Automatic Volume Control With Ambient Voice and Noise Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic volume control systems for audio content in listening areas, such as living rooms, fail to differentiate between human conversation and noise, and are not suitable for dynamic acoustic environments, leading to suboptimal audio output adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An automatic volume control apparatus and method using a processor with stored profiles and a microphone, which analyzes sound input to distinguish between noise and ambient voice, adjusting the output volume accordingly by selecting a different profile based on decibel ranges and upper sound limit values, employing deep learning algorithms for accurate classification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional automatic volume control systems adjust volume based on ambient noise level, then volume control automation is achieved, but the system cannot differentiate between human conversation and noise leading to incorrect adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic volume controlVSAvoidnoise classification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of sound analysis from simple noise level detection to deep learning-based classification that examines multiple acoustic parameters simultaneously. The neural network analyzes frequency content, temporal patterns, and spectral characteristics to differentiate between conversation and noise, transforming the detection parameter from scalar noise level to multidimensional acoustic feature vectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/acoustic signal processing methods with machine learning algorithms. Instead of using fixed threshold-based noise detection, the system employs trained neural networks that automatically learn and adapt to differentiate between human speech and various noise sources, substituting conventional signal processing mechanics with intelligent computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the system raises volume to compensate for ambient noise, then audio output is maintained over noise, but the volume becomes too high when human conversation is detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output maintainabilityVSAvoidexcessive volume during conversation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the acoustic environment and using deep learning classification to determine whether detected sounds are conversation or noise. Based on this classification feedback, the volume control algorithm adjusts the audio output appropriately - raising volume only when noise is detected and maintaining or lowering volume when conversation is detected, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the actual acoustic scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the volume parameter based on the classified acoustic scenario. When the deep learning model identifies human conversation, the volume parameter is adjusted differently compared to when ambient noise is detected, allowing the system to maintain reliable audio output while avoiding excessive volume during social interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the system lowers volume for conversation detection, then comfortable conversation is enabled, but audio output becomes insufficient when ambient noise is present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversation comfortVSAvoidaudio output sufficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the deep learning classification to determine whether to lower or raise volume. When the acoustic scene is classified as human conversation, the system lowers volume to enable comfortable conversation. When classified as ambient noise, the system raises volume to maintain audio sufficiency. This feedback-driven approach ensures the correct action is taken based on the actual acoustic context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If simple noise level detection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to dynamic acoustic environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidacoustic environment adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes simple threshold-based noise detection mechanics with machine learning-based acoustic scene analysis. The deep learning model automatically adapts to different acoustic environments by learning from training data, enabling the system to handle diverse and dynamic scenarios such as different types of noise, varying conversation levels, and different room acoustics without requiring manual configuration or increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from fixed parameter threshold detection to dynamic parameter adaptation through deep learning. The neural network learns optimal parameter thresholds and classification boundaries during training, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic acoustic environments while maintaining manageable device complexity through software-based intelligence rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11695379B2Apparatus and method for automatic volume control with ambient noise compensation
Publication Date: 2023.07.04 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC
  • US11695379B2 patent drawing
  • US11695379B2 patent drawing
  • US11695379B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device and method that automatically adjusts an audio output volume level based on a live environmental acoustic scenario input via a microphone using a machine learning algorithm trained with Human Activity Recognition (HAR). Equipped with such an intelligence the electronic device classifies ambient sounds occurring in the environment of the listening area in which the device is situated into different acoustic scenario mappings such a voice or conversation, for an ambient human conversation detected event, and noise, such as for example a vacuum cleaner or dish washer noise detected event, and automatically adjust the audio output volume accordingly.