USB Audio Volume Synchronization Without Sudden Loud Sound
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Solution Overview
Problem
When an audio device connects to a host apparatus via USB, sudden loud sounds can occur due to mismatched volume settings, as existing systems change the host's volume value without maintaining the audio device's pre-set volume settings.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with a volume control unit, communication unit, and control unit that compares the host's volume instruction with its own set value, sending adjustment signals to the host to equalize the volume, preventing sudden loud outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the audio device receives and sets the volume value from the host apparatus, then volume equalization with the host is achieved, but sudden loud sound may be emitted that damages the device or adversely affects the human body
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs a preliminary comparison between the received instruction value and the current set value before applying the volume change. This preliminary action allows the system to detect potential harmful volume jumps and take preventive measures by controlling the volume change rate or notifying the user, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving volume equalization and preventing sudden loud sounds
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the volume value received from the host apparatus and compares it with the current set value. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when a volume change would cause sudden loud sound and respond appropriately by adjusting the volume change rate or displaying a notification to the user, thereby preventing harmful effects while maintaining volume equalization capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the audio device disregards the volume value from the host apparatus, then sudden loud sound is prevented, but volume equalization with the host cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit autonomously compares the received instruction value with the current set value and determines whether volume equalization should be performed. This self-service mechanism allows the audio device to independently manage its volume settings, preventing sudden loud sounds while still achieving volume equalization when appropriate, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the host-side program changes the volume value, then volume equalization is achieved, but the audio device cannot maintain its pre-set volume setting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the host to unilaterally change the volume, the control unit inverts the approach by having the audio device autonomously compare the received instruction value with its current set value and determine whether to apply the change. This inversion of control allows the audio device to maintain its pre-set volume settings while still achieving volume equalization when appropriate, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability
Data Source
AI summary
An audio device includes an amplifier having a volume control circuit, a communication circuit configured to communicate with a host apparatus, a processor, and a memory having stored thereon instructions executable by the processor to cause the audio device to perform: setting a volume value in the volume control circuit; receiving, from the host apparatus through the communication circuit, an instruction value indicating a volume value to be set in the volume control circuit; comparing the received instruction value with a set value that is a volume value set in the volume control circuit; and sending an instruction signal based on a comparison result to the host apparatus through the communication circuit.