Smart Alert Volume Control via User Intent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged alerts from incoming communications on data processing devices, such as mobile phones, can be a nuisance and source of embarrassment in official settings due to continuous sound or vibration notifications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use sensors and a processor to determine the user's intent to respond to alerts, automatically reducing the sound or vibrational levels of notifications, thereby mitigating disturbance and embarrassment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mobile phone continues to ring at full volume to ensure the user notices the incoming communication, then the user can be alerted effectively, but it causes nuisance and embarrassment in official settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the alert characteristics adjustable and responsive to user state. The system transitions from a static full-volume alert to a dynamic alert that can reduce volume based on detected user intent (such as when the user is typing, speaking, or otherwise engaged), thus adapting the alert behavior to minimize disturbance while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors (microphone, accelerometer, etc.) to continuously monitor user activity and alert characteristics, then feeding this information back to the processor which adjusts the alert volume accordingly. This closed-loop system reduces alert volume when user intent indicates the user is already engaged, preventing nuisance while ensuring the user notices important communications.
2Ease of operation
If the user manually intervenes to turn off the alert through the interface, then the alert can be stopped, but it requires user attention and action which may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust alert characteristics based on sensor data without requiring manual user input. The processor autonomously analyzes user activity patterns and modifies alert volume accordingly, freeing the user from the need to manually intervene while still achieving the desired alert control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively reducing alert volume before the user can manually intervene. By continuously monitoring user activity and preemptively adjusting the alert based on detected intent (such as when the user is typing or speaking), the system prevents the need for manual intervention and eliminates the time loss associated with user action.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the alert volume is reduced automatically based on user intent detection, then disturbance is minimized, but the system complexity increases due to sensor integration and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by utilizing existing multi-functional sensors already present in mobile phones for various purposes. The microphone, accelerometer, and other sensors are used for multiple functions including voice recognition, motion detection, and now alert volume adjustment, thereby reducing the need for additional dedicated components and minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the alert volume parameter dynamically based on sensor data analysis. The system changes the alert characteristic (volume) in response to detected user activity patterns, using existing processing capabilities to modify the alert parameter without requiring fundamentally new hardware or complex additional processing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining, through a processor of a data processing device in conjunction with one or more sensor(s) associated therewith, an intent of a user of the data processing device to respond to an alert of an incoming communication thereto expressed through a sound volume level and/or a vibrational level of the alert. The method also includes automatically reducing, through the processor, the sound volume level and/or the vibrational level of the alert following the determination of the intent of the user to respond to the alert.