Ultrasonic Proximity Volume Control for Mobile Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile terminals require users to manually operate volume adjustments or gravity detection to manage ringing, which is inconvenient, as they need to physically interact with the device to adjust or mute the ringing.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic processing method using built-in ultrasonic transmitting and receiving apparatuses to detect changes in distance between the device and an object, allowing for automatic adjustment of ringing volume based on the user's proximity, without requiring physical interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is required for volume adjustment, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must physically interact with the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (physical button pressing) with an ultrasonic field-based detection system. The ultrasonic sensors detect the presence and distance of objects through ultrasonic waves, eliminating the need for mechanical contact while providing automatic volume adjustment based on proximity detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an ultrasonic field as an intermediary between the user and the device. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the ultrasonic waves serve as a mediator to detect user proximity and trigger automatic volume adjustments, enabling hands-free operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If gravity detection is used for ringing management, then the device can automatically detect user interaction, but the ease of operation deteriorates in scenarios where hands are occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces gravity detection with ultrasonic field detection. The ultrasonic sensors can detect objects through air molecules without requiring physical contact or gravitational interaction, enabling automatic volume adjustment even when hands are occupied with objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic detection system provides multi-functional capability: it can detect both the presence of objects and their distance from the device, enabling automatic volume adjustment across various scenarios including when hands are occupied, thereby enhancing adaptability.

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

3Ease of operation

If ultrasonic field detection is used for automatic volume adjustment, then the ease of operation improves through hands-free control, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses the ultrasonic sensors for multiple purposes: both as ultrasonic waves for distance measurement and as the detection mechanism for volume adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving hands-free operation.

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

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

Enables convenient and hands-free adjustment of ringing volume by determining the relative movement state and distance between the device and the user's hand, allowing the volume to be adjusted automatically, enhancing user experience, especially in scenarios like meetings where hands are occupied.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic signal transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitting apparatus and returned after being reflected by an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

audio data of an ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic receiving apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic reception: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentEP3979611B1Ultrasonic processing method and apparatus, electronic device, and computer-readable medium
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3979611B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3979611B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3979611B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed are an ultrasonic processing method and apparatus, an electronic device, and a computer-readable medium, wherein same relate to the technical field of mobile terminals. The method comprises: when it is monitored that an electronic device outputs a ringing sound, acquiring audio data of an ultrasonic signal received by an ultrasonic receiving apparatus, wherein the ultrasonic signal is a signal that is transmitted by an ultrasonic transmitting apparatus and returned after same is reflected by an object; determining, according to the audio data, a change in the distance between the electronic device and the object; and adjusting the volume of the ringing according to the change in the distance. Therefore, when an electronic device rings, a user can adjust the volume of the ringing by adjusting a change in the distance between a body part (such as the hand) of the user and the electronic device, without needing to touch the electronic device, thereby providing the user with the convenience of handling the volume of the ringing from the electronic device.