Foldable Volume Button Mapping for Blind-Friendly Audio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The difficulty in determining the function of volume buttons on foldable electronic devices in a folded state, leading to increased user difficulty in adjusting volume and potential accidental touches, negatively impacting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method for electronic devices with foldable screens that sets different functions for volume buttons based on device state and user inputs, allowing users to identify button functions without relying on button location, and adjusts volume accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic device uses fixed volume button locations to indicate functions, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot determine button functions when the device is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic button function assignment based on device state. When the device is in a folded state, the system dynamically determines which volume button to respond to based on the folded direction, rather than relying on fixed physical locations. This allows the same physical buttons to serve different logical functions depending on device configuration, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the volume buttons based on device state. By detecting whether the device is folded horizontally or vertically, the system adjusts which button corresponds to volume up and which to volume down, effectively changing the functional parameters without altering the physical button arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If the device responds to any volume button input in folded state, then volume adjustment is possible, but accidental touches increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different volume buttons have different functional properties based on device state. In the folded state, only specific buttons are activated for volume control depending on fold direction, while other buttons are deactivated. This localized functional differentiation prevents accidental touches while maintaining volume adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from device state detection (folded vs. unfolded, horizontal vs. vertical fold) to determine which volume buttons should be active. This feedback mechanism ensures that buttons are only responsive when intentionally pressed in the correct context, reducing accidental activation while maintaining ease of use.
3Loss of information
If the device requires users to locate volume buttons visually, then button functions are clear, but usability deteriorates in dark or inconvenient scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically determining the correct volume button to respond to based on device state, eliminating the need for users to visually locate or identify buttons. The device itself uses its fold state information to configure button functions, making volume control accessible in dark or inconvenient scenarios without requiring user awareness of button locations.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
This application discloses a volume adjustment method and a related apparatus. After an electronic device in a folded state receives a touch of a user on a volume button, the electronic device first sets functions of two volume buttons. For example, a function of the touched button is increasing volume, and a function of the other volume button is decreasing volume. In this way, the user only needs to complete volume control based on a latest function setting, without distinguishing between locations of the volume buttons. This facilitates adjustment of volume of the electronic device by the user, and improves user experience of the electronic device.