Sound Volume Control Device Dynamic Range Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing aids for individuals with hearing impairments face challenges in adjusting sound volume effectively, as existing methods require users to hear test audibility data, leading to user burden and difficulty in determining acceptable maximum sound volumes, often resulting in excessive sound levels or poor sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A sound volume control device and method that adjusts maximum output levels without requiring users to hear test audibility data, using a correction band decision section to calculate and compare audible and excessive signal distribution information, dynamically compressing the sound range in specific frequency bands to prevent excessive sound levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sound volume is increased to an audible level by increasing amplifier volume, then hearing-impaired persons can hear small sounds, but the sound volume becomes excessive when the sound volume has changed in a sound source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic range compression that adapts to changing sound conditions. The system continuously monitors input sound levels and dynamically adjusts compression parameters, transitioning between different compression states based on real-time acoustic conditions. This allows the amplifier to provide sufficient gain for soft sounds while automatically reducing gain for loud sounds, preventing excessive volume without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplification parameter dynamically based on input sound level. By implementing automatic gain control that adjusts amplifier volume according to detected sound pressure levels, the system maintains audibility for small sounds while limiting maximum output to prevent discomfort. The compression ratio and threshold parameters are adjusted based on the statistical distribution of sound levels in the environment.
2Reliability
If amplification characteristics are set to fit an individual's auditory property, then sound quality becomes suitable for the user, but adjustment becomes difficult and requires fitting by a specialist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-adjusting amplification characteristics that automatically adapt to the user's auditory properties without requiring specialist fitting. The system analyzes the user's response to different sound levels and frequencies, then autonomously optimizes compression parameters and gain settings. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual fitting while maintaining personalized sound quality suitable for individual hearing impairments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user responses to amplified sound and automatically adjusts amplification characteristics. By measuring the distribution of sound levels that the user finds comfortable and using this feedback to refine compression parameters, the system iteratively improves sound quality suitability without requiring external specialist intervention for adjustment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic range is compressed across the whole frequency band to avoid excessive sound volume, then maximum output level is controlled, but target sound becomes buried in noise and sound quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the frequency spectrum into multiple bands and applies different compression characteristics to each band rather than uniform compression across the entire frequency range. By segmenting the audio signal and processing each frequency band independently with optimized compression parameters, the system controls maximum output levels to prevent excessive volume while preserving the clarity of target sounds in specific frequency ranges where compression is minimized or selectively applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality optimization by applying different compression ratios and threshold settings to different frequency bands based on their specific characteristics. Critical frequency bands containing target speech or important sounds receive minimal compression to maintain clarity, while non-critical bands receive stronger compression to control overall output level. This localized approach ensures excessive volume is prevented without burying target sounds in noise.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sound volume control device (1) includes a sound input section (11), a band dividing section (12), an excessive output notification section (13), a correction band decision section (14) and a sound output control section (15). The sound input section (11) converts input sound into a sound signal (S1). The band dividing section (12) carries out band-division with respect to the sound signal (S1). The excessive output notification section (13) outputs excessive output notification information (S3) when output sound from the present device (1) is excessive. The correction band decision section (14) calculates audible signal distribution information (S4) when the excessive output notification information (S3) is not output and excessive signal distribution information (S5) when the excessive output notification information (S3) is output, for each band in the sound signal, and decides a correction band according to the audible signal distribution information (S4) and excessive signal distribution information (S5). The sound output control section (15) controls sound volume of sound signal for the correction band to provide output sound.