Adaptive Audio Volume Control for Environmental Noise Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices face challenges in adjusting audio volumes appropriately to avoid missing notifications while minimizing disturbance in varying environmental noise levels, as existing solutions do not effectively adapt to changing noise conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device method that outputs audio, detects environmental noise, compares it with a user-set volume, and gradually adjusts the audio volume from a lower target volume to a higher target volume at a controlled speed, using a processor connected to a microphone and audio output element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the audio volume is set to a high level to ensure notifications are audible in noisy environments, then the notification audibility is improved, but the disturbance to others in quiet settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic volume adjustment by continuously monitoring environmental noise levels through a microphone and automatically adapting the audio output volume accordingly. The system transitions from static volume settings to dynamic adaptation, allowing the volume to vary in real-time based on detected noise conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining audibility and minimizing disturbance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by using the microphone to detect environmental noise and feed this information back to the processor, which then adjusts the audio volume accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the volume remains appropriate for current conditions, balancing notification clarity with consideration for surrounding environment
2Ease of operation
If the audio volume is gradually adjusted from a lower target volume to a higher target volume at a controlled speed, then the listening comfort is improved, but the time required for volume adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic volume adjustment by increasing the volume in gradual steps rather than instantly, with each step separated by a time interval. This periodic adjustment approach allows the user's auditory system to adapt to volume changes comfortably while still achieving the target volume within a reasonable timeframe, balancing comfort with efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method ensures that audio notifications are audible in noisy environments and unobtrusive in quiet settings, allowing users to respond promptly while maintaining a comfortable listening experience.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone configured to detect a volume of environmental noise
Implementation Method 2
an audio output element configured to output an audio with a played volume
Data Source
AI summary
A volume of sound adjustment method includes the following steps: outputting an audio with a played volume; detecting a volume of environmental noise; comparing the volume of environmental noise with a setting volume, and setting the lower one as a first target volume and setting the higher one as a second target volume; and gradually adjusting the played volume from the first target volume to the second target volume at an adjusting speed. In addition, an electronic device for adjusting a volume and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium device are also disclosed.