Movable User Interface Indicator for Smooth Volume Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in immediately adjusting the volume to their desired level in media players, leading to discomfort due to abrupt changes in sound levels, especially when the volume is higher than intended, causing stress.
Innovation Solution
An information processing method and device that allows gradual updating of a parameter, such as volume, through user input on a touch panel, prohibiting abrupt increases and allowing smooth changes by accepting operations that decrease or maintain the current volume level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the volume is changed to a desired value by clicking a position in the volume adjustment portion, then the volume can be immediately changed to the desired level, but the user cannot know the association between the volume adjustment portion and the volume, and abrupt changes may cause discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays a visual indicator showing the current volume level and its correspondence to the volume adjustment portion. When the user clicks or drags on the volume adjustment portion, the indicator provides feedback by moving to reflect the current volume state, helping users understand the association between their input and the resulting volume level, thus preventing abrupt uncomfortable changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual indication of the volume level before the user finalizes their adjustment. By showing where the indicator is positioned and what volume level it corresponds to, the user can anticipate the result of their action and make informed adjustments, avoiding sudden uncomfortable volume changes
2Productivity
If the volume adjustment allows immediate change to desired level, then productivity is improved, but stress may be imposed on user and persons around due to abrupt volume changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism that prevents abrupt volume increases by requiring the user to pass through intermediate levels. When adjusting volume upward, the indicator moves through successive levels rather than jumping directly to the target, cushioning the transition and preventing sudden stressful changes while still allowing efficient adjustment
3Productivity
If the control knob moves to clicked position immediately, then volume changes quickly to desired level, but user cannot know the highest volume and association between adjustment portion and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator continuously displays the current volume level and its position relative to the volume adjustment portion. This feedback mechanism ensures users can see the highest volume level (when indicator reaches the end), understand the association between adjustment position and volume level, while still allowing quick changes through click or drag operations
Data Source
AI summary
A volume setting icon is provided with a slider for indicating a volume increasing from left toward right. A region in a direction of lower volume relative to a position corresponding to a current value, at which the slider is displayed, is identified as a volume low region, and a region in a direction of higher volume is identified as a volume high region. When the slider is selected, the slider can continuously be operated to move in any direction toward the volume low region and the volume high region. When the volume low region other than the slider is touched, the slider is instantaneously operated to move to a position corresponding to a touch position. When the volume high region other than the slider is touched, the slider is not instantaneously operated to move to a position corresponding to a touch position.