Remote control and method for automatically adjusting the volume output of an audio device

TECHNICAL FIELD

p-0002The present disclosure relates generally to embodiments of a method and a remote control for automatically adjusting the volume of a television or other audio device.

BACKGROUND

p-0003There are many scenarios under which a user may be required to adjust the volume output of a television to ensure that the sound level at the user's location is loud enough to be audible to the user, while not being excessively loud so as to provide an unpleasant listening experience. For example, the average and maximum volume levels may vary significantly from television channel to television channel, as set by the cable distributor. The average and maximum volume levels of a particular television channel can also fluctuate significantly with changes in programming; e.g., the volume output of a television may increase above a comfortable listening level during commercial programming that has an increased average volume relative to the primary programming. As a further example, the user's location relative to the sound's origin may vary; e.g., the distance between the user and the television may vary as the user changes seating position or otherwise moves within a room. As a still further example, the level of ambient noise produced by sources other than the television may vary significantly depending upon, for example, the time of day.

p-0004In each of the above scenarios, a user is typically required to adjust the volume output of the television to maintain the volume within a desired range and to compensate for changes in listening conditions. Thus, while the burden is significantly lessened through the use of a remote control, a burden is still placed on the user to continually adjust the volume output of the television to maintain the volume within a desired listening range. Although certain freestanding devices have been developed to further ease this burden by preventing the volume output of a television from increasing above a predetermined maximum decibel level (e.g., 30 decibels), such devices are relatively costly, occupy additional space, and require additional interconnections between freestanding components.

p-0005There thus exists an ongoing need to provide embodiments of a remote control and a method for automatically adjusting the volume output of a television (or other audio device) to compensate for variations in listening conditions. Preferably, embodiments of such a remote control would maintain the television volume, as detected by the remote control, within a desired range. Ideally, embodiments of such a remote control would be relatively inexpensive to implement, would utilize a minimal number of components (e.g., a single microphone), and would function independently of other electronic devices. These and other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent Detailed Description and the appended Claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings and the foregoing Background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

p-0006Embodiments of a remote control are provided for automatically adjusting the volume output of an audio device, such as a television. In one embodiment, the remote control includes a wireless transmitter configured to transmit command signals to the audio device, a microphone configured to monitor sound levels external to the remote control, a memory storing a first threshold, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) determine a signal-to-noise ratio as a function of the sound levels detected by the microphone, and (ii) transmit via the wireless transmitter a first command to adjust the volume output of the audio device if the signal-to-noise ratio passes the first threshold.

p-0007Embodiments of a method are further provided for automatically adjusting the volume output of an audio device. The method is executable by a controller in a remote control. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of storing a first threshold in a memory, monitoring sound levels external to the remote control utilizing a single microphone, determining in the controller a signal-to-noise ratio as a function of the sound levels detected by the microphone, and transmitting via a wireless transmitter a first command to adjust the volume output of the audio device if the signal-to-noise ratio passes than the first threshold.

p-0008Various other embodiments, aspects and other features are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

p-0009Exemplary embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following Drawing Figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:

p-0010<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an isometric view of a remote control suitable for controlling the volume output of an audio device, such as a television, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

p-0011<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a number of components that may be included within the exemplary remote control shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>; and

p-0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process that may be performed by the remote control shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> to automatically transmit volume command signals such that the volume output of the audio device is maintained within a desired range.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

p-0013The following Detailed Description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding Background or the following Detailed Description. As appearing herein, the phrase “volume output of an audio device” and similar phrases are utilized to generally describe the loudness of sound produced in accordance with audio signals generated by an audio device and perceived at the sound's origin, which will typically be one or more loudspeakers included within the audio device or otherwise connected to the audio device. Similarly, the phrase “perceived volume of the audio device” and similar phrases are utilized to denote the perceived loudness of sound at a hypothetical user's or listener's location. It will be understood that the term “volume” is a subjective description of perceived loudness conventionally utilized in the field of consumer electronics and is distinct from, although related to, objective measurements of sound pressure, such as decibel level and sound intensity.

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an isometric view of a remote control <b>10</b> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram illustrating a number of components that may be included within exemplary remote control <b>10</b>. As indicated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> at <b>12</b>, remote control <b>10</b> is configured to send wireless command signals to an audio device <b>14</b>. Audio device <b>14</b> is any electrical device that generates an audio output signal, which may then be applied to one or more loudspeakers to generate sound. As indicated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, audio device <b>14</b> preferably assumes the form of a television set. However, audio device <b>14</b> may also assume various other forms including, but not limited to, that of a set-top box, a dedicated media playback device (e.g., a digital versatile disc player), a radio receiver, a stereo system, and the like. The loudspeakers to which the audio output signals of audio device <b>14</b> are applied may be integrated into audio device <b>14</b> or may be independent of audio device <b>14</b> and connected thereto utilizing a coaxial cable, speaker wire, or other conventional connector cable.

p-0015In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, remote control <b>10</b> includes a housing <b>15</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>) containing a controller <b>16</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), a battery <b>18</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), a memory <b>20</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), a user interface <b>22</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>), a wireless transmitter <b>24</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>), and a single microphone <b>26</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>). First, second, third, and fourth inputs of controller <b>16</b> are operatively coupled to battery <b>18</b>, to memory <b>20</b>, to user interface <b>22</b>, and to microphone <b>26</b>, respectively; and first and second outputs of controller <b>16</b> are operatively coupled to memory <b>20</b> and to wireless transmitter <b>24</b>, respectively. Controller <b>16</b> may include any suitable number of individual microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, programmed arrays, and other standard components known in the art. In addition, controller <b>16</b> may perform or cooperate with any number of programs or instructions designed to carry out embodiments of the automatic volume adjustment process described below in conjunction with <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. In a similar regard, memory <b>20</b> may include any number of digital storage elements capable storing digital information required to execute embodiments of the automatic volume adjustment process. Although illustrated as an independent component in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, memory <b>20</b> may be included within controller <b>16</b> in certain embodiments.

p-0016User interface <b>22</b> may comprise any input device or devices suitable for receiving user input data of the type described below. As indicated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, user interface <b>22</b> preferably assumes the form of a keypad having an array of buttons dedicated to various command functions traditionally performed by a wireless remote control. This notwithstanding, user interface <b>22</b> may include various other types of user input devices in addition to, or in lieu of a keypad, including various dials, slides, switches, and the like. User interface <b>22</b> conveniently includes independent volume up and volume down inputs, which may comprise dedicated volume up and volume down buttons, respectively, when user interface <b>22</b> assumes the form of a keypad. During operation of remote control <b>10</b>, controller <b>16</b> monitors the volume up input and the volume down input for actuation by a user. When determining that either the volume up input or the volume down input has been actuated (e.g., depressed), controller <b>16</b> causes wireless transmitter <b>24</b> to transmit a corresponding command signal to audio device <b>14</b> and, more specifically, to a compatible wireless receiver <b>28</b> included within or otherwise associated with audio device <b>14</b>. Control circuitry within audio device <b>14</b> then increases or decreases the volume output of audio device <b>14</b> in accordance with the received command signal. Wireless transmitter <b>24</b> is any device suitable for sending wireless command signals to wireless receiver <b>28</b> in this regard. In many embodiments, wireless transmitter <b>24</b> includes at least one infrared emitter configured to transmit infrared (IR) command signals to wireless receiver <b>28</b>; however, wireless transmitter <b>24</b> may be configured to transmit any suitable type of wireless command signal to wireless receiver <b>28</b> including radio frequency (e.g., ultra-high frequency) command signals.

p-0017Microphone <b>26</b> is any transducer capable of converting sound waves received at remote control <b>10</b> to electrical signals that may then be applied to controller <b>16</b> and, more specifically, to an analog-to-digital converter operatively coupled to or included within controller <b>16</b> as illustrated generically in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> at <b>29</b>. Microphone <b>26</b> is preferably omni-directional. Furthermore, and as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, microphone <b>26</b> is preferably mounted through the leading sidewall of housing <b>15</b> adjacent wireless transmitter <b>24</b>. During use of remote control <b>10</b>, a user typically positions remote control <b>10</b> such that wireless transmitter <b>24</b> is pointed toward audio device <b>14</b>; thus, by mounting microphone <b>26</b> through the leading sidewall of housing <b>15</b> adjacent wireless transmitter <b>24</b>, microphone <b>26</b> will typically be directed toward audio device <b>14</b> and can consequently better register sounds produced by the loudspeaker or loudspeakers associated with audio device <b>14</b>. In addition, when mounted through the leading sidewall of housing <b>15</b> in this manner, microphone <b>26</b> is less likely to be covered by a user's hand or by another surface during usage.

p-0018As described more fully below in conjunction with <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, controller <b>16</b> is configured to implement an automatic volume adjustment process in accordance with data received from microphone <b>26</b> to maintain the volume output of audio device <b>14</b> within a desired range. Notably, remote control <b>10</b> will typically be in the vicinity of the user; thus, the sound level detected by microphone <b>26</b> will typically correspond to the sound level at or near the user's location. By repeatedly performing the exemplary process described below, controller <b>16</b> may automatically cause wireless transmitter <b>24</b> to emit VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN command signals, as appropriate, to adjust volume output of audio device <b>14</b> based upon variations in listening conditions, such as changes in the loudness of television programming and in ambient noise levels. In addition, by repeatedly performing the exemplary process described below, controller <b>16</b> can also dynamically adjust the volume output of audio device <b>14</b> in relation to a user's movement; e.g., controller <b>16</b> may send commands signals to audio device <b>14</b> to increase its volume output as a user moves away from device <b>14</b>.

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process <b>30</b> that may be performed by controller <b>16</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) to maintain the volume of audio device <b>14</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), as detected by microphone <b>26</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), within a desired range. Referring collectively to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, after initialization of process <b>30</b>, controller <b>16</b> calculates a signal-to-noise ratio utilizing the sound levels detected by microphone <b>26</b> over a given time period. The time period can have a predetermined duration (e.g., three seconds) and, therefore, may be held constant for each iteration of process <b>30</b>. Alternatively, duration of the time period can vary between different iterations of process <b>30</b> based upon, for example, the amount of time required to detect a certain number of sound wave peaks exceeding a predetermined threshold stored in memory <b>20</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). For example, and as indicated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> at STEP <b>32</b>, controller <b>16</b> may first find the average maximum volume level by determining the average value of two more or more successive wave peaks measured during the given time period. Controller <b>16</b> may then utilize the average maximum volume level as the device signal level in subsequent calculations described below.

p-0020After finding the maximum volume level (STEP <b>32</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), controller <b>16</b> next controller <b>16</b> finds the average minimum volume level (STEP <b>34</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). The average minimum volume level will generally correspond to brief period of time over which audio device <b>14</b> produces little to no sound; for this reason, the average minimum volume level is identified in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> and referred to herein as the “silence level.” In a preferred embodiment, controller <b>16</b> determines the silence level by establishing the average value of two or more successive wave trough measurements detected during the time period. Utilizing the device silence level as the ambient noise level, controller <b>16</b> may then calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (“S/N ratio”), which controller <b>16</b> can then utilize to determine whether to generate VOLUME UP or VOLUME DOWN command signals as described more fully below.

p-0021Continuing with exemplary process <b>30</b> illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, controller <b>16</b> next determines if the current S/N ratio is greater than an upper moving threshold stored in memory <b>20</b> (STEP <b>36</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). If controller <b>16</b> determines that the current S/N ratio is greater than the upper moving threshold, controller <b>16</b> causes transmitter <b>24</b> to transmit a VOLUME DOWN command to decrease the audio output of audio device <b>14</b> (STEP <b>38</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). In this manner, controller <b>16</b> prevents the volume of level of audio device <b>14</b>, as detected by microphone <b>26</b>, from increasing above the upper moving threshold. After transmitting a VOLUME DOWN command (STEP <b>38</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), controller <b>16</b> advances to STEP <b>44</b> of process <b>30</b>. However, if during STEP <b>38</b> controller <b>16</b> instead determines that the current S/N ratio is less than or equal to the upper moving threshold, controller <b>16</b> advances to STEP <b>40</b> of process <b>30</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) and determines if the S/N ratio is less than a lower moving threshold stored in memory <b>20</b>. If, during STEP <b>40</b>, controller <b>16</b> determines that the current S/N ratio is greater than or equal to the lower moving threshold, controller <b>16</b> advances directly to STEP <b>44</b> as described below. However, if controller <b>16</b> instead determines the current S/N ratio is less than the lower moving threshold, controller <b>16</b> causes wireless transmitter <b>24</b> to emit a VOLUME UP command (STEP <b>42</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) before continuing to STEP <b>44</b> of process <b>30</b>. In so doing, controller <b>16</b> effectively prevents the volume level of audio device <b>14</b>, as detected by microphone <b>26</b>, from decreasing below the lower moving threshold.

p-0022During STEP <b>44</b> of process <b>30</b>, controller <b>16</b> determines if the volume down input included within user interface <b>22</b> has been actuated by a user; e.g., if the volume down input assumes the form of a dedicated button, controller <b>16</b> determines if the volume down button has been depressed. If determining that the volume down input has been actuated, controller <b>16</b> advances to STEP <b>46</b> of process <b>30</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) and causes wireless transmitter <b>24</b> to transmit a VOLUME DOWN command to audio device <b>14</b>. In addition, controller <b>16</b> decreases the upper moving threshold and the lower moving threshold stored in memory <b>20</b>; e.g., controller <b>16</b> recalls the upper and lower moving thresholds from memory <b>20</b>, determines the new values for the upper and lower moving thresholds, and then rewrites new values of the upper and lower moving thresholds into memory <b>20</b>. By automatically decreasing the upper and lower moving thresholds when a user actuates the volume down input, controller <b>16</b> enables a user to continually adjust the upper and lower moving thresholds in an intuitive manner to include a volume range preferred by the user under the present listening conditions. After decreasing the upper moving threshold and the lower moving threshold, controller <b>16</b> advances to STEP <b>50</b> of process <b>30</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>).

p-0023If determining that the volume down input has not been actuated during STEP <b>44</b>, controller <b>16</b> next determines whether the volume up input has been actuated (STEP <b>48</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>); e.g., as a more specific example, if the volume up input assumes the form of a button, controller <b>16</b> determines whether the volume up button has been depressed during STEP <b>48</b>. If controller <b>16</b> determines that the volume up input has been actuated, controller <b>16</b> advances to STEP <b>50</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) and causes wireless transmitter <b>24</b> to transmit a VOLUME UP command to increase the volume output of audio device <b>14</b>. In addition, controller <b>16</b> increases the upper moving threshold and the lower moving threshold stored in memory <b>20</b> (STEP <b>50</b>, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). Again, by automatically adjusting the upper and lower thresholds in relation to the actuation of the volume up and volume down inputs, controller <b>16</b> enables a user to adjust the upper and lower moving thresholds in an intuitive manner to a volume range preferred under the present listening conditions. Controller <b>16</b> then advances to STEP <b>52</b> and pauses for a predetermined time period (e.g., two or three seconds) before returning to STEP <b>32</b> and repeating the above-described automatic volume adjustment process. By pausing for a predetermined time period during STEP <b>52</b>, controller <b>16</b> decreases the overall power requirements of remote control <b>10</b> and thus helps to prolong the life of battery <b>18</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>).

p-0024The foregoing has thus provided an exemplary embodiment of a remote control and method for automatically adjusting the volume of an audio device, such as a television, to maintain the volume of the audio device within a desired range. More specifically, above-described exemplary the remote control automatically transmits VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN commands to an audio device in relation to variations in the volume output of the audio device and ambient noise levels, as detected by a single microphone included within the remote control. Furthermore, when carried on a user's person, the above-described remote control automatically transmits command signals to the audio device to increase or decrease the volume of the audio device dynamically in relation to the user's movement relative to the audio device.

p-0025As utilized herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. While the foregoing Detailed Description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing various embodiments of the invention, it should be appreciated that the particular embodiments described above are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. To the contrary, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described without departing from the scope of the invention.