Audio Signal Prioritization in Split-Screen Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices struggle to effectively manage and output multiple audio signals from different applications simultaneously on split screens, leading to poor user experience due to volume control limitations and audio signal prioritization.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a processor and memory configuration that allows for the identification and mixing of audio signals from multiple applications, adjusting volumes based on user input and application priorities to output combined audio signals through a single speaker, enhancing user experience by prioritizing main window audio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio signals from different applications are output simultaneously through a single speaker, then the ability to handle multiple applications concurrently is improved, but volume control complexity and audio signal prioritization become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments audio output control by associating each application window with a specific audio channel or volume level. The display screen is divided into multiple regions (main window, sub windows), and each region's audio output is independently controlled. This allows simultaneous output of multiple audio signals with distinct volume controls, resolving the contradiction between handling multiple applications and maintaining simple volume control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different volume levels and audio priorities are assigned to different spatial regions of the display. The main window receives higher priority and can be assigned a different volume level compared to sub windows. This local differentiation of audio quality allows multiple applications to run concurrently while maintaining intuitive volume control based on window importance.
2Productivity
If audio signals from multiple applications are mixed and output through a single speaker, then concurrent application execution is improved, but audio signal prioritization and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily establishes audio priority levels and channel assignments based on window hierarchy before audio output begins. The main window is pre-configured with higher audio priority, and sub windows are assigned lower priorities. When multiple applications execute concurrently, this pre-established hierarchy ensures proper audio signal prioritization without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Device complexity
If a single speaker outputs audio from multiple applications, then device simplicity is maintained, but audio management capability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single speaker is made multi-functional by implementing software-based audio channel management that allows it to simultaneously output multiple independent audio streams with different volume levels and priorities. The audio processing system acts as an intermediary that provides multiple audio output channels through a single physical speaker, maintaining device simplicity while enhancing audio management capability through intelligent signal routing and volume control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display, at least one speaker, at least one memory configured to store instructions, and at least one processor operatively connected to the display, the at least one speaker, and the at least one memory, wherein, when executing the instructions, the at least one processor is configured to display a plurality of screens based on applications which are distinct from one another, within sub regions which are distinct from one another within a display region of the display, in a state where the plurality of screens are displayed, output a first audio signal provided from a first application from among the applications at a first volume through the at least one speaker, while outputting the first audio signal, identify a user input for outputting a second audio signal related to a second application within a screen provided from the second application from among the plurality of screens, in response to the user input being identified, reduce the first volume of the first audio signal being outputted through the at least one speaker, and output the second audio signal provided from the second application at a second volume which is higher than the reduced first volume through the at least one speaker.