within the necessary range to find the optimal gain level. This partial action approach ensures reliability through parallel verification while avoiding excessive computation by limiting the total number of tests to only those needed.
3Measurement precision
If the AGC protocol tests all gain levels sequentially, then thorough testing is performed, but processing speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gain range testing into parallel sub-tasks performed by multiple tuners simultaneously. This maintains measurement accuracy by thoroughly testing the necessary gain levels while dramatically improving processing speed through parallel execution rather than sequential processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential one-dimensional testing to parallel multi-dimensional testing by deploying multiple tuners across different gain sub-ranges simultaneously. This dimensional change in the testing approach preserves measurement accuracy while exponentially improving processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to determine automated gain control parameters for an automated gain control protocol are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first tuner to amplify an audio signal. Disclosed example apparatus also include a second tuner to amplify the audio signal. Disclosed example apparatus also include a first controller to tune the first tuner to apply a first gain representative of a first range of gains to the audio signal to determine a first amplified audio signal and tune the second tuner to apply a second gain representative a second range of gains to the audio signal to determine a second amplified audio signal, the second range of gains lower than the first range of gains. Disclosed example apparatus also include a second controller to select the first range of gains to be utilized in an automated gain control protocol when the first gain results in clipping of the first amplified audio signal and the second gain does not result in clipping of the second amplified audio signal.