Force-Sensitive Audio Volume Control on Speaker and Touch Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile communication terminals face challenges in efficiently controlling audio signal volume and video playback speed due to space-consuming and difficult-to-use controls, particularly during phone calls or when the device is in use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a force sensor and controller circuit in electronic devices to adjust audio signal volume and video playback speed based on user-applied force, allowing for intuitive control through touch-sensitive screens or buttons without significant finger movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional volume controls with buttons or volume bars are used, then volume control functionality is provided, but the device occupies valuable screen space and is difficult to control during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the volume control functionality from traditional button or bar interfaces and relocates it to the speaker area itself. The force sensor is integrated into or near the speaker, allowing volume control through pressure applied directly on or near the speaker, thereby removing the need for separate control elements on the screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The speaker area serves multiple functions: it acts as both the audio output device and the control interface for volume adjustment. By making the speaker region multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated volume control buttons or bars, reducing screen space requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons and volume bars are provided for sound control, then comprehensive volume adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases and controls become difficult to access during use
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker region is designed to serve dual purposes: audio output and volume control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate control elements needed while maintaining comprehensive volume adjustment capabilities through pressure-sensitive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the speaker function with the volume control function into a single integrated interface. The force sensor is combined with the speaker assembly, allowing both audio playback and volume control to be achieved through interactions with the same physical region, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If force sensor is integrated into the speaker area, then volume control becomes more intuitive and space-efficient, but the sensor must accurately detect subtle pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is specifically positioned in or near the speaker area where it can detect pressure variations most relevant to volume control. This localized placement optimizes the sensor's ability to detect subtle pressure changes corresponding to user intent for volume adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by adjusting the volume level in response to detected force variations. This feedback loop allows the system to learn and adapt to user pressure patterns, improving measurement precision over time while maintaining intuitive control.
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 efficient and intuitive control of audio and video playback by regulating volume and speed through force-sensitive interfaces, reducing the need for dedicated buttons or bars and enhancing user experience by maintaining settings even when force is reduced or released.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor that is configured to generate a force signal that indicates an amount of force being exerted thereon by a user
Implementation Method 2
control a volume and/or rate that an audio signal is broadcast by a speaker
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a force sensor that is configured to generate a force signal that indicates an amount of force being exerted thereon by a user, and a controller circuit that is configured to control a volume and/or rate that an audio signal is broadcast by a speaker responsive to the force signal.