Turret Audio Channel Prioritization via Differential Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical turret systems face inefficiencies in managing audio levels for multiple simultaneous communication channels, requiring users to adjust each channel individually and lacking the ability to memorize volume settings, making it difficult to focus on a specific conversation without affecting others.

Innovation Solution

A turret device with a processor and input interface that aggregates active speaker channels, allowing users to select a solo channel while attenuating non-solo channels by a predetermined level, with stored audio level settings to maintain focus on a single conversation without increasing overall speaker volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the volume of a particular communication channel is increased to improve focus, then the audio level of that channel is improved, but the audio levels of other channels become too low to hear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio level of selected channelVSAvoidaudio level of other channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the audio level parameters differentially for selected versus non-selected channels. When a channel is selected, its audio level parameter is increased while non-selected channels have their audio level parameters decreased, allowing focused listening without complete loss of other conversations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the audio level of each speaker channel is adjusted individually to focus on one conversation, then the focus on that conversation is improved, but the operation complexity and time required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus on selected conversationVSAvoidvolume control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the volume control function for multiple channels into a single operational action. By providing a unified volume control mechanism that simultaneously adjusts all channel volumes according to selection state, the system eliminates the need for individual channel adjustments while maintaining precise focus control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the volume of the selected communication channel is increased to improve focus, then the focus on that channel is improved, but it creates noise disturbance to neighboring turret users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio level of selected channelVSAvoidnoise disturbance to neighbors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies differential parameter changes to audio levels based on channel selection state. The selected channel receives enhanced audio level parameters for focus, while non-selected channels have reduced parameters, achieving clear listening without excessive overall volume that would disturb neighbors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11487499B2Systems, methods and computer program products for controlling the audio levels of multiple simultaneous communication channels

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 IPC SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for aggregating active speaker channels, receiving, through an input interface, a selection of a solo speaker channel representing one of the plurality of speaker channels and setting the audio level of any one of the solo speaker channel and at least one non-solo speaker channel, or a combination of both the solo speaker channel and the at least one non-solo speaker channel.