Enunciator Management Module Automatic Output Level Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication devices require manual user intervention to switch between enunciation modes, which can be cumbersome, and existing solutions for automatically adjusting enunciator output based on device movement are limited in scope and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A mobile communication device with a microprocessor, enunciator, memory, sensor, and enunciator management module that detects movement exceeding a threshold to adjust the enunciator output from a first to a second setting, allowing for automatic moderation of enunciator notifications such as vibrations, sounds, or lights based on user-defined settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual mode selection is used to control enunciator output levels, then the device can provide different enunciation levels for different situations, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenunciation level adjustmentVSAvoidmanual mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically detects movement through the sensor and monitoring circuit, and the enunciator management module autonomously adjusts the enunciator output level without requiring manual user intervention. The system serves itself by using the detected movement as a trigger to switch between first and second enunciation levels, eliminating the need for manual mode selection while maintaining adaptability to different situations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic movement detection is implemented to adjust enunciator output, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic enunciation adjustmentVSAvoidsensor and control circuit integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor serves multiple functions: it detects device movement for enunciation level adjustment and can potentially detect other motion-related events. The monitoring circuit and enunciator management module work together as an integrated control system that handles both detection and adjustment functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and minimizing overall device complexity while achieving automatic operation

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

3Reliability

If the enunciator is activated for all enunciation events, then important notifications are not missed, but disruptions occur in sensitive situations such as meetings or movie theatres

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification deliveryVSAvoidenvironmental disruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The enunciator output level is made dynamic rather than static. The system automatically switches between a first enunciation level and a second enunciation level based on detected movement. When movement is detected (indicating the user is holding or interacting with the device), the system adjusts to the appropriate enunciation level, ensuring reliable notification delivery when needed while reducing disruptions in sensitive situations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless and automatic adjustment of enunciator output levels in response to device movement, enhancing user experience by reducing disruptions in sensitive situations without manual user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor may be an accelerometer or a capacitive sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP1906641B1System and method for controlling an alert indicator on an electronic device
Publication Date: 2009.05.06 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP1906641B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1906641B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1906641B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The invention relates to a system and method for controlling the output level of an enunciator on a portable electronic device. In the system, an enunciator management system for an electronic device is provided. The system comprises: an enunciator having a first enunciation level and a lower, second enunciation level; a sensor; a monitoring circuit connected to the sensor providing a trigger signal that registers a notable activation of the sensor; memory to store data relating to the first and the second enunciation levels for the enunciator and adjustment information for the enunciator for an application operating on the device; and an enunciator management module to initiate the enunciator at the first enunciation level and selectively activate the enunciator at the lower, second enunciation level depending on the adjustment information and the trigger signal from the monitoring circuit.