Audio volume control for computer systems

• US 6,891,955 B1
• Filed: 07/29/1999
• Issued: 05/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Miles, Coe F., Bowden, Clifford S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Isen, Forester W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Swerdlow, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US09/363,788
• Time in Patent Office: 2,112 Days
• Field of Search: 381/104, 381/107, 381/109, 704/270, 704/272
• US Class Current: 381/104
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 11/00 Limiting amplitude; Limiting rate of change of amplitude ; Clipping in general
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 3/3005 in amplifiers suitable for low-frequencies, e.g. audio amplifiers H03G3/32, H03G3/34 take precedence

Abstract

A computer system includes an audio chip to generate audio signals at a target volume level to be emitted as audio output by speakers. Also included in the computer system may be a volume control routine to limit the overall volume level of the system. A maximum volume level may be set by a user through interacting with a software routine. The software routine may include password protection, requiring a user to enter a correct password in order to modify the maximum volume level. If the target volume level is above the maximum volume level, then the volume control routine may set the overall volume level of the system at the maximum volume level. Otherwise the volume control routine may set the overall volume level at the target volume level.

Claims

1. A method to limit an audio volume level for a computer system comprising:

without first changing the audio volume level to change a first maximum volume level, obtaining a predetermined value representing a second maximum volume level, the predetermined value being supplied by a user;

in response to the predetermined value and a password from the user, modifying the first maximum volume level to establish the second maximum volume level;

receiving a signal indicating a target volume level;

setting the audio volume level at the second maximum volume level if the target volume level is above the second maximum volume level; and

if the target volume is below the second maximum volume level, setting the audio volume level at the target volume level.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of obtaining a predetermined value comprises retrieving a value from non-volatile random access memory.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of obtaining a predetermined value comprises retrieving a value from a stored data file.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of receiving a signal comprises obtaining a signal from an audio chip, the signal indicating a target volume level.

9. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the program storage device comprises basic input-output system read only memory.

10. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the program storage device comprises a floppy disk.

5. A computer system comprising:

a processor;

an audio source coupled to the processor, the audio source adapted to generate audio signals;

a program storage device coupled to the processor; and

a routine stored on the program storage device, the routine adapted to cause the processor to;

without first changing an audio volume level of the audio source to change a first maximum volume level, obtain a value indicating a second maximum volume level, the value being supplied by a user;

in response to the predetermined value and a password from the user, modify the first maximum volume level to establish the second maximum volume level;

receive a signal indicating a target volume level; and

set an audio volume level of the audio source at the second maximum volume level if the target volume level is above the second maximum volume level, otherwise set the audio volume level at the target volume level.

6. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the audio source comprises a digital audio chip to drive a speaker.

7. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the audio source comprises a digital audio chip which generates audio signals to be amplified by an audio card in order to drive a speaker.

8. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the program storage device comprises non-volatile random access memory.