Spatial Audio Volume Mapping for Independent Source Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle with independent volume control for multiple concurrent audio sources and system sounds, leading to undesirable, unintuitive, and distracting volume adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing separate volume controls for separate audio sources and applying different volume curves for adjusting the volumes of various sound sources, using sensor signals to determine user intentions and adjust volumes accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single system volume control is used for multiple concurrent audio sources, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because users cannot independently control volume of different audio sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio output system into multiple independent volume control channels, each corresponding to a specific audio source or category (e.g., media playback, communications, system sounds). This allows users to independently adjust the volume of each audio source while maintaining a manageable control structure through automated mapping relationships between physical buttons and logical volume controls.
2Measurement precision
If a single system volume control is used for multiple concurrent audio sources, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of volume control deteriorates because volume adjustments affect all audio sources uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the mapping relationship between physical buttons and logical volume controls) that translates simple physical button presses into precise volume adjustments for specific audio sources. This intermediary mechanism enables users to achieve precise control over individual audio source volumes without requiring complex direct manipulation of each audio stream.
3Ease of operation
If volume adjustments are applied uniformly to all audio sources, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user experience deteriorates due to undesirable and distracting volume changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different volume control characteristics and behaviors for different audio sources. Each audio source or category can have its own volume control curve, adjustment range, and response characteristics, enabling users to optimize the volume behavior for each specific audio source while maintaining overall system simplicity through automated management.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject technology provide individual volume controls for concurrently operating audio sources at an electronic device. The audio sources may be spatialized audio sources that are associated with display objects that are displayed to appear at various three-dimensional locations around a user of the electronic device, such as in an extended reality environment. In this way, an electronic device may provide the user with the ability to individually control the volumes of the various audio streams originating from the various three-dimensional locations around the user. The individual volume controls may be applied according to individual volume control curves, and/or based on a user intent determined by the electronic device.