Stereo Speaker Volume Control via Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with stereo speakers face the challenge of inadvertently outputting audio signals at high volumes when in close proximity to the user's ears, potentially causing inconvenience or hearing impairment, especially during calls or notification sounds.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a first and second speaker, along with sensors, adjusts audio volume levels based on proximity information to ensure efficient stereo sound output without harming the user's hearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the speaker outputs audio signals at high volume levels, then the audio experience and loudness are improved, but the user's hearing may be impaired when the device is in close proximity to the user's ears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic volume adjustment by continuously monitoring proximity sensor data and automatically modifying audio output levels in real-time. When the sensor detects that the device is held close to the user's ear, the system dynamically reduces the volume to prevent hearing damage, whereas when held away from the ear, it maintains higher volume for better audio experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by using proximity sensors to detect the device's position relative to the user's ear and feeding this information back to the audio processing system. This feedback loop enables automatic volume adjustment, where the audio output level is modulated based on the detected proximity state, ensuring safe listening levels when the device is near the ear.
2Device complexity
If the electronic device uses one stereo speaker for both receiver and speaker functions, then the structural complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide optimal audio experience for different call modes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the stereo speaker system universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions - both as a receiver speaker and a speaker phone output device. Through software-based audio routing and proximity-dependent volume control, the same physical speaker infrastructure serves dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate speaker hardware while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through parameter changes in audio processing - specifically adjusting volume levels and audio routing based on detected usage mode and proximity. By dynamically modifying audio output parameters rather than hardware configuration, the system adapts to different call modes (handset vs. speakerphone) using the same physical speaker, thereby maintaining versatility without increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device, according to various embodiments of the present invention, comprises: a first speaker arranged on one side end of the electronic device; a second speaker arranged on the other side end of the electronic device; at least one sensor; and a processor, wherein the processor may be configured so as to receive a first audio signal, acquire a first channel signal and a second channel signal by using the first audio signal, acquire state information associated with the electronic device by using the at least one sensor, correct at least one portion of the first channel signal on the basis of at least the state information, output the corrected first channel signal using the first speaker, and output the second channel signal using the second speaker. In addition, various embodiments are possible.