Adaptive Ringtone Adjustment for Noisy Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in effectively modifying output notifications to ensure they are heard or noticed in various environmental conditions, such as high ambient noise or when enclosed in containers, which can obscure or mask standard ringtone sounds.
Innovation Solution
The method involves emitting a first sound and comparing its characteristics with the received second sound, incorporating data from sensors like holster, ambient light, and paired device sensors to modify output parameters, such as ringtone frequency or amplitude, to enhance notification visibility and audibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard ringtone output is used, then the device structure remains simple, but notifications cannot be effectively heard in noisy environments or when enclosed in containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of notification parameters (volume, frequency, waveform) based on real-time environmental conditions detected by sensors. The system transitions from static standard ringtone to adaptive notification output that automatically modifies characteristics according to ambient noise levels and enclosure detection, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and ensuring reliable notification delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple output parameters including volume level, frequency spectrum, and waveform type based on environmental feedback. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than using a fixed ringtone, the patent achieves reliable notification effectiveness across varying conditions without adding complex hardware structures.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors and processing mechanisms are added to detect environmental conditions, then notification effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional sensors already present in modern devices (accelerometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors, ambient light sensors) for notification optimization. By making these existing sensors serve the additional function of environmental assessment for ringtone adjustment, the system avoids adding dedicated hardware while achieving improved notification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own existing sensor suite to assess its environmental context and automatically adjust notification parameters. Rather than requiring external or dedicated sensing systems, the device serves itself by repurposing its existing sensor capabilities for notification optimization, minimizing additional complexity.
3Reliability
If the device emits higher volume or different frequency sounds to overcome ambient noise, then notification audibility improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts notification output parameters including volume and frequency based on real-time environmental assessment. Rather than continuously operating at high energy levels, the notification system adapts its energy consumption to match the actual environmental conditions, using higher output only when and where necessary to overcome ambient noise or enclosure effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes notification parameters (volume, frequency, duration) based on environmental conditions to optimize energy efficiency. By selecting appropriate parameter combinations for specific situations rather than using maximum output continuously, the system achieves reliable audibility while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
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 approach ensures that notifications are more effectively communicated to the user, even in noisy environments or when the device is enclosed, by adapting the output parameters based on environmental conditions, thereby improving user awareness of incoming communications.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor configured to emit a first sound and to receive a second sound based on the first sound
Implementation Method 2
a processor configured to compare at least one characteristic of the first sound to at least one corresponding characteristic of the second sound
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for executing a method for modifying an output parameter of an electronic device. The method and apparatus emits a first sound. The method and apparatus are further receive a second sound at the electronic device, the second sound based at least in part on the first sound. The processor of the electronic device compares at least one characteristic of the first sound to at least one corresponding characteristic of the second sound. The processor further receives output data from at least one sensor and modifies an output parameter of the electronic device in response to the comparison of the first sound and the second sound and the output data from the at least one sensor.