WO2007111582A1 - Système audio avec contrôle parental du volume maximal - Google Patents

Système audio avec contrôle parental du volume maximal Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007111582A1
WO2007111582A1 PCT/US2006/010925 US2006010925W WO2007111582A1 WO 2007111582 A1 WO2007111582 A1 WO 2007111582A1 US 2006010925 W US2006010925 W US 2006010925W WO 2007111582 A1 WO2007111582 A1 WO 2007111582A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
volume level
audio
audio system
maximum volume
recited
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/010925
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kenneth Edward Hayes
Original Assignee
Panasonic Automotive Systems Company Of America Division Of Panasonic Corporation Of North America
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Panasonic Automotive Systems Company Of America Division Of Panasonic Corporation Of North America filed Critical Panasonic Automotive Systems Company Of America Division Of Panasonic Corporation Of North America
Priority to EP06748696A priority Critical patent/EP1999844A1/fr
Priority to CNA2006800539839A priority patent/CN101405936A/zh
Priority to PCT/US2006/010925 priority patent/WO2007111582A1/fr
Publication of WO2007111582A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007111582A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03G—CONTROL OF AMPLIFICATION
    • H03G11/00—Limiting amplitude; Limiting rate of change of amplitude ; Clipping in general
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03G—CONTROL OF AMPLIFICATION
    • H03G3/00—Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers
    • H03G3/02—Manually-operated control
    • H03G3/04—Manually-operated control in untuned amplifiers

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to audio systems.
  • the present invention relates to a system and method for setting a maximum volume level for headphones that are used in a confined space, such as a vehicle interior.
  • An exemplary embodiment of the system comprises a user interface that is adapted to allow adjustment of a volume level, and a processor that is adapted to allow a maximum volume level to be set for audio programs played on at least a portion of the audio system, such as one or more headphones.
  • a maximum volume level is adapted to allow a maximum volume level to be set for audio programs played on at least a portion of the audio system, such as one or more headphones.
  • An exemplary method comprises generating an audio signal, adjusting a volume level of the audio signal in response to a user input to a desired maximum volume level, and setting a maximum volume level for an audio program played on at least a portion of the audio system based on the desired maximum volume level of the audio signal. Subsequent attempts by a listener of the system to exceed the set maximum volume level are ignored.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an audio system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system setup menu in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an audio setup menu in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram of a display screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present invention allow a parent or other authorized user of an audio system, such as a vehicle audio system, to set a maximum volume level for the playing of audio programs.
  • an authorized user may set the maximum volume level for wired or wireless rear seat headphones.
  • the maximum volume level may be set or established at a level that minimizes or reduces annoyance to other vehicle occupants.
  • the maximum volume level may be set or established so as to reduce the likelihood of discomfort or surprise to a subsequent listener.
  • the maximum volume level may be set or established so as to eliminate or reduce unpleasant surprise and discomfort experienced when subsequent listeners put on the headphones without realizing they were previously set to play programs at a louder volume level than they desire.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an audio system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system is generally referred to by the reference number 100.
  • the audio system 100 is controlled by a microprocessor 102, which may be programmed to provide a wide variety of system functions.
  • a user interface 104 is connected to the microprocessor 102 to allow the entry of control information by a user of the system.
  • the user interface may comprise a keypad, a remote control or the like.
  • the user interface 104 comprises a rear seat audio control mounted in the general vicinity of the rear seat of the vehicle or within reach of rear seat occupants.
  • Such a rear seat audio control may be used, for example, to select a desired audio or video program and to adjust the volume of the audio program being reproduced in headphones worn by a rear seat occupant.
  • the user interface 104 may comprise a portion of a front seat control or "head" unit accessible to a front seat occupant of the vehicle.
  • exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be employed in connection with other audio and video systems as well, such as, for example, those not in vehicles.
  • the user interface 104 is used to set a maximum volume level in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. When a maximum volume level is set, subsequent attempts to exceed the set maximum volume level when playing audio programs will be ignored.
  • a display 106 is connected to the microprocessor 102.
  • the display 106 may be adapted to provide a visual representation of various control functions of the audio system 100.
  • the display 106 may be used to provide a visual indication of a set maximum volume level that is programmable by a user of the system.
  • Examples of implementations of the display 106 in exemplary embodiments of the present invention include use of the display 106 as a control panel disposed for access by either a front or rear seat occupant of a vehicle or the like.
  • the display 106 may also serve as the primary display screen of a video device such as a television or DVD player.
  • the reference generator 108 is connected to a signal source 110, which is adapted to provide a variety of programming options to users of the audio system 100.
  • the signal source 110 may be adapted to allow a user to select a program input from a variety of program input choices. Examples of program inputs in a typical system include input from a DVD player, a CD player, an auxiliary input such as a video game, AM radio, FM radio or the like. Programming may be provided by the signal source 110 via a plurality of program inputs 112, 114.
  • the user interface 104 is adapted to allow the selection of a program to be played by the signal source 110.
  • a reference generator 108 is connected to the microprocessor 102 and the signal source 110.
  • the reference generator 108 produces a test tone of predetermined frequency or combination of frequencies that is used to set the maximum volume level for the system as further described below.
  • the reference generator 108 is omitted from the system and the user employs an audio program selected via the signal source 110 to set the maximum volume level.
  • a user of the system adjusts the volume level to a desired maximum volume level and then establishes or sets the maximum volume level at which audio programming may be played. When the maximum volume level is set for the system, the volume of audio programs may be subsequently adjusted up to but not in excess of the set maximum volume level.
  • the output of the signal source 110 is delivered to a digital signal processor (DSP) 116.
  • the DSP 116 comprises a level detect and compare circuit 118 and a voltage controlled amplifier circuit 120, which is identified as "VCA" in FIG. 1.
  • Output from the DSP 116 is delivered to an infrared headphone driver 122 and a wired headphone driver 134.
  • the infrared headphone driver 122 comprises a driver circuit 124, which delivers output to a plurality of infrared transmitters 126, 128, 130 and 132.
  • the infrared transmitters 126, 128, 130 and 132 are adapted to deliver an audio signal to a corresponding wireless set of headphones (not shown).
  • the wired headphone driver 134 comprises a driver circuit 136, which delivers a signal to a plurality of headphone jacks 138, 140.
  • a set of headphones, represented as a speaker 142 in FIG. 1 is connected to the headphone jack 138.
  • the headphones 142 comprise multiple speakers.
  • a listener may listen to an audio program provided by the signal source 110 via the headphones 142.
  • a user may listen to a reference audio signal generated by the reference generator 108 through the headphones 142. The user then adjusts the volume level to a desired maximum volume level and sets or establishes the desired maximum volume level as the set maximum volume level for a portion of the audio system via the user interface 104. The system will ignore subsequent attempts to adjust the volume of the headphones to a volume level that is higher than the set maximum volume level established by the authorized user.
  • setting or establishing the maximum volume level requires entry of a predetermined authorization code.
  • setting or establishing the maximum volume level is accomplished by inputting a predetermined authorization code via user interface 104.
  • the set maximum volume level is enforced on users of the system not in possession of the authorization code.
  • a parent may enforce the set maximum volume level on children who listen to audio programs on the system.
  • the process of setting or establishing the maximum volume level using a menu control system in conjunction with video feedback via the display 106 is described below with reference to FIGs.2-4.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system setup menu in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the system setup menu is generally referred to by the reference number 200.
  • the system setup menu 200 is displayed on the display 106 (FIG. 1) upon entry of a command by the user.
  • the system setup menu 200 includes a video icon 202, which allows the user to choose submenus to control functionality related to a video display.
  • An audio icon 204 allows the user to access submenus to control functionality related to an audio system.
  • a selection indicator 206 is movable between the video icon 202 and the audio icon 204. Upon selecting the audio icon 204, the user is provided with a list of submenus relating to audio functionality of the system.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an audio setup menu in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the audio setup menu is generally identified by the reference number 300.
  • the audio setup menu 300 includes a variety of choices relating to system audio functionality.
  • an SRS surround icon 302 allows the user to select further submenus relative to surround sound parameters of the system.
  • a parental volume control icon 304 is used to allow the user to set the maximum volume level of the system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the user may position a selection indicator 306 adjacent to the parental volume control icon 304 and select that icon to initiate the the process of setting or establishing the maximum volume.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram of a display screen in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the parental volume control screen is generally referred to by the reference number 400.
  • the set maximum volume level applies to listeners using headphones connected to an access point such as a headphone jack 138 (FIG. 1) or one or more wireless or infrared headphones for use in the rear of the vehicle.
  • the set maximum volume setting may be enforced on other speakers such as front speakers in a vehicle, or on all speakers associated with the system.
  • the parental volume control screen 400 prompts the user to initiate a test audio signal generated by the reference generator 108 (FIG. 1).
  • the user adjusts the volume of the test audio signal in the headphones 142 (FIG. 1) via the user interface 104 (FIG. 1) to a desired maximum volume level.
  • the user interface may be disposed for access in the rear of the vehicle.
  • the user interface 104 may comprise touch screen controls on a display accessible from the front seat of the vehicle.
  • the touch screen controls may include a "reduce volume” control 402 and/or an "increase volume” control 404.
  • a visual indication of the volume level is given via the display of a plurality of loudness bars 406.
  • the current volume level is indicated by coloring or shading of a particular volume bar, as represented by the volume bar 408 in FIG. 4.
  • a volume scale 410 is employed to give a visual indication of the relative current volume of the test audio signal.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the diagram is generally referred to by the reference number 500.
  • the process begins.
  • a parental volume control menu is produced by a system such as the system 100 (FIG. 1).
  • a test audio signal is generated, as shown at block 506, through one or more predetermined or user-selected speakers or headphones.
  • the test audio signal may be a typical audio program of which the system is capable of playing or an application-specific audio program, such as a test tone generated by the reference generator 108 (FIG. 1).
  • a maximum volume level is set within the system responsive to a user input.
  • the user is prompted for entry of an authorization code in order to set or establish the maximum volume level.
  • the set maximum volume level is able to be set or established only by an authorized user and is enforced on all other users of the system not having access to the authorization code.
  • subsequent attempts to exceed that level are ignored by the system for one or more speakers, zones of speakers, or headphones associated with the system, as shown at block 510. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the speakers, zones of speakers, or headphones to which the set maximum volume level shall be applied are selectable by a user.
  • the process ends.

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  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)

Abstract

Les modes de réalisation décrits concernent un système audio (100) et un procédé correspondant. Un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple du système (100) comprend une interface utilisateur (104) permettant le réglage à un niveau de volume maximal souhaité d'un niveau de volume d'un signal audio qui est reproduit sur au moins une partie du système audio. L'interface utilisateur permet en outre de fixer le niveau de volume maximal souhaité à un niveau de volume maximal fixé. Un processeur (102), électriquement interconnecté avec l'interface utilisateur, est conçu pour limiter le volume auquel des programmes audio sont reproduits sur au moins une partie du système audio audit niveau de volume maximal fixé. Un procédé donné à titre d'exemple comprend les étapes consistant à générer un signal audio, régler un niveau de volume du signal audio à un niveau de volume maximal souhaité en réponse à une entrée d'utilisateur et établir le niveau de volume maximal souhaité en tant que niveau de volume maximal fixé pour des programmes audio reproduits sur au moins une partie du système audio (100).
PCT/US2006/010925 2006-03-24 2006-03-24 Système audio avec contrôle parental du volume maximal WO2007111582A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06748696A EP1999844A1 (fr) 2006-03-24 2006-03-24 Système audio avec contrôle parental du volume maximal
CNA2006800539839A CN101405936A (zh) 2006-03-24 2006-03-24 具有父母最大音量控制的音频系统
PCT/US2006/010925 WO2007111582A1 (fr) 2006-03-24 2006-03-24 Système audio avec contrôle parental du volume maximal

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2006/010925 WO2007111582A1 (fr) 2006-03-24 2006-03-24 Système audio avec contrôle parental du volume maximal

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007111582A1 true WO2007111582A1 (fr) 2007-10-04

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/010925 WO2007111582A1 (fr) 2006-03-24 2006-03-24 Système audio avec contrôle parental du volume maximal

Country Status (3)

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EP (1) EP1999844A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN101405936A (fr)
WO (1) WO2007111582A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013043085A1 (fr) * 2011-09-22 2013-03-28 Akhapkina Valentina Ivanovna Substance pharmaceutique (et variantes) et compositions obtenues sur la base de celle-ci et possédant une activité modulatrice avec un effet commensurable

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10200786B1 (en) * 2018-01-08 2019-02-05 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Volume limiting through a telematics unit
CN114007166B (zh) * 2021-09-18 2024-02-27 北京车和家信息技术有限公司 定制声音的方法及装置、电子设备和存储介质

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050043831A1 (en) * 2003-08-19 2005-02-24 Microsoft Corporation System and method for implementing a flat audio volume control model
US6987947B2 (en) * 2001-10-30 2006-01-17 Unwired Technology Llc Multiple channel wireless communication system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6987947B2 (en) * 2001-10-30 2006-01-17 Unwired Technology Llc Multiple channel wireless communication system
US20050043831A1 (en) * 2003-08-19 2005-02-24 Microsoft Corporation System and method for implementing a flat audio volume control model

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013043085A1 (fr) * 2011-09-22 2013-03-28 Akhapkina Valentina Ivanovna Substance pharmaceutique (et variantes) et compositions obtenues sur la base de celle-ci et possédant une activité modulatrice avec un effet commensurable

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1999844A1 (fr) 2008-12-10
CN101405936A (zh) 2009-04-08

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