Abstract:
Systems and methods for monitoring temporal volume control. Such monitoring includes providing an electrical circuit having a power source, an amplifier, and a speaker. The volume control is deactivated or otherwise prevented from being adjusted at the speaker. A signal having a current is received at the amplifier. The amplifier modifies the signal. The modified signal includes a modified current that is measured to determine a volume level at the speakers. The measure value is compared to a predetermined volume that reflects the ambient sound level. If the volume level does not match the predetermined volume, the volume level is appropriately adjusted.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/822,525 filed Apr. 12, 2004, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACHIEVING TEMPORAL VOLUME CONTROL. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to monitoring sound volume. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring temporal volume control by preventing volume control at an individual audio output device of a sound system, modifying a signal by use of an amplifier, and measuring a signal value from the amplifier to determine the volume level at the audio output device.  
         [0004]     2. Background  
         [0005]     A sound production system is often implemented to convey information in a public setting. Particularly, a sound production system may be employed in a grocery or other retail store or shopping mall for advertising as well as general announcement purposes. Ambient noise in such a setting may muddle or render unintelligible and/or imperceptible the information thus conveyed. A customer&#39;s ability to effectively receive and process such information is thus dependent on the output level of the sound system relative to the level of ambient noise. Maintaining the sound system volume level a few decibels (dB) greater than the ambient noise level is thus paramount to effective communication of information to an intended audience.  
         [0006]     One of the most commonly used approaches for overcoming ambient noise is to provide means for manually adjusting the volume level produced by the sound production system. Manual volume control, however, is generally not preferred as a primary means of controlling sound system output as it requires substantial time and effort while failing to ensure accurate control. Indeed, manual volume control is inherently inaccurate as it relies on subjectively perceived variances in ambient noise levels as well as subjectively applied modifications to the volume level to compensate for such variances.  
         [0007]     Automatic means for dynamically varying an audio output level relative to an ambient noise level are also known. U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,257, for example, teaches an automatic sound volume control device for use in a device such as a radio or tape player used in a high ambient noise environment. Such systems, however, generally require complex circuitry to dynamically detect and adjust an audio output level relative to a constantly changing level of ambient noise. In addition, most such systems are integral to the sound production system itself and thus incapable of implementation after market.  
         [0008]     Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to provide a sound production system in a grocery or retail setting, challenges still exist. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]     The present invention relates to monitoring sound volume. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring temporal volume control by preventing volume control at individual audio output devices of a sound system, modifying a signal by use of an amplifier, and measuring a signal value from the amplifier to determine the volume level at the audio output devices.  
         [0010]     In at least some implementations, the systems and methods of the present invention embrace an apparatus for temporal volume control that predicts and compensates for variances in ambient noise levels over time. Specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention comprise means for manually or automatically obtaining and/or recording ambient noise values over time to create a temporal ambient noise map that may be used to predict future ambient noise values. According to one embodiment, an ambient noise monitoring device iteratively records an ambient noise value corresponding to a time value over, for example, a twenty-four hour period of time. The monitoring device may then average the ambient noise values obtained for select time values and correlate an average ambient noise value to each time value, thus creating a temporal ambient noise map.  
         [0011]     An audio output device may receive information from the temporal ambient noise map and use such information to maintain an audio volume level relatively greater than the average ambient noise values recorded on the map. In this manner, the audio output device may respond to predicted ambient noise levels such that information broadcast therefrom may be clearly perceived by an intended audience without unduly interfering with the audience&#39;s right to quiet enjoyment. In addition, implementations of the present invention allow for manual control of the audio output volume to compensate for unanticipated inconsistencies between a predicted and actual ambient noise level.  
         [0012]     Implementation of the present invention further allows for monitoring the temporal volume control. Such monitoring includes providing an electrical circuit having a power source, an amplifier, and a speaker. The volume control is prevented from being adjusted at the speaker. A signal having a current is received at the amplifier, which modifies the signal. The modified signal includes a modified current that is measured to determine a volume level at the speakers.  
         [0013]     While the methods and processes of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of sound production systems located in a grocery or retail setting, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the methods and processes can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of settings or system configurations to yield a monitoring of temporal volume control.  
         [0014]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a representative system that provides a suitable operating environment for use of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an apparatus capable of achieving temporal volume control in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a diagram comparing a temporal ambient noise map with audio output volume level in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart detailing a method of achieving temporal volume control in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention; and  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart detailing a representative method for monitoring temporal volume control in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]     The present invention relates to monitoring sound volume. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring temporal volume control by preventing volume control at individual speakers of a sound system, modifying a signal by use of an amplifier, and measuring a signal value from the amplifier to determine the volume level at the speakers.  
         [0022]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.  
         [0023]     As used in this specification, the term “temporal volume control” refers to controlled variations in an audio output volume level over time. The term “ambient noise” refers to any sound or combination of sounds that interferes with the perceived clarity of sound produced by an audio output device in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  and the corresponding discussion are intended to provide a general description of a suitable operating environment in which the invention may be implemented. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced by one or more computing devices and in a variety of system configurations, including in a networked configuration.  
         [0025]     Embodiments of the present invention embrace one or more computer readable media, wherein each medium may be configured to include or includes thereon data or computer executable instructions for manipulating data. The computer executable instructions include data structures, objects, programs, routines, or other program modules that may be accessed by a processing system, such as one associated with a general-purpose computer capable of performing various different functions or one associated with a special-purpose computer capable of performing a limited number of functions. Computer executable instructions cause the processing system to perform a particular function or group of functions and are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, a particular sequence of the executable instructions provides an example of corresponding acts that may be used to implement such steps. Examples of computer readable media include random-access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), programmable read-only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM”), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (“EEPROM”), compact disk read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), or any other device or component that is capable of providing data or executable instructions that may be accessed by a processing system.  
         [0026]     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a representative system for implementing the invention includes computer device  10 , which may be a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. For example, computer device  10  may be a personal computer, a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”) or other hand-held device, a workstation, a minicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, a multi-processor system, a network computer, a processor-based consumer electronic device, or the like.  
         [0027]     Computer device  10  includes system bus  12 , which may be configured to connect various components thereof and enables data to be exchanged between two or more components. System bus  12  may include one of a variety of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus that uses any of a variety of bus architectures. Typical components connected by system bus  12  include processing system  14  and memory  16 . Other components may include one or more mass storage device interfaces  18 , input interfaces  20 , output interfaces  22 , and/or network interfaces  24 , each of which will be discussed below.  
         [0028]     Processing system  14  includes one or more processors, such as a central processor and optionally one or more other processors designed to perform a particular function or task. It is typically processing system  14  that executes the instructions provided on computer readable media, such as on memory  16 , a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or from a communication connection, which may also be viewed as a computer readable medium.  
         [0029]     Memory  16  includes one or more computer readable media that may be configured to include or includes thereon data or instructions for manipulating data, and may be accessed by processing system  14  through system bus  12 . Memory  16  may include, for example, ROM  28 , used to permanently store information, and/or RAM  30 , used to temporarily store information. ROM  28  may include a basic input/output system (“BIOS”) having one or more routines that are used to establish communication, such as during start-up of computer device  10 . RAM  30  may include one or more program modules, such as one or more operating systems, application programs, and/or program data.  
         [0030]     One or more mass storage device interfaces  18  may be used to connect one or more mass storage devices  26  to system bus  12 . The mass storage devices  26  may be incorporated into or may be peripheral to computer device  10  and allow computer device  10  to retain large amounts of data. Optionally, one or more of the mass storage devices  26  may be removable from computer device  10 . Examples of mass storage devices include hard disk drives, magnetic disk drives, tape drives and optical disk drives. A mass storage device  26  may read from and/or write to a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a magnetic cassette, an optical disk, or another computer readable medium. Mass storage devices  26  and their corresponding computer readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data and/or executable instructions that may include one or more program modules such as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, or program data. Such executable instructions are examples of program code means for implementing steps for methods disclosed herein.  
         [0031]     One or more input interfaces  20  may be employed to enable a user to enter data and/or instructions to computer device  10  through one or more corresponding input devices  32 . Examples of such input devices include a keyboard and alternate input devices, such as a mouse, trackball, light pen, stylus, or other pointing device, a microphone, a joystick, a game pad, a satellite dish, a scanner, a camcorder, a digital camera, and the like. Similarly, examples of input interfaces  20  that may be used to connect the input devices  32  to the system bus  12  include a serial port, a parallel port, a game port, a universal serial bus (“USB”), a firewire (IEEE 1394), or another interface.  
         [0032]     One or more output interfaces  22  may be employed to connect one or more corresponding output devices  34  to system bus  12 . Examples of output devices include a monitor or display screen, a speaker, a printer, and the like. A particular output device  34  may be integrated with or peripheral to computer device  10 . Examples of output interfaces include a video adapter, an audio adapter, a parallel port, and the like.  
         [0033]     One or more network interfaces  24  enable computer device  10  to exchange information with one or more other local or remote computer devices, illustrated as computer devices  36 , via a network  38  that may include hardwired and/or wireless links. Examples of network interfaces include a network adapter for connection to a local area network (“LAN”) or a modem, wireless link, or other adapter for connection to a wide area network (“WAN”), such as the Internet. The network interface  24  may be incorporated with or peripheral to computer device  10 . In a networked system, accessible program modules or portions thereof may be stored in a remote memory storage device. Furthermore, in a networked system computer device  10  may participate in a distributed computing environment, where functions or tasks are performed by a plurality of networked computer devices.  
         [0034]     An apparatus for achieving temporal volume control in accordance with the present invention may comprise an audio output component  130  for producing an audio output volume level  132  greater than a predicted level of ambient noise. A level of ambient noise may be predicted based on ambient noise values obtained and/or recorded over time. Such ambient noise values may be obtained and/or recorded by any means known to those in the art, including but not limited to manually recording values based on subjectively perceived levels of ambient noise. Alternatively, certain embodiments of the present invention may comprise a monitoring component  110  capable of objectively obtaining and recording ambient noise values.  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the monitoring component  110  and audio output component  130  may be integral with or independent of one another. For example, as discussed above with reference to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring component  110  and audio output component  130  may each be implemented in a single computer device  10 , or at least one component  110  and  130  may reside separately on one or more peripheral computer devices  10  capable of hardwired or remote communication with the primary computer device  10 .  
         [0036]     A monitoring component  110  may comprise a microphone  126  or other input device  32  known to those in the art capable of detecting and/or transmitting ambient noise levels  112 . Such ambient noise levels  112  may be recorded by a memory element  128  integral to or independent of the monitoring component  110 . A memory element  128  may comprise, for example, computer readable media or any other means of recording ambient noise levels  112  known to those in the art. Preferably, a memory element  128  in accordance with the present invention is capable of recording ambient noise levels  112  over time.  
         [0037]     A processing element  134  integral to or independent of the monitoring component  110  and/or the audio output component  130  may then process the ambient noise levels  112 . A processing element  134  may assign an ambient noise value  116  and a time value  118  to ambient noise values  112  over a specific time period  120 . A time period  120  may comprise, for example, twenty-four hours. Ambient noise values  116  corresponding to a specific time value  118  for more than one time period  120  may then be averaged to obtain an average ambient noise value  122  corresponding to each time value  118 . A temporal noise map  124  may then correlate average ambient noise values  122  with specific time values  118  over a time period  120 .  
         [0038]     The processed information thus derived, and particularly the temporal noise map  124 , may be then transmitted to and received by an audio output component  130 . An audio output component  130  in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention may comprise a loudspeaker or other sound production system or output device  34  known to those in the art capable of communicating with the processing element  134  and receiving the temporal ambient noise map  124 .  
         [0039]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the audio output component  130  may adjust an audio output volume level  132  to substantially mirror the temporal ambient noise map  124 . Preferably, the audio output component  130  maintains the audio output volume level  132  at a level discernibly greater than any particular average ambient noise value  122  corresponding to a repeatable time value  118  such that the audio output produced at a present such time value  118  may be perceived intelligibly above a predicted level of ambient noise  112 . According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the ratio of audio output volume levels  132  to predicted ambient noise values  122  is constant. Alternatively, an audio output volume level  132  may be maintained a constant number of decibels greater than the predicted ambient noise values  122 . In either case, the result is to render the audio output perceptible and intelligible over predicted variances in ambient noise levels  112 . The difference between the predicted level of ambient noise  122  and an audio output volume level  132  obtained in accordance with the present invention may be referred to as an amplitude variance constant  140 .  
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a method for achieving temporal volume control in accordance with the present invention may comprise first monitoring levels of ambient noise in a specific location over time  150 . A next step may comprise correlating ambient noise values with specific repeatable time values over a specified time period  152 . A plurality of ambient noise levels may then be averaged to create a temporal ambient noise map  154 . Specifically, a plurality of ambient noise levels corresponding to each repeatable time value may be averaged and recorded such that a temporal ambient noise map thus created reflects a predicted ambient noise level per time value  156 .  
         [0041]     Next, a method in accordance with the present invention may comprise communicating information corresponding to the temporal ambient noise map to an audio output device  158  such that the audio output device may produce an audio output volume level substantially corresponding to the temporal ambient noise map  160 . In this manner, an audio output volume level may be selectively varied to overcome predicted fluctuations in a level of ambient noise over time. More particularly, the audio output volume level may be maintained at a level greater than the predicted ambient noise level such that the audio output may be intelligibly perceived by the public  162 . The audio output volume level thus produced may be optionally disabled, enhanced, or reduced by providing a manual volume override mechanism  164 .  
         [0042]     As provided herein, embodiments of the present invention further allow for monitoring the temporal volume control. Such monitoring includes providing an electrical circuit having a power source, an amplifier, and an audio output device (e.g., a speaker). The volume control is prevented from being adjusted at the speaker. A signal having a current is received at the amplifier, which modifies the signal. The modified signal includes a modified current that is measured to determine a volume level at the speaker.  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a representative method is provided for monitoring temporal volume control in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 5 , an electrical sound system is provided at step  170 . The electrical sound system includes an electrical circuit having a power source, an amplifier, and one or more speakers or other audio output devices. At step  172 , the volume control is prevented from being adjusted at the individual audio output devices. In one embodiment, the prevention takes place by removing the control knobs at each speaker to prevent volume control at the individual speaker. At step  174 , a modified signal value is measured. For example, a signal is modified by an amplifier of the electrical circuit. The modified signal is measured at step  174 . At step  176 , the measurement of the modified signal determines the volume level at the audio output devices.  
         [0044]     In one embodiment, the determination of volume level at step  176  is made by comparing the measured value to a value on a lookup table. As a result, the user is able to adjust the volume of the system to the appropriate volume level according to utilization of the lookup table.  
         [0045]     In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more of these steps identified in  FIG. 5  are performed by a computer device. Accordingly, the volume level of the overall sound system is automatically kept at an appropriate output or volume. This is particularly important in some locations where ambient noise varies depending on the time of day. Accordingly, at peak hours of a retail location, for example, volume control is raised to be higher than the ambient noise of the retail location. And, during a non-peak time for the retail location the volume level is lowered such that it is just above the ambient noise level at the retail location. Thus, as discussed herein, embodiments of the present invention embrace monitoring sound volume. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for monitoring temporal volume control by preventing volume control at an individual audio output device of a sound system, modifying a signal by use of an amplifier, and measuring a signal value from the amplifier to determine the volume level at the audio output device.  
         [0046]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the forgoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.