Sound Volume Control Using Variable Compression Coefficients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound volume controllers apply constant dynamic range compression, leading to inconsistent audio levels in different viewing environments, requiring frequent user adjustments to achieve optimal listening experience.
Innovation Solution
A sound volume controller that adjusts dynamic range compression coefficients in real-time based on user-set volume values, using a level adjustment section, detection sections, and a coefficient table to optimize audio signal processing for each channel, ensuring clear speech and balanced sound effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant coefficient of dynamic range compression is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different viewing environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the dynamic range compression coefficient variable rather than constant. The coefficient changes automatically based on the detected volume level, allowing the system to adapt to different viewing environments (nighttime vs daytime) without requiring manual user intervention or complex configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the volume level and using this information to automatically adjust the dynamic range compression coefficient. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain optimal performance across different viewing scenarios.
2Manufacturing precision
If dynamic range compression is always active, then speech clarity is improved, but the loss of time for manual deactivation occurs in environments where compression is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine when dynamic range compression should be applied based on volume level detection. The controller autonomously activates or deactivates compression without requiring manual user input, saving time and providing convenience while maintaining speech clarity when needed.
3Measurement precision
If the volume is turned up to hear speech clearly, then speech intelligibility is improved, but the sound effects become too loud and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentially adjusting the volume of different audio components. Dynamic range compression is applied specifically to enhance speech signals while suppressing sound effects, allowing speech to be heard clearly without making sound effects uncomfortably loud. This selective processing addresses different parts of the audio spectrum with different gain adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A sound volume controller includes a level adjustment section that adjusts a level of an input audio signal and outputs the adjusted input audio signal as an output audio signal, a level detection section that detects the level of the input audio signal, a volume value detection section that detects a volume value set by a user, a coefficient table storage section that stores a coefficient table which describes a relation between levels of the output audio signal and levels of the input audio signal, a coefficient table change section that changes the coefficient table stored in the coefficient table storage section in accordance with the volume value detected by the volume value detection section, and a setting section that sets an amount of level adjustment of the level adjustment section in accordance with the level of the input audio signal detected by the level detection section and the coefficient table.