Notification Sound Volume Control via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing apparatuses struggle to output notification sounds at volumes suitable for individuals in close proximity while also announcing to a wider range, often causing discomfort or surprise to nearby users due to inconsistent volume levels.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a combination of sensors to detect the presence and distance of individuals, adjusting the notification sound volume accordingly, using a pyroelectric sensor for motion detection and a reflective sensor for presence detection, to output sounds at appropriate volumes for both near and distant listeners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the notification sound volume is increased to announce to a wider range, then the notification reaches more people, but nearby users experience discomfort or surprise due to excessive volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different volume levels to different spatial zones: a first volume level for users within a predetermined distance and a second volume level for users beyond that distance. This spatial differentiation of sound quality resolves the contradiction by ensuring nearby users are not disturbed while still providing adequate notification reach to distant users.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification sound volume is dynamically adjusted based on the detected distance between the apparatus and the user. The controller automatically switches between volume levels according to real-time proximity detection, making the system adaptable to different usage scenarios and resolving the fixed-volume limitation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the notification sound volume is decreased for nearby users, then comfort is improved, but the notification may not reach distant users effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements zone-based volume control where the first volume level (lower) is applied locally to nearby users for comfort, while the second volume level (higher) is applied to distant users for effective notification reach. This spatially differentiated approach resolves the contradiction between comfort and reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume level is dynamically changed based on detected user proximity. When a user is detected within the predetermined distance, the system switches to the first volume level; when users are beyond this distance, it switches to the second volume level, ensuring both comfort and effective communication are maintained.
3Ease of operation
If a single fixed volume level is used for notification sounds, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to different user distances and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user proximity and adjusts the notification volume without requiring manual user input. The proximity detection unit and controller work autonomously to select appropriate volume levels, maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability to different distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system transitions from a static fixed-volume approach to a dynamic adaptive-volume system that automatically adjusts based on detected user distance. This dynamic behavior provides adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated 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
This solution ensures that notification sounds are delivered at suitable volumes for individuals near the apparatus, reducing discomfort and surprise, while effectively communicating information over a wide range without disturbing nearby users.
Implementation Method 1
a pyroelectric sensor for motion detection
Implementation Method 2
a reflective sensor for presence detection
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a sensor, an output unit, and a controller. The sensor senses a person. The output unit outputs a notification sound. The controller controls a volume of the notification sound. The controller controls the output unit to reduce the volume of the notification sound.