Ambient Audio Control During Incoming Calls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing call handling systems lack the ability to effectively manage ambient audio during incoming calls, failing to provide users with intuitive controls to adjust or prioritize ambient sounds from both their environment and the caller's environment.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows users to interact with user interfaces on their device to control ambient audio settings during incoming calls, enabling the selection, adjustment, or prioritization of ambient audio from both the caller's and the user's surroundings through touch commands, sliders, or predefined settings, which can affect the volume and presence of these audios until the call is accepted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional call handling interfaces are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the user cannot effectively control or prioritize ambient audio from different sources during incoming calls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient audio control capabilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio output channels by separating ambient audio from the caller into distinct controllable streams. The mixing matrix divides multiple audio sources (caller audio, user environment audio, media audio) into separate channels that can be independently routed and mixed, enabling granular control over ambient audio without overwhelming interface complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing matrix serves multiple functions: it routes audio signals, mixes different audio sources, applies spatial effects, and enables ambient audio prioritization all through a single unified component. This multi-functionality provides versatile ambient audio control while avoiding the need for multiple separate control systems

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

2Ease of operation

If ambient audio control features are added to provide intuitive controls for adjusting ambient sounds, then user control and satisfaction improve, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient audio adjustment easeVSAvoidaudio processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects and prioritizes ambient audio from the caller based on audio level analysis and user preferences stored in the database, without requiring manual intervention. The logic control unit autonomously adjusts mixing parameters and routes audio signals, providing ease of operation while keeping the interface simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors audio levels from microphones and adjusts the mixing matrix parameters in real-time based on detected ambient conditions and user preferences. This feedback loop enables automatic ambient audio prioritization that adapts to changing environments without requiring complex manual controls

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3582477B1Ambient sound adjustments during call handling
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3582477B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3582477B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3582477B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Apparatuses, methods and computer programs are described comprising: providing an incoming call indication in response to an incoming call, the incoming call indication including an initial ambient audio signal comprising a combination of first ambient audio and second ambient audio; receiving an ambient audio control command; and adjusting the initial ambient audio signal to generate an adjusted ambient audio signal depending on the ambient audio control command.