Yamaha has been granted a patent for a headphone volume control method. The method involves calculating the level of a sound signal captured by a microphone, determining a target volume based on this level, and gradually adjusting the reproduction volume of the content to match the target volume over a specific period of time. The method also takes into account user input and adjusts the volume accordingly. GlobalData’s report on Yamaha gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Yamaha, AR audio was a key innovation area identified from patents. Yamaha's grant share as of September 2023 was 37%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Headphone volume control method for gradually adjusting sound volume
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11778399B2) describes a headphone volume control method and a corresponding headphone device. The method involves several steps to adjust the sound volume of a second sound signal based on a first sound signal captured by a microphone.
Firstly, the method receives the first sound signal and the second sound signal. It then calculates the first level of a composite signal composed of the first sound signal and the adjusted second sound signal during a specific period. Additionally, it calculates the second level of the received second sound signal during the same period.
Next, the method receives a volume operation from the user and sets a reference level based on the first and second levels. It determines a target value of the sound volume based on the reference level and the level ratio of the first level to the second level. Finally, it gradually changes the reproduction volume of the content to be played to the target value over a specific period.
The method also includes the option to store past values of the first and second levels. The reference level can be set based on these past values, and the target value can be determined using both the reference level and the latest calculated first and second levels.
The patent also describes a headphone device that implements the volume control method. The headphone includes a microphone, a user interface for volume operations, and at least one processor that executes various tasks. These tasks include receiving the first and second sound signals, adjusting the sound volume, calculating the first and second levels, setting the reference level, determining the target value, and adjusting the reproduction volume gradually.
The headphone device may also have a storage device to store past values of the first and second levels. The reference level can be set based on these past values, and the target value can be determined using both the reference level and the latest calculated levels.
Overall, this patent presents a method and device for controlling the volume of headphones based on sound signals captured by a microphone. The method aims to provide a gradual and personalized adjustment of the reproduction volume to enhance the user's listening experience.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
