Portable audio device providing automated control of audio volume parameters for hearing protection
First Claim
1. A method for dynamically changing a maximum allowed output volume of a portable media device, comprising:
- receiving an input of a hearing protection profile;
determining a maximum allowed output volume based on the hearing protection profile, wherein the hearing protection profile accounts for a hearing recovery period, the hearing recovery period being when an actual output volume of an audio output is less than the maximum allowed output volume for a time period;
receiving an input of a desired output volume of the audio output;
controlling the actual output volume of the audio output for the time period, wherein controlling comprises setting the actual output volume;
at the desired output volume when the desired output volume is less than the maximum allowed output volume, orat the maximum allowed output volume when the desired output volume is at or above the maximum allowed output volume; and
increasing the maximum allowed output volume based on the hearing recovery period accounted for by the hearing protection profile, without adjusting the actual output volume, in response to the desired output volume being less than the maximum allowed output volume during the time period.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method of operating a media player includes playing back audio media. During the step of playing back audio media, a maximum volume parameter is refined for the playing back of the media by the media player. The refining is based at least in part on the playing back of audio media during a time period prior to executing the maximum volume refining step. After a period of time, the maximum volume refining step is repeated. The refining is configured to prevent/minimize harm to hearing of the media player user based, for example, on the actual volume of media playback and time/duration profiles provided by occupational safety and/or other organizations.
269 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for dynamically changing a maximum allowed output volume of a portable media device, comprising:
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receiving an input of a hearing protection profile; determining a maximum allowed output volume based on the hearing protection profile, wherein the hearing protection profile accounts for a hearing recovery period, the hearing recovery period being when an actual output volume of an audio output is less than the maximum allowed output volume for a time period; receiving an input of a desired output volume of the audio output; controlling the actual output volume of the audio output for the time period, wherein controlling comprises setting the actual output volume; at the desired output volume when the desired output volume is less than the maximum allowed output volume, or at the maximum allowed output volume when the desired output volume is at or above the maximum allowed output volume; and increasing the maximum allowed output volume based on the hearing recovery period accounted for by the hearing protection profile, without adjusting the actual output volume, in response to the desired output volume being less than the maximum allowed output volume during the time period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A portable media device comprising:
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a memory storing a plurality of media files; and an audio output controller for controlling playback of the plurality of media files by an audio output, the audio output controller configured to; determine a maximum allowed output volume based on a hearing protection profile, wherein the hearing protection profile accounts for a hearing recovery period, the hearing recovery period being when an actual output volume of the audio output is less than the maximum allowed output volume for a time period, receive an input of a desired output volume of the audio output, control the actual output volume of the audio output for the time period, wherein controlling comprises setting the actual output volume; at the desired output volume when the desired output volume is less than the maximum allowed output volume, or at the maximum allowed output volume when the desired output volume is at or above the maximum allowed output volume, and increasing the maximum allowed output volume based on the hearing recovery period accounted for by the hearing protection profile, without adjusting the actual output volume, in response to the desired output volume being less than the maximum allowed output volume during the time period. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A cellular phone comprising:
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a memory; an ear speaker; a media playing component configured to play media files stored in the memory; a voice microphone; and an audio output controller coupled to the ear speaker and the memory and configured to; determine a cumulative effect of an actual output volume of the ear speaker on hearing during a time period before playing the media file; determine a maximum allowed output volume based on a hearing protection profile stored in the memory, an audio level, and a duration of the media file, wherein the hearing protection profile accounts for the cumulative effect and a hearing recovery period, the hearing recovery period being when the actual output volume of the ear speaker is less than the maximum allowed output volume while playing the media file; control the actual output volume of the ear speaker while playing the media file, wherein controlling comprises setting the actual output volume at or below the maximum allowed output volume; and increasing the maximum allowed output volume based on the hearing recovery period accounted for by the hearing protection profile, without adjusting the actual output volume, in response to the actual output volume being less than the maximum allowed output volume while playing the media file. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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Specification