2D Grid Volume Control for Mobile Media Players

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile devices require inconvenient human intervention for volume adjustments, limiting users' ability to accurately and conveniently control audio output settings, which can lead to an unsatisfactory user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that generate a 2D grid on the device's display for volume adjustment, allowing users to interactively adjust the volume level through user actions such as dragging on the grid, enabling precise control and accommodating a wider range of volume values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional volume control interfaces (volume bar or volume button) are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited volume adjustment precision and user convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume adjustment convenienceVSAvoidcontrol interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the conventional one-dimensional volume bar into a two-dimensional grid interface. Users can adjust volume by performing gestures (e.g., vertical swipes) on the 2D grid, where the vertical dimension represents volume level and the horizontal dimension provides additional control flexibility. This dimensional expansion enables more precise volume control while maintaining intuitive interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The volume control interface transitions from static buttons or bars to a dynamic 2D grid that responds to user gestures. The grid can be activated on-demand during media playback, and users can perform various dynamic gestures (swipe up/down, tap, hold) to adjust volume. This dynamic behavior enhances operational convenience without permanently complicating the interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If preset volume control settings are used, then the device complexity remains low, but the adaptability deteriorates because users cannot achieve all volume levels within the volume range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume level coverageVSAvoidvolume control settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous volume parameter adjustment across the entire 0-100% range through 2D grid interactions. Unlike preset settings that offer discrete volume levels, the 2D grid allows users to achieve any volume level by performing gestures of varying intensity and direction. The system maps gesture characteristics (distance, speed, position) to continuous volume values, providing full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The 2D grid interface serves multiple functions: it acts as a volume indicator, a control region for adjustment, and a gesture recognition zone. This multi-functional design allows the same interface element to provide both information display and precise control, enhancing adaptability without adding separate controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual volume adjustment is required, then the control precision may be sufficient, but the productivity deteriorates due to the time and effort needed for volume changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume adjustment speedVSAvoidvolume level precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical volume button pressing or slider dragging with gesture-based control on the 2D grid. Users can adjust volume by swiping their finger across the grid, which is faster and more intuitive than traditional methods. The gesture recognition system translates natural hand movements into precise volume changes, improving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The 2D grid provides visual feedback during gesture execution, showing the current volume level and anticipated change. As users perform gestures on the grid, the interface displays real-time volume indicators, allowing users to see the effect of their actions before finalizing the adjustment. This feedback mechanism ensures precision while maintaining fast adjustment speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20220222033A1Customized volume control in small screen media players
Publication Date: 2022.07.14 ADEIA GUIDES INC
  • US20220222033A1 patent drawing
  • US20220222033A1 patent drawing
  • US20220222033A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure is generally directed to media systems configured to receive and play live media content. In particular, methods and systems are provided herein for effectively controlling and adjusting the volume level of an audio component of a media asset by utilizing user actions.Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling the volume level of a device by initiating volume control and using user actions for accurate and user-friendly volume adjustment on mobile devices. As a result, through the implementation of embodiments disclosed herein, users will be able to enjoy a more convenient, more immersive, and richer viewing and/or listening experience.