Audio Output Level Adjustment for Privacy and Natural Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices with audio input and output capabilities lack the ability to mimic human-like interactions, particularly in adjusting audio output levels to match the privacy settings and conversational tones of the user, leading to potential eavesdropping and inconsistent user experiences.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device that estimates the sound pressure level of incoming audio input and adjusts the audio output level to mimic the original sound pressure, taking into account factors like distance, ambient noise, and the number of people in the environment, to maintain privacy and enhance user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the audio output level is increased to ensure clear communication, then the user can hear the voice assistant better, but other people in the environment can eavesdrop on private conversations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio output levelVSAvoidprivacy violation through eavesdropping

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The audio output level is dynamically adjusted based on real-time environmental conditions (ambient noise levels, distance to user, number of detected people). The system continuously monitors these parameters and adapts the output volume accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic control to resolve the privacy contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors (microphones, cameras, proximity sensors) to gather feedback about the environment and user position, then processes this information to adjust the audio output level. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically balance audio clarity with privacy protection based on current conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the audio output level is decreased to maintain privacy, then eavesdropping is prevented, but the user may not hear the voice assistant clearly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidaudio output level

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a localized audio experience by directing sound primarily toward the user's position while minimizing omnidirectional propagation. Using directional speakers or bone conduction technology, the audio energy is concentrated in the user's direction, providing clear communication without compromising privacy in other directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If the voice assistant responds with high volume to ensure clarity, then the user can hear better, but it sounds unnatural and machine-like

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio output levelVSAvoidnaturalness of interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The voice assistant monitors the user's speaking volume and conversational patterns, then automatically adjusts its own response volume to match the user's level. This self-regulating behavior mimics natural human conversation where people instinctively match volumes, creating a more natural interaction without requiring manual volume control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the device uses multiple sensors to accurately estimate sound pressure level and adjust audio output, then privacy and naturalness are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidnumber of sensors and processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Existing sensors in the device (microphones for voice input, cameras for facial recognition, proximity sensors for call management) are repurposed to also estimate sound pressure levels and adjust audio output. By making these sensors multi-functional, the system achieves accurate environmental awareness without adding dedicated hardware, thus reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10713002B1Electronic devices and corresponding methods for adjusting audio output devices to mimic received audio input

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC

AI summary

A method in an electronic device includes receiving, with an audio input device, an audio input from one or more sources. The method includes determining, with one or more sensors operable with one or more processors, whether the audio input was received from a single source or a plurality of sources. Where the audio input is received from the single source, the method includes adjusting, with one or more processors, an audio output sound pressure level of an audio output device to a first audio output sound pressure level. Where the audio input is received from the plurality of sources, the method include adjusting, with the one or more processors, the audio output sound pressure level of the audio output device to a second audio output sound pressure level that is less than the first audio output sound pressure level.