Intelligent Volume Interface for Multi-Source Audio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart devices often automatically mute one audio signal to accommodate another, lacking user control over volume levels and signal processing for multiple audio sources, especially in noisy environments or during simultaneous use cases like music and calls.
Innovation Solution
A smart device with a single volume control interface that allows users to adjust volume levels and apply digital signal processing algorithms for multiple audio signals, enabling customizable volume settings and signal optimization across different sub-sections, with options for equalization and dynamic range compression, and automatic noise-based adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device automatically mutes one audio signal to accommodate another, then the primary audio signal becomes clear and audible, but the user loses control over volume levels and signal processing for multiple audio sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic volume control where the system automatically adjusts volume levels of multiple audio signals based on detected noise conditions and user preferences. The volume levels are not fixed but dynamically adapted to the current acoustic environment, allowing the system to transition between automatic and manual control modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from noise detection mechanisms to continuously monitor the acoustic environment and automatically adjust audio signal volumes accordingly. The detected noise level feeds back into the volume control algorithm, which then modifies the volume of different audio sources to maintain optimal audio quality and user comfort.
2Reliability
If the device applies digital signal processing algorithms for multiple audio signals, then signal quality and optimization are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio processing system into distinct modules, each handling specific audio signals or processing functions. This modular approach allows the system to apply complex signal processing algorithms to individual audio streams independently, managing overall system complexity through functional segmentation while maintaining high signal quality for each source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal audio processing framework that can handle multiple audio signals with different characteristics using a common set of signal processing algorithms. This multi-functional approach allows the same processing pipeline to optimize various audio sources (music, speech, notifications) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device provides customizable volume settings and signal optimization across different sub-sections, then user experience is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to more control options
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-setting volume levels and signal processing parameters for different audio sources based on typical usage scenarios and user preferences. These pre-configured settings are automatically applied when audio signals are detected, eliminating the need for users to manually configure each parameter and maintaining intuitive operation while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio processing system serves itself by automatically detecting the current acoustic environment and user needs, then autonomously adjusting volume levels and applying appropriate signal processing algorithms. This self-service capability allows the system to adapt to different scenarios (noisy environments, quiet settings, multiple audio sources) without requiring complex user intervention, maintaining ease of operation while providing high versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method, comprising receiving a first audio signal during an application execution in an apparatus, determining a volume level of a volume control interface for controlling a volume level of the first audio signal, controlling processing the first audio signal by at least one digital signal processing algorithm determined on the basis of the determined volume level of the volume control interface for controlling the volume level of the first audio signal, and outputting the controlled processed first audio signal at the determined volume level of the volume control interface. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a computer program product that perform the method.