Mobile Device Notification Volume Adjustment via Paired Device Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users wearing smart companion devices often fail to hear notification sounds from their mobile devices when they are at a distance, and there is a need for automatic un-muting of mobile devices when they are moved away from the user, as they tend to be muted during meetings and forgotten to be un-muted later.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjusts the sound notification volume of a mobile device based on the distance from a paired smart companion device using proximity sensors and signal strength indicators, automatically un-muting the device when it exceeds a preset threshold or loses connection, and allowing user configuration for customizable settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile device uses a fixed notification volume, then the device structure is simple, but the user cannot hear notifications when at a distance from the device
Solution Approach 1:
The notification volume is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the notification volume based on the real-time distance between the mobile device and the companion device, transitioning from a static volume setting to a dynamic one that adapts to user proximity changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the distance information from the companion device is continuously monitored and used to adjust the notification volume. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the volume adapts automatically to the user's location relative to the mobile device.
2Reliability
If the mobile device continuously transmits at high power to maintain connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmit power is made dynamic and adaptive rather than fixed at high levels. The system adjusts the transmit power based on the distance to the companion device, using higher power only when needed to maintain connection reliability, and reducing power when the companion device is close or connection is stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmit power parameter dynamically based on distance conditions. When the companion device is within a certain distance threshold, the transmit power is reduced or suspended, while beyond the threshold, power is increased to maintain connection, optimizing the balance between reliability and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If the mobile device maintains constant communication with the companion device, then the connection reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous communication, the system uses periodic distance checking and conditional communication. The mobile device periodically assesses the distance to the companion device and only maintains active communication when the companion device is beyond the threshold distance, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication parameter (active vs. inactive state) is changed dynamically based on distance. The system transitions between different communication states - maintaining connection when distance exceeds the threshold and reducing or suspending communication when the companion device is close, optimizing energy usage while preserving connection reliability.
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
Ensures that notification sounds are audible to the user regardless of distance, preventing missed calls, messages, or alerts due to muted devices, and conserves battery life by varying transmit power and communication modes.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system that adjusts the sound notification volume of a mobile device based on the distance from a paired smart companion device using proximity sensors and signal strength indicators
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A method for adjusting a sound notification volume of a mobile device and the corresponding mobile device are disclosed. The transmission signal strength is measured at the mobile device for a transmission link between the mobile device and a smart companion device that is paired with the mobile device. Subsequently, using a calibration data and the measured signal strength, a distance between the mobile device and the smart companion device is estimated. Then, using a configuration that is preset in the mobile device and the estimated distance, the sound notification volume of the mobile device is adjusted.