Playback Volume Limit Control for Safe Startup Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback devices often start playback at unexpected high volumes or allow volume adjustments without user awareness, leading to startling audio levels, especially when commands are received from sources that do not indicate the current volume.
Innovation Solution
Media playback devices store active and volume limit state variables, detecting command sources to determine appropriate startup or adjusted playback volumes, and utilize LED lighting for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If playback devices start playback at the current volume level without restriction, then the playback volume can be high and immersive, but it may startle users when the command source does not indicate the current volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the playback volume parameter based on the command source. When a command is received from a source that does not indicate current volume (such as a physical button press), the system automatically adjusts the volume parameter to a safe starting level rather than using the current high volume setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting which component issued the playback command and using that information to determine the appropriate startup volume. The playback device monitors command sources and adjusts volume behavior accordingly, providing adaptive response based on the control mechanism used.
2Adaptability or versatility
If playback devices allow volume adjustments from any command source, then the device is highly adaptable and responsive, but users may not be aware of volume changes leading to unexpected loudness
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the volume parameter behavior based on the command source type. For command sources that do not provide volume information (such as physical buttons), the system automatically sets volume to an appropriate level rather than allowing unrestricted adjustment, maintaining adaptability while preventing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-determining the appropriate volume level based on the command source before actual playback begins. This prevents unexpected loudness by setting volume in advance according to the control mechanism used, ensuring user awareness without limiting adaptability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If playback devices use a fixed volume limit for all command sources, then sudden loudness is prevented, but the device loses flexibility in responding to different control scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the volume parameter based on the specific command source rather than applying a fixed limit. Different command sources (remote control, physical button, voice command) receive different volume handling, maintaining flexibility while preventing sudden loudness through context-appropriate volume selection.
Data Source
AI summary
An example first playback device includes programming to perform functions including: (1) storing an active volume state variable in memory, wherein the active volume state variable corresponds to a current playback volume; (2) storing a volume limit state variable in memory, wherein the volume limit state variable corresponds to a playback volume limit of the first playback device; (3) detecting a command to begin playback of media at a proposed playback volume different from the current playback volume; (4) based on comparing (i) the playback volume limit and (ii) the proposed playback volume, selecting a startup playback volume; (5) playing back media at the startup playback volume; and (6) causing at least a second playback