Unified Volume Control for Hinged Multi-Screen Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for adjusting audio volumes across multiple applications or content displayed on different screens of a multi-screen mobile computing device are cumbersome and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device with a housing containing at least two displays and a processor, where one or both displays are configured to display graphical user interface controls for adjusting volume balance and overall volume settings between applications, allowing users to conveniently manage audio output from multiple applications or graphical user interface elements across the screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used for adjusting audio volumes across multiple applications on different screens, then each application's volume must be adjusted separately through individual settings, but this process becomes cumbersome and inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the volume control functionality into a single unified interface that simultaneously manages multiple audio streams from different applications and screens. Instead of requiring separate volume adjustments for each application, the system combines all audio outputs and provides a single control mechanism that adjusts overall volume and balances individual stream volumes together, thereby simplifying user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume control interface is designed to be universal, handling multiple types of audio streams (video audio, music playback, system notifications) from multiple sources (different screens, different applications) through a single standardized control mechanism. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for application-specific volume settings and provides consistent control across all audio outputs.
2Ease of operation
If separate volume controls are provided for each application on each screen, then precise control over individual application volumes is achieved, but the number of controls increases making the interface complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple individual volume controls into a single unified volume control interface. This interface presents one set of controls that manages all audio streams simultaneously, combining what would otherwise be multiple separate controls into one cohesive control mechanism, thereby reducing interface complexity while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume control interface adds a new dimension to volume management by providing both overall volume control and individual stream balance control within a single unified interface. This dimensional approach allows users to adjust the master volume level while simultaneously balancing individual application volumes, achieving precise control without multiplying the number of separate controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged multi-screen computing device is provided that includes a processor, at least one speaker, two display devices connected by a hinge containing a hinge sensor, and a housing with two parts, each including a display device. At least one of the displays is configured to display GUI controls, one which adjusts a volume balance between a first and second GUI element displayed on each of the first and second displays, and another which adjusts overall volume.