Noise estimating system for use with audio reproduction equipment

An audio signal processing system for application to an audio transducer to produce an acoustic signal in a listening space, comprising:

• A. first memory means for storing a plurality of noise values at locations therein, each of said noise values being representative of the ambient noise associated with a corresponding set of conditions of said listening space, said set of conditions including at least one condition other than a sound level in said listening space;
• B. first address means for generating a first address signal in response to a current set of said conditions of said listening space so that said first address signal corresponds to a location of said first memory means storing the noise value associated with said current set of said conditions;
• C. noise signal means, responsive to said first address signal, for generating a noise signal, said noise signal corresponding to the noise value associated with said current set of conditions so that said noise signal is representative of the ambient noise level;
• and
• D. means for generating an acoustic signal in said listening space in response to said noise signal, a desired volume signal, and an audio signal wherein said means for generating an acoustic signal includes, volume control means for generating a volume control signal, including:
• i. second memory means for storing a plurality of volume control values at locations therein, each of said volume control values being representative of a value of said volume control signal associated with a set of values of said desired volume signal, and said noise signal;
• ii. second address means for generating a second address signal in response to a current set of values of said desired volume level, and said noise signal, so that said second address signal accesses a location of said second memory means storing the volume control value associated with said current set of values;
• and
• iii. volume control signal means, responsive to said second address signal, for generating said volume control signal, said volume control signal corresponding to the volume control value associated with said current set of values.