Variable Masking Sound Level Conversion for Noise Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sound masking systems fail to effectively adjust sound pressure levels in response to changing noise environments, leading to the masking sound being perceived as noise and disrupting concentration.
Innovation Solution
A noise masking method through variable masking sound level conversion, which involves recognizing target noise levels, setting masking sound limits, detecting noise trends, and adjusting masking sound levels and intervals to match the noise fluctuations, preventing the masking sound from being perceived as noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the masking sound level is immediately changed according to noise changes, then the masking effectiveness is improved, but the masking sound is perceived as noise which disturbs concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the masking sound level adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the masking sound level based on detected noise levels, allowing the system to respond to varying acoustic environments while avoiding abrupt changes that would be perceived as disturbing noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the use of thresholds and incremental adjustments. The control unit periodically monitors noise levels and makes discrete adjustments to the masking sound level based on whether specific threshold values are exceeded, creating a rhythmic pattern of adjustment that prevents sudden leaps in sound level.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing threshold values and adjustment intervals in advance. The system is pre-configured with threshold criteria that trigger masking sound level changes before significant noise disturbances occur, allowing proactive adjustment rather than reactive response.
2Reliability
If the masking sound level is increased to mask noise effectively, then the masking performance is improved, but the masking sound may be recognized as noise causing continuous increase in level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through the noise detection unit that continuously monitors the acoustic environment and provides information to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to adjust the masking sound level appropriately, increasing it when noise exceeds thresholds while decreasing it when noise levels drop, thereby preventing excessive masking sound that would be perceived as disturbing noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the masking sound level based on detected noise parameters. The control unit changes the sound pressure level parameter dynamically according to the noise environment, adjusting it up when needed for effective masking and down when noise levels are low, thus avoiding the creation of disturbing masking sounds.
3Device complexity
If a conventional monotony sound masking technology is used, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot effectively cope with various noise environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static monotonous masking system into a dynamic adaptive system. The control unit continuously adjusts the masking sound level based on real-time noise detection, enabling the system to adapt to various noise environments while maintaining relative simplicity through automated control rather than complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the automated feedback loop where the noise detection unit continuously monitors the environment and the control unit automatically adjusts masking sound levels without external intervention. This self-regulating mechanism provides adaptability to various noise environments while keeping the system operationally simple.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a noise masking method through variable masking sound level conversion, capable of adjusting an interval for changing a level of a masking sound for masking noise to an optimal interval so that the masking sound is not perceived as noise, by determining a fluctuation trend of a level of audible noise and adjusting the interval for changing the level of the masking sound for masking the noise into an optimal environment through a control unit.