Coordinated Vibration Control for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uncontrolled vibration signals and sounds from multiple mobile devices during meetings or gatherings can be disruptive and distracting.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a temporary communication network among computing devices to control vibration output, using unique vibration patterns for communication, suspending tactile vibrations and sounds for notifications while providing visual notifications, and adjusting notification modes based on ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple mobile devices generate vibration and sound notifications simultaneously, then users are informed of events, but the environment becomes disruptive and distracting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the notification functions of multiple devices into a coordinated system where devices in an ad hoc group synchronize their notification behavior. By combining vibration and sound notifications into controlled time windows, the system maintains information delivery while eliminating the harmful effect of simultaneous notifications creating distraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic notification time windows where devices are permitted to generate vibrations and sounds only during designated periods. This periodic control ensures users receive notifications while preventing continuous or simultaneous vibration output that would cause disruption during meetings or gatherings.
2Loss of information
If devices generate continuous vibration and sound notifications, then users are constantly informed, but the environment becomes noisy and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic notification time windows to control when vibrations and sounds are generated. By limiting notification output to specific time periods rather than continuous operation, the system maintains event awareness while significantly reducing noise levels during meetings or quiet environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification mode of devices is made dynamic and adjustable based on ambient conditions. The system can switch between different notification modes (vibration mode, sound mode, or suspended mode) depending on the environment, allowing continuous information delivery when needed while minimizing noise when the environment requires quiet.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If devices suspend vibration and sound notifications, then the environment remains quiet, but users may not be informed of events
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces visual notifications as an intermediary medium when vibration and sound notifications are suspended. Visual cues such as flashing lights or display messages serve as a mediator to convey event information to users without generating audible or tactile disturbances, thus maintaining both quiet environment and information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification delivery method changes its parameters based on environmental conditions. When vibration and sound are suspended to maintain quietness, the system changes the notification parameter to visual output. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different environmental requirements while ensuring users remain informed of events.
4Loss of information
If devices use traditional notification modes, then users receive alerts, but the devices cannot adapt to ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is made dynamic with adjustable modes that respond to ambient conditions. Devices can switch between vibration mode, sound mode, visual mode, or suspended mode based on the environment. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain effective event notification while adapting to different ambient conditions such as meetings, quiet zones, or general usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple notification types (vibration, sound, visual) within a single device. This universal approach allows the device to serve different notification needs and adapt to various ambient conditions, making the system versatile enough for both professional meetings and general usage scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for controlling vibrations output by one or more computing devices. A computing device may determine an event, and may also determine, using a camera, an image of the surroundings of the computing device. Based on an analysis of the image, the computing device may then output a tactile vibration, an audible sound, and/or a visual notification associated with the event.