Wireless Audio Volume Control for Multi-Device Sound Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Bluetooth audio technologies are inadequate for managing sound exposure and volume settings in wireless communication systems, particularly in complex topologies involving multiple devices, leading to increased power consumption and potential hearing damage due to unmanaged sound intensity and duration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing sound exposure in wireless communication systems by reporting sound pressure levels and adjusting volumes based on information exchanged between devices, including calculating cumulative exposure amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional Bluetooth audio technology is used for one-to-one connection, then device compatibility is maintained, but it cannot support complex multi-device topologies and audio data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal audio gateway that can function as both audio source and audio sink, supporting multiple connection topologies (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one) through a single device architecture. The gateway device can simultaneously maintain connections with multiple devices and switch between different profile modes (A2DP, HFP, HSP) based on connection requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each topology type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of Bluetooth audio devices increases to support complex topologies, then multi-device audio transmission is enabled, but power consumption for searching peripheral devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary device discovery and connection establishment during the initial pairing phase. Devices perform comprehensive peripheral scanning and authentication beforehand, storing connection parameters and bonding information for future use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated intensive scanning when devices need to communicate, significantly reducing ongoing power consumption while maintaining multi-device connectivity capabilities.
3Productivity
If sound intensity and listening duration increase, then audio content consumption is enhanced, but hearing damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sound exposure management system that continuously monitors audio playback parameters including volume level and duration. The system calculates cumulative sound exposure metrics and provides feedback to the user through notifications or automatic volume adjustments. When exposure thresholds are approached, the system alerts the user or automatically reduces volume, enabling safe listening while maintaining audio consumption capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If volume settings are managed independently on each device, then device autonomy is maintained, but coordinated volume control across multiple devices is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio gateway as an intermediary device that centralizes volume management across the multi-device network. The gateway receives audio data, manages playback volume according to sound exposure calculations, and distributes audio to connected devices. This intermediary approach enables coordinated volume control while preserving device autonomy, as the gateway makes centralized decisions based on overall system exposure metrics rather than individual device settings.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method, an apparatus, a computer program, and a recording medium thereof for managing sound exposure in a wireless communication system. A method for reporting a volume level in a wireless communication system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a step of reporting, to a first device, first information related to a sound pressure level (SPL) of a second device; a step in which a second device receives second information including a volume setting from the first device; and a step in which the second device adjusts the volume of the second device on the basis of the first information and the second information.