Split-Screen Audio Volume Control Across Display Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices output audio data based on the volume configured in each application, regardless of the display areas, leading to inconvenience when switching between multiple display areas and a single display area, requiring manual volume adjustments in each application.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device controls audio data output based on the volume configured in each display area, allowing independent volume control for each display area, maintaining consistent volume settings during transitions between multiple and single display configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the media player supports multiple functions (audio, video, subtitles, audio book), then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The media player is designed to perform multiple functions including playing audio files, video files, subtitle files, and audio books through a single integrated device. The controller automatically detects the file type and switches between different playback modes, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the volume control range is extended to very low levels (e.g., -60dB or -80dB), then the volume control range is improved, but the distortion and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume control rangeVSAvoiddistortion and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The volume control range is divided into multiple discrete levels rather than allowing continuous adjustment to extremely low values. The controller segments the volume range into manageable steps (e.g., from 0dB to -60dB in controlled increments), preventing the system from entering distortion-prone territory while still providing sufficient volume reduction for different listening environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the volume is adjusted in real-time during playback, then the ease of operation is improved, but the audio quality deteriorates due to distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time volume adjustmentVSAvoidaudio distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The volume control system allows dynamic adjustment during playback through a user interface, enabling users to change volume levels at any time. The controller dynamically processes volume changes by adjusting the gain stages in real-time, balancing user convenience with maintaining acceptable audio quality by preventing excessive volume reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4235394B1Volume control method and electronic device supporting same
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4235394B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4235394B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4235394B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device set to: display a first execution screen on a first display area among a plurality of display areas of a display according to the execution of a first application; display a second execution screen on a second display area according to the execution of a second application different from the first application; output first audio data included in the first application on the basis of a first volume related to the first display area; and output second audio data included in the second application on the basis of a second volume related to the second display area. Various other embodiments as understood from the specification are also possible.