Audio Output Volume Coordination for Multi-Device Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conflicting audio outputs from multiple electronic devices in a shared environment, such as a room, often require users to manually adjust volumes, leading to inconvenience and disturbance.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect the presence of nearby devices using short-range wireless communication or personal area networks, adjust audio output volumes based on detected devices within an audible range, and prioritize audio streams based on context and user importance, allowing for automatic volume management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple devices provide audio output simultaneously, then each device can fulfill its intended function, but audio conflicts and interference occur between devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output functionVSAvoidaudio conflict
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coordinator device that acts as an intermediary between multiple electronic devices. This coordinator receives presence information from detecting devices, determines which device should have priority audio output based on predefined criteria, and controls the audio output of each device accordingly. By introducing this intermediary coordination layer, the system resolves audio conflicts without preventing devices from fulfilling their audio output functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If users manually adjust audio volumes to avoid conflicts, then audio interference is reduced, but user convenience and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio interferenceVSAvoidmanual volume adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically detect each other's presence and automatically adjust their audio output levels without requiring manual user intervention. The detecting device autonomously determines when another device is present and automatically modifies its audio output accordingly, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust volumes while still effectively reducing audio interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automatic device detection and volume adjustment is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic volume managementVSAvoiddetection and coordination system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio conflict resolution system into distinct functional components: a detecting device that detects presence of other devices, a coordinator device that determines priority and makes decisions, and an audio output control mechanism. By dividing the complex automatic volume management system into these separate, specialized modules, the overall complexity is managed more effectively while still providing automatic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10425768B2Adjusting audio output volume based on a detected presence of another device
Publication Date: 2019.09.24 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH
  • US10425768B2 patent drawing
  • US10425768B2 patent drawing
  • US10425768B2 patent drawing

AI summary

One embodiment provides a method, including: detecting, using a processor, a presence of a known device within a predetermined range; and adjusting, using the processor, an audio output volume based on the presence of the known device. Other aspects are described and claimed.