Volume Control Interface for Multi-Source Audio Intelligibility

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart devices often automatically mute one audio signal to accommodate another, lacking user control over volume levels and signal processing for multiple audio sources, especially in noisy environments or during simultaneous use of different audio applications.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a single volume control interface to adjust and process multiple audio signals using digital signal processing algorithms, allowing users to customize volume levels and spatial location of audio signals, with options for equalization and dynamic range compression, based on user input and environment noise levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic volume control is used to accommodate one audio signal over another, then the primary audio signal becomes intelligible, but the user loses control over volume levels of multiple audio sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over volume levelsVSAvoidvolume control interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The volume control interface is designed to control multiple audio signals simultaneously through a single interface, allowing one volume slider to adjust levels across different applications and audio sources, making the system universally applicable to various audio scenarios without requiring separate controls for each signal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The volume control interface is segmented into multiple independent sliders, each capable of controlling specific audio signals or applications. This segmentation allows users to independently adjust volume levels for different audio sources while maintaining overall control through a unified interface structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If digital signal processing algorithms are applied to process audio signals, then audio quality and intelligibility are improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio signal intelligibilityVSAvoidsignal processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies digital signal processing algorithms selectively based on the determined volume level. At certain volume thresholds, specific DSP algorithms such as equalization or dynamic range compression are activated only when needed, rather than continuously processing all audio signals, thus reducing unnecessary processing time while maintaining audio intelligibility when required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes processing parameters dynamically based on volume level determinations. Different DSP algorithm parameters are adjusted or algorithms are switched on/off depending on the current volume state, allowing efficient resource utilization while maintaining audio quality across different listening conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio signals are processed simultaneously through separate controls, then each signal can be optimized independently, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable volume levelsVSAvoidinterface usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A single volume control interface serves multiple functions by controlling different audio signals from various applications simultaneously, allowing users to adjust volume levels for multiple sources through one unified interface rather than requiring separate controls for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The volume control interface dynamically adapts its behavior based on the current audio scenario. The system determines which audio signals are active and adjusts the interface presentation accordingly, providing relevant controls only when needed while maintaining the ability to control multiple signals independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10121491B2Intelligent volume control interface

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

The invention relates to a method, comprising receiving a first audio signal during an application execution in an apparatus, determining a volume level of a volume control interface for controlling a volume level of the first audio signal, controlling processing the first audio signal by at least one digital signal processing algorithm determined on the basis of the determined volume level of the volume control interface for controlling the volume level of the first audio signal, and outputting the controlled processed first audio signal at the determined volume level of the volume control interface. The invention further relates to an apparatus and a computer program product that perform the method.