Sound Volume Control for Audible Feedback in Audio Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound systems fail to provide effective audible feedback when switching between preset sound modes, leading to user frustration and potential complaints, especially when multiple modes are available, as existing solutions often result in significant volume changes that negatively impact the audio experience.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing apparatus and method that control the volume of output signals to perform a steep initial volume change followed by a slower return to the original level when switching between preset sound modes, providing clear audible feedback without increasing the overall volume or impairing the audio experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If different gain levels are used for different preset sound modes to provide audible feedback, then the user can hear that a mode change has occurred, but the overall volume level difference between modes becomes too large causing user complaints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a temporary volume increase that lasts only during the transition period when switching between sound modes. The volume is increased only for the duration of the mode change (e.g., 1-2 seconds) and then returns to the original level, rather than maintaining different permanent gain levels for each mode. This provides audible feedback during the transition without creating persistent volume differences between modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the volume level dynamic and time-dependent during mode transitions. The volume control is adjusted temporarily during the switching event and then automatically returns to its previous state, creating a dynamic response that provides feedback without permanently altering the volume characteristics of different sound modes.
2Loss of information
If gain is increased to provide audible feedback when switching modes, then users can perceive the mode change, but the audio experience deteriorates due to decreased S/N ratio and increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The volume increase is applied periodically only during the brief transition moment when switching between sound modes, rather than continuously. This temporary, periodic volume boost provides the necessary audible feedback while limiting the duration of any potential audio quality degradation to only the brief transition period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by preparing the volume change in advance of the actual mode switch, executing the volume increase just at the moment of transition, and then quickly returning to the original level. This timing strategy ensures feedback is provided when needed while minimizing the impact on overall audio quality during normal operation.
3Loss of information
If permanent volume increase is applied to provide feedback for mode changes, then audible feedback is achieved, but the overall gain structure becomes unbalanced across multiple preset modes
Solution Approach 1:
The volume increase is applied periodically only during mode transitions rather than permanently, allowing the gain structure to remain balanced across all preset modes during normal operation. The temporary nature of the volume change ensures that each sound mode maintains its intended acoustic characteristics while still providing feedback during switching events.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of permanently increasing gain for certain modes (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by temporarily increasing volume only during transitions. This reversal of the conventional strategy provides feedback without disrupting the balanced gain structure that each sound mode is designed to maintain.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing apparatus (6) comprises a signal input section (40) through which in operation an audio signal (S41-S4n) is provided, a sound mode setting section (50) for setting a preset sound mode from a plurality of preset sound modes retained in the signal processing apparatus (6), a signal output section (60) which is configured to output at least one output signal (OS1-OSn) to at least one loudspeaker (21-32) in accordance with the preset sound mode (P1-P3) set by the sound mode setting section (50), and a sound volume setting section (70) which is coupled with the sound mode setting section (50) and configured to control a volume of the at least one output signal (OS1-Osn). The sound volume setting section (70) is configured to control the volume of the at least one output signal (OSI-Osn) to perform a first volume level change (lc1) of the at least one output signal from a first level (l1) to a second level (12) and a second volume level change (lc2) of the at least one output signal from the second level (12) back to the first level (l1), wherein the first volume level change (lc1) is steeper than the second volume level change (lc2), when the sound mode setting section (50) performs a change in setting from one of the plurality of preset sound modes (P1) to another one of the plurality of preset sound modes (P2).