WO2018043917A1

WO2018043917A1 - Apparatus and method for adjusting audio

Info

Publication number: WO2018043917A1
Application number: PCT/KR2017/007960
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aditi Garg; Shivani Aggarwal; Ranjan RAJEEV; Rahul Mehra
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2016-08-29
Filing date: 2017-07-24
Publication date: 2018-03-08

Abstract

The present invention relates to adjusting audio. In accordance with one embodiment, an audio is received on an electronic device from at least one audio source. At least one first audio parameter and a target audio is extracted from the audio. Based on the at least one first audio parameter, an estimated traversing distance of the target audio is determined. Based on the estimated traversing distance, an operation is performed to adjust at least one second audio parameter of the target audio.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING AUDIO

The present invention generally relates to analysis of audio, and, more specifically, to adjusting audio based on the analysis.

Typically, a person is often concerned with privacy during a private conversation. In a scenario, due to inadvertent high volume of the person, the conversation is audible to surrounding people. In another scenario, the person may not be aware of third person eavesdropping on the conversation. In either scenario, breach of privacy is unavoidable. Similarly, a person is often concerned with audibility. In a scenario, the person may be inadvertently talking in low volume that people may not properly hear the person. In another scenario where the person is addressing a large gathering, not all recipients may be able to hear the person. Examples of such addressing include, but not limited to, giving a lecture, presenting a paper during conference/training, and open-space conversations. In one another scenario, the person may inadvertently become loud causing disturbances to unwilling persons.

Thus, different privacy concerns and audibility issues arise based on a target area in which a person intends do a conversation with/address other person(s) and a sound intensity level of the person. In an example, sound intensity level can be higher than the target area. This results in, as described above, breach of privacy and disturbance to unwilling persons. Consequently, the person is required to decrease the sound intensity level. In another example, sound intensity level can be lower than the target area. This results in, as described above, non-audibility and insufficient sound intensity to reach all recipients.

To address the above issues, various solutions are available that detect sound intensity or other parameters of the sound. In one solution, special purpose devices measure sound intensity levels within a predetermined decibel levels. However, these devices are suited for crowded environments such as warehouses, manufacturing units, offices, schools, and pubs. In another solution, mobile applications in smartphone measure sound intensity levels in decibels (dBs) by converting the smartphone into a basic sound pressure meter. However, these mobile applications use complex algorithms and therefore are resource intensive. In addition, these mobile applications are limited by hardware of the smartphone.

In one another solution, emotional states of speaker is detected based on speech analysis and statistics. Accordingly, speech signal is received and at least one acoustic parameter is extracted from the speech signal. The speech signal can be of a telephone caller or voice mail message. Thereafter, statistics are calculated from the at least one extracted acoustic parameter. Examples of the statistics calculated include, but not limited to, a maximum value of a fundamental frequency, a standard deviation of the fundamental frequency, a range of the fundamental frequency, and a mean of the fundamental frequency. The statistics serve as inputs to a neural network classifier that assigns at least one emotional state from a finite number of possible emotional states to the speech signal. The classifier also estimates a confidence level of such assignment. Based on the confidence level, an indication of the at least one emotional state is provided in a human-recognizable format.

However, this solution is limited to detecting emotional state and not sound intensity level, and therefore does not address the address privacy concerns and audibility issues. In addition, this solution is limited to a telephone caller or voice mail message and is not suitable for other environments such as private conversations and conversations addressing large gatherings.

In one another solution, ambient sound in audible range of a telephone is electronically sampled, and an audible alert is automatically generated in response to an incoming call signal or ring tone as a function of the sampled ambient sound. The ambient sound sample is analysed based on selected parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and tempo. The audible alert is generated as a function of the selected parameters in such a way that the audible alert is more noticeable in the presence of the ambient sound.

However, this solution is limited to generating audible alert and not controlling caller's voice thereby does not address the address audibility issues. In addition, this solution is limited to a telephone ring tone and is not suitable for other environments such as private conversations and conversations addressing large gatherings.

Thus, there is a need for a solution that addresses privacy concerns and audibility issues irrespective of environment.

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and a method for adjusting audio parameter based on analysis of audio.

Accordingly, an audio is received on an electronic device from at least one audio source. Upon receiving the audio, at least one first audio parameter is extracted from the audio. The at least one first audio parameter can be, but not limited to, amplitude, frequency, intensity, noise, direction, and decibel value. Based on the at least one first extracted audio parameter, a estimated traversing distance of the audio is determined. In one embodiment, based on the estimated traversing distance, an action is performed to adjust at least one second audio parameter. The at least one second audio parameter can be, but not limited to, amplitude, frequency, intensity, noise, direction, and decibel value. In one implementation, the action is to provide an audio adjustment notification as a recommendation to adjust the at least one second audio parameter on at least one of the electronic device and one or more connected devices. In another implementation, the action is to dynamically adjust the at least one second audio parameter on the electronic device. In one another implementation, the action is to provide a trigger to one or more connected devices.

In another embodiment, based on the estimated traversing distance and a predefined safe zone distance, an audio adjustment notification is provided to adjust at least one second audio parameter. In one another embodiment, based on the estimated traversing distance and a predefined target zone distance, an audio adjustment notification is provided to adjust at least one second audio parameter.

The advantages of the invention include, but not limited to, analysing the audio and performing an operation based on an estimated traversing distance of the audio. This helps user to ensure audio is either reaching a predefined area or not reaching out of the predefined area, thereby addressing audibility issues and privacy concerns respectively.

Further, the action can be providing audio adjustment notification based on required audibility in a defined area. Such audio adjustment notification enables the user to adjust the audio level accordingly, thereby enhancing user-experience. Further, the action can be providing trigger to connected devices. This eliminates need for individual monitoring of various connected devices and accordingly adjusting audio level. This also enables to create soundproof zones by using connected devices such as smart glass walls. Furthermore, the action can be dynamically adjusting sound level.

In addition, user-experience is improved as need for individual monitoring of any device or manual interruption from unwilling persons is eliminated. Additionally, the process is less resource-intensive.

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a first exemplary method for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a second exemplary method for adjusting audio parameter for a predefined safe zone distance, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a third exemplary method for adjusting audio parameter for a predefined target zone distance, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4A schematically illustrates an exemplary electronic device implementing methods for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, & 4H illustrate example distances determined by exemplary electronic device for implementing methods for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5A, 5B, & 5C illustrate a first example manifestation of configuring settings on an electronic device for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 6A to 6G illustrate a second example manifestation of adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 7A to 7F illustrate a third example manifestation of adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 8A to 8E illustrate a fourth example manifestation of adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 9A to 9F illustrate a fifth example manifestation of adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a sixth example manifestation of adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a seventh example manifestation of adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the invention. Furthermore, the one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated below, the present invention may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, including the exemplary design and implementation illustrated and described herein, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

The term "some" as used herein is defined as "none, or one, or more than one, or all." Accordingly, the terms "none," "one," "more than one," "more than one, but not all" or "all" would all fall under the definition of "some." The term "some embodiments" may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term "some embodiments" is defined as meaning "no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments."

The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.

More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to "includes," "comprises," "has," "consists," and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language "MUST comprise" or "NEEDS TO include."

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way it may still be referred to as "one or more features" or "one or more elements" or "at least one feature" or "at least one element." Furthermore, the use of the terms "one or more" or "at least one" feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as "there NEEDS to be one or more ... " or "one or more element is REQUIRED."

Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having an ordinary skill in the art.

Reference is made herein to some "embodiments." It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to "a first embodiment," "a further embodiment," "an alternate embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "multiple embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," "further embodiment", "furthermore embodiment", "additional embodiment" or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.

Figure 1 illustrates a first exemplary method (100) for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

Referring to Figure 1, at block 101, an audio is received on an electronic device from at least one audio source. The audio can be audio of a specific user, audio of plurality of users, and audio from a connected device.

At block 102, at least one first audio parameter is extracted from the audio. The first audio parameter includes, but not limited to, amplitude, frequency, intensity, noise, direction, pressure, and decibel value.

At block 103, an estimated traversing distance of the audio is determined based on the at least one first extracted audio parameter.

At block 104, an action to adjust at least one second audio parameter is performed based on the estimated traversing distance. The second audio parameter includes, but not limited to, amplitude, frequency, intensity, noise, direction, pressure, and decibel value. In one implementation, the at least one first audio parameter and the at least one second audio parameter are same. In another implementation, the at least one first audio parameter and the at least one second audio parameter are different.

Further, the action can be of different types. In one implementation, the action can be to provide an audio adjustment notification as a recommendation to adjust the at least one second audio parameter on at least one of the electronic device and one or more connected devices. In such implementation, the audio adjustment notification is indicative of one of: decreasing the at least one second audio parameter; increasing the at least one second audio parameter; and the at least one second parameter of audio is being within a predefined operating zone distance. Further, in such implementation, the audio adjustment notification is provided via at least one of, but not limited to, text, audio pattern, vibration pattern, image, video, holograph, and map. In another implementation, the action can be to dynamically adjust the at least one second audio parameter. In one another implementation, the action can be to provide a trigger to one or more connected devices.

Further, in one aspect of the invention, the action to adjust the at least one second audio parameter can be based on at least one external parameter in addition to the estimated traversing distance. The at least one external parameter includes user-input, audio propagation-affecting factor, and information from at least one connected device. The at least one connected device includes, but not limited to, sensor, smart devices, wearable devices, smart phone, personal desktop, laptop, tablet, notebook, PDA, navigational device, image capturing device, video capturing device, and multimedia capturing device. Examples of the sensors include, but not limited to, proximity sensors and infrared sensors. Examples of the smart devices include, but not limited to, home automation devices such as smart television (TV), smart music system, smart speakers, smart windows, smart glass walls, and smart surfaces. Examples of the wearable devices include, but not limited to, smart watches, GPS trackers, and headphones.

Further, the user-input corresponds to at least one of: operating mode, zone distance, location of audio environment, audio propagation affecting parameters, user-observation sound damping parameter, and frequency of audio level monitoring. The operating mode is one of a safe mode, first mode, and a target mode, second mode. Likewise, the audio propagation-affecting factor includes at least one of type of audio environment, atmospheric parameter, surface effect, and information related to geometric spreading of the audio.

Figure 2 illustrates a second exemplary method (200) for adjusting audio parameter for a predefined safe zone distance, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

Referring to Figure 2, at block 201, an audio is received on an electronic device from at least one audio source.

At block 202, at least one first audio parameter is extracted from the audio.

At block 203, an estimated traversing distance of the audio is determined based on the at least one first extracted audio parameter.

At block 204, an audio adjustment notification is provided to adjust at least one second audio parameter based on the estimated traversing distance and a predefined safe zone distance. The audio adjustment notification is indicative of one of decreasing the at least one second audio parameter; increasing the at least one second audio parameter; and the at least one second audio parameter is being within the predefined safe zone distance.

Figure 3 illustrates a third exemplary method (300) for adjusting audio parameter for a predefined target zone distance, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method, or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

Referring to Figure 3, at block 301, an audio is received on an electronic device from at least one audio source.

At block 302, at least one first audio parameter is extracted from the audio.

At block 303, an estimated traversing distance of the audio is determined based on the at least one first extracted audio parameter.

At block 304, an audio adjustment notification is provided to adjust at least onesecond audio parameter based on the estimated traversing distance and a predefined target zone distance. The audio adjustment notification is indicative of one of decreasing the at least one second audio parameter; increasing the at least one second audio parameter; and the at least one second audio parameter is being within the predefined target zone distance.

Figure 4A schematically illustrates an exemplary electronic device (400) implementing the methods for adjusting audio parameters, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Examples of the electronic device (400) include, but not limited to, smart phone, smart television (TV), smart speakers, personal desktop, laptop, tablet, notebook, personal digital assistant (PDA), and special purpose audio measuring device. The electronic device (400) may be communicatively coupled with one or more connected devices (401-1, 401-2 ...401-N, hereinafter collectively referred to as connected devices (401) and singularly referred to as connected device (401) over a network (represented using dashed lines). Examples of the connected device (401) include, but not limited to, smart devices, wearable devices, smart phone, personal desktop, laptop, tablet, notebook, PDA, sensor, navigational device, image capturing device, video capturing device, and multimedia capturing device. Examples of the sensors include, but not limited to, proximity sensors and infrared sensors. Examples of the smart devices include, but not limited to, home automation devices such as smart television (TV), smart music system, smart speakers, smart windows, and smart glass walls. Examples of the wearable devices include, but not limited to, smart watches, GPS trackers, and headphones.

In accordance with the present invention, the electronic device (400) includes an audio input-receiving unit (402) to receive an audio from at least one audio source. The audio can be audio of a specific user, audio of plurality of users, and audio from the connected device (401). Therefore, the audio source can be a single user, a plurality of users, and the connected device (401). Consequently, the audio input-receiving unit (402) can be, but not limited to, a microphone, a special purpose microphone capable of detecting audio of specific user, a sound card, and an audio sensor capable of receiving audio from the connected device (401).

The electronic device (400) further includes an audio parameter unit (403) coupled to the audio input-receiving unit (402). The audio parameter unit (403) extracts at least one first audio parameter from the audio received by the audio input-receiving unit (402). The at least one first audio parameter includes, but not limited to, amplitude, frequency, intensity, noise, direction, pressure, and decibel value. Accordingly, the audio parameter unit (403) extracts an audio sample of sufficient length, which is required to extract the at least one first audio parameter, as known in the art. Upon extracting the audio sample, the audio parameter unit (403) extracts the at least one first audio parameter such as amplitude, frequency, intensity, direction, pressure, and decibel value as known in the art. In addition, the audio parameter unit (403) may also determine noise present in the audio received by the audio input-receiving unit (402). The noise can be ambient sound or disturbance. The noise can be determined using techniques as known in the art.

Further, the audio parameter unit (403) may determine a target audio that needs to be monitored over a distance for adjusting the audio parameter(s). In one implementation, the target audio is same as the audio received by the audio input-receiving unit (402). In one such example, the audio can be a user giving a presentation in a meeting room without any other ambient sounds. In such example, the target audio can be the audio of the user. In another implementation, the target audio is obtained by separating noise from the audio received by the audio input-receiving unit (402). In one such example, the audio can be of a first user conversing with a second user in a restaurant where a mild music is playing in background. In such example, the target audio can be the audio of the first user without considering the mild music.

The electronic device (400) further includes a distance-measuring unit (404) coupled to the audio parameter unit (403). The distance-measuring unit (404) determines an estimated traversing distance of the audio based on the at least one first extracted audio parameter extracted by the audio parameter unit (403). As would be understood, the audio parameters such as sound intently, sound pressure, sound intensity level, and sound pressure level decrease with increase in distance of sound/audio from the audio source. Therefore, the estimated traversing distance of the audio is defined as a distance at which the target audio may start to fall to non-audible range. In other words, the estimated traversing distance is the distance at which a human with undamaged hearing can hear or interpret the target audio.

Additionally, the distance-measuring unit (404) can consider hearing threshold of humans for determining the estimated traversing distance. The hearing threshold is generally defined as intensity of audio that can be heard and interpreted by humans clearly or as audio level below which a human ear is unable to detect any audio. As would be understood, the audio intensity required to be heard is different for different frequencies. The standard threshold of hearing at 1000 hertz (Hz) is nominally taken to be 0 decibels (dB). However, for practical considerations/calculations, the threshold for hearing at 1000 Hz is considered as 4 dB. Thus, the distance-measuring unit (404) can determine hearing threshold to determine or adjust the estimated traversing distance accordingly. The distance-measuring unit (404) can also apply a plurality of predefined rules based on different audio parameters such as frequency and intensity to determine hearing threshold and consequently to determine the estimated traversing distance. This ensures that the target audio traversing over the estimated traversing distance is maintained above or at hearing threshold.

In addition, propagation of audio/sound is significantly affected by audio propagation affecting factors such as type of audio environment, i.e., indoors or outdoors, atmospheric parameter, surface effect, meteorological effects, and information related to geometric spreading of the audio. Examples of the type of audio environment include, but not limited to, hall, auditorium, classroom, room(s) in house, open landscapes and hilly areas. Examples of the atmospheric parameter include, but not limited to, sound damping parameter, temperature, humidity, wind, pressure, noise, and audio propagation medium properties. Examples of the surface effect include, but not limited to, reflection from walls or structures, ground absorption/refraction, and attenuation due to barrier/objects. Examples of the geometric spreading of the audio include, but not limited to, spherical spreading and cylindrical spreading.

The audio propagation affecting factors can be determined/extracted via various implementations. In one implementation, the audio parameter unit (403) can extract the audio propagation affecting factors from the received audio and provide to the distance-measuring unit (404). In another implementation, one or more sensor(s) (405) can determine the audio propagation affecting factors. In one aspect, the sensor (405) can be external to the electronic device (400) and is communicatively coupled to the electronic device (400). In another example, the sensor (405) can be internal to the electronic device (400). In one another implementation, the audio propagation affecting factors can be obtained as user-input. In such implementation, a user-input receiving unit (406) can receive the user-input corresponding to the audio propagation-affecting factors via a user-interface from a user. In still another implementation, standard values for audio propagation affecting factors can be obtained. It would be understood that the distance-measuring unit (404) can obtain the audio propagation affecting factors in any manner as described above or combination thereof based on requirement.

Similarly, propagation of audio/sound is significantly affected by distance between the audio source and the electronic device (400). In one case, the audio source and the electronic device (400) can be at different locations/places. For example, as illustrated in Figure 4B, during lecture delivery in an auditorium, the audio source can be a single user (407) and the electronic device (400) can be a laptop (408) implementing the invention. In such example, the user (407) can speak at a distance 'r1' from the laptop (408). Therefore, the estimated traversing distance can be determined as 'r2', which defines an area range (409) (represented by circle) for propagation of audio or voice of the user (407) at or above hearing threshold. In another case, the audio source and the electronic device (400) can be at same location/place. For example, as illustrated in Figure 4C, during a phone conversation, the audio source can be a single user (410) and the electronic device (400) can be a smartphone (411) implementing the invention. In such example, the distance between the user (410) and the smartphone (411) is considered as 'zero' or negligible. Therefore, the estimated traversing distance can be determined as 'r', which defines an area range (412) (represented by circle) for propagation of audio or voice of the user (410) at or above hearing threshold. In yet another case, the audio source can be moving with respect to a fixed position of the electronic device (400). For example, as illustrated in Figure 4D, during lecture delivery in an auditorium, the audio source can be can be a single user (413) moving on a dais and the electronic device (400) can be a laptop (414) implementing the invention. In such example, the user (413) can speak at a distance 'r1' from the laptop (414) at time 't1' and at a distance 'r1`' from the laptop (414) at time 't2'. Therefore, the estimated traversing distance can be determined as 'r2', which defines an area range (415) (represented by solid circle) for propagation of audio or voice of the user (413) at or above hearing threshold at time 't1'. Similarly, the estimated traversing distance can be determined as 'r2`', which defines an area range (416) (represented by dashed circle) for propagation of audio or voice of the user (413`) at or above hearing threshold at time 't2'.

Thus, the distance-measuring unit (404) considers audio propagation affecting factors and the distance between the audio source and the audio input-receiving unit (402) while determining the estimated traversing distance to determine a best-projected distance accurately. Mathematically, the estimated traversing distance is determined as a function of the targeted audio, the audio propagation affecting factors, and the distance between the audio source and the audio input-receiving unit (402) and can be represented as:

d_T = func(S_TS, β_OF, r)

wherein, 'β_OF' represents the audio propagation affecting factors as described above;

'r' represents the distance between the audio source and the audio input-receiving unit (402) as described above; and

'S_TS' represents the target audio as described above.

Referring to Figure 4A again, the electronic device (400) further includes an audio controller (417) coupled to the distance-measuring unit (404). In one embodiment, the electronic device (400) implements the method (100) to adjust the audio parameter. Accordingly, the audio controller (417) performs an action to adjust at least one second audio parameter based on the estimated traversing distance. The at least one second audio parameter includes, but not limited to, amplitude, frequency, intensity, noise, direction, pressure, and decibel value. Additionally, the audio controller (417) may perform calibration of the extracted or determined first audio parameters, as known in the art, prior to performing the action.

In one implementation, the action can be to provide an audio adjustment notification as a recommendation to adjust the at least one second audio parameter. The audio adjustment notification can be provided via at least one of, but not limited to, text, audio pattern, vibration pattern, image, video, holograph, and map. In one example, the audio adjustment notification can visually show a predefined distance and an estimated traversing distance of the audio. In another example, audio alerts can be generated. In one another example, the audio adjustment notification can provide textual information indicative of required percentage increase or percentage decrease to adjust the at least one second audio parameter such as increase volume by 10% and decrease volume by 30%. Such audio adjustment notification enables a user to adjust the sound level accordingly.

In one implementation, the audio controller (417) can provide the notification on an output unit (418) of the electronic device (400). The output unit (418) includes, but not limited to, audio output unit (419) such as speakers, display unit (420), vibration unit (421), and any other output unit (422). In one implementation, the audio controller (417) can provide the notification on an output unit (not shown in the figure) of the connected device (401). Examples of the output unit include, but not limited to, audio output unit such as speakers, display unit, vibration unit, and any other output unit.

Further, in another implementation, the action can be to dynamically adjust the at least one second audio parameter. In such implementation, the audio controller (417) adjusts settings of the output unit (418). In an example, a volume of integrated speakers can be reduced by a smartphone implementing the invention.

In one another implementation, the action can be to provide a trigger to the one or more connected devices (401). As such, the audio controller (417) generates a trigger and transmits the trigger to the connected devices (401) over the network. In an example, a smartphone implementing the invention can provide a trigger to a smart TV connected with the smartphone to reduce volume. In another example, a smartphone implementing the invention can provide a trigger to smart glass walls in a large room/hall to create soundproof zones/partitions within the room.

Further, the action can be based on external parameters in addition to the estimated traversing distance. The external parameters include the audio propagation affecting factors and factors related to address privacy concerns and audibility issues. The audio propagation affecting factors can be obtained/extracted in a manner as described above. The factors related to address privacy concerns and audibility issues can obtained from user as user-input and/or information/feedback from the connected device (401).

Consequently, the user-input can include operating mode and zone distance. The operating mode is a safe mode and a target mode. The operating modes are defined based on the policy of adjusting audio. In the safe mode, the audio is ser to be adjusted to protect self-privacy and/or not to disturb others while audible to an interlocutor. In the target mode, the audio is ser to be adjusted to reach all the audiences while keeping from making noise pollution.

The zone distance can be defined as a target distance until which the target audio should propagate while addressing privacy concerns and audibility issues. This zone distance is used as a reference to adjust the audio.

Thus, in safe mode, the target audio should at most reach the target distance. That is, the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio should not be increased for the target audio to travel over the zone distance, or the parameter(s) of the audio should be adjusted not to exceed the zone distance. Therefore, the target audio in safe mode may reach the target distance without travelling any longer than the target distance. If the estimated traversing distance is longer than the zone distance, it is determined that the safe mode police is violated and thus the audio has to be adjusted. Further, if the estimated traversing distance is too much shorter than the zone distance, then the target audio is not audible to the interlocutor. In this case, the target audio has to be adjusted by adjusting the at least one audio parameter of the audio such that the estimated traversing distance is at least longer than a predetermined range of the zone distance, i.e. a predetermined threshold distance (also, referred to as 'safe distance') from the user to make the target audio audible to the interlocutor. The safe distance in the safe mode is determined based on the distance between the user and the interlocutor, the zone distance or background noise etc. For example, the safe distance is set to be 20% shorter than the zone distance.

While in target mode, the target audio should at least reach the target distance. That is, the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio should not be decreased to travel less than the zone distance, or the parameter(s) of the audio should be adjusted to reach the zone distance. Therefore, the target audio in target mode must reach the target distance as being allowed to travel longer than the target distance. The estimated traversing distance is compared with the zone distance. If the estimated traversing distance is shorter than the zone distance, it is determined that the target mode police is violated and thus the audio has to be adjusted. Further, if the estimated traversing distance is much greater than the zone distance, then the target audio makes noise pollution. In this case, the target audio has to be adjusted by adjusting the at least one audio parameter of the audio such that the estimated traversing distance is at least shorter than a predetermined range of the zone distance, i.e. a predetermined threshold distance (also, referred to as 'safe distance') from the user to make the target audio not to be noise pollution. The safe distance in the target mode is determined based on the distance between the user and the audience, the zone distance or background noise etc. For example, the safe distance in the target mode is set to be 5% longer than the zone distance.

Thus, the audio controller (417) can provide the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of decreasing the at least one second audio parameter. Likewise, the audio controller (417) can provide the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of increasing the at least one second audio parameter. Similarly, the audio controller (417) can provide the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of the second parameter of the audio is within limits. In addition, the audio controller (417) can provide the audio adjustment notification in accordance with predefined zone tolerance range. In one example, the audio controller (417) can provide the audio adjustment notification when the target audio reaches 90% of the target distance in safe mode. In another example, the audio controller (417) can provide the audio adjustment notification when the target audio reaches 110% of the target distance in target mode.

Additionally, the user-input can include location of audio environment. In one example, the user can select the location of audio environment from a drop-down menu. In another example, the user can select the location of audio environment from a map. Moreover, the user-input can include user-observation sound damping parameters that are based on observation of the user of the audio propagation affecting factors.

In addition, the user-input can include frequency of audio level monitoring such as 'continuous check', 'on-demand', and 'periodic check'. If the frequency of audio level monitoring is 'continuous check', then audio is received and the adjustment of the second parameter of the audio is performed continuously. If the frequency of audio level monitoring is 'on-demand', then audio is received and the adjustment of the second parameter of the audio is performed at one time only, preferably upon user-request. If the frequency of audio level monitoring is 'periodic check', then audio is received and the adjustment of the second parameter of the audio is performed at periodic intervals. In an example, the user-input can also include duration for 'periodic check'.

Likewise, the information from the connected devices (401) includes proximity or presence information about other users. Examples of such connected device (401) include, but not limited to, sensor, smart devices, wearable devices, image capturing device, video capturing device, and multimedia capturing device. In one example, proximity sensor such as motion detectors can detect proximity or presence of other user with respect to a user having a smartphone implementing the invention. The proximity sensor can provide information to the audio controller (417). Accordingly, the audio controller (417) can provide audio adjustment notification indicative of decreasing volume while speaking on the smartphone.

Similarly, the information from the connected devices (401) includes type of audio environment. Examples of such connected device (401) include, but not limited to, navigational device based on GPS, navigational device based on triangulation, and navigational device based on pre-stored indoor maps. In one example, navigational device can detect a hilly region with respect to a user having a smartphone implementing the invention. The navigational device can provide information to the audio controller (417). Accordingly, the audio controller (417) can provide audio adjustment notification indicative of increasing volume while speaking on the smartphone.

In another embodiment, the electronic device (400) implements the method (200) to adjust the audio parameter. Accordingly, the audio controller (417) provides an audio adjustment notification to adjust at least one second audio parameter based on the estimated traversing distance and the predefined safe zone distance. As explained earlier, the zone distance and operating mode is predefined by the user and is provided as "user-input". Therefore, the predefined safe zone distance can be categorized as the predefined zone distance when the operating mode is 'safe mode'. Accordingly, Figure 4E and Figure 4F, depicts an area (423) covered by the 'predefined safe zone distance' using bold circle. A user (424) is the audio source. The distance-measuring unit (404) determines the 'estimated traversing distance', as described earlier. In addition, the distance-measuring unit (404) determines a 'safe distance' less than the predefined safe zone distance, until which the audio can be safely increased. As such, Figure 4E and Figure 4F depicts an area (425) covered by the 'estimated traversing distance' using dashed circle and an area (426) covered by the 'safe distance' using dotted circle.

Referring to Figure 4E, the estimated traversing distance exceeds the predefined safe zone distance, as represented by solid arrow. Thus, the audio controller (417) provides the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of decreasing the at least one second audio parameter.

Referring to Figure 4F, the estimated traversing distance is less than the predefined safe zone distance, as represented by solid arrow, indicating there is no breach of privacy. However, the estimated traversing distance is also less than the safe distance, as represented by dashed arrow, indicating the user's voice may be too feeble. Thus, the audio controller (417) provides the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of increasing the at least one second audio parameter. Such an adjustment notification can be provided as a suggestion to the user, for example, to increase volume, as the user's voice may be too feeble.

Conversely, when estimated traversing distance is approximately equal to or little less than the safe distance, the audio controller (417) provides the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of the second audio parameter within limits.

In one another embodiment, the electronic device (400) implements the method (300) to adjust the audio parameter. Accordingly, the audio controller (417) provides an audio adjustment notification to adjust at least one second audio parameter based on the probable traversing distance and the predefined target zone distance. As explained earlier, the zone distance and operating mode is predefined by the user and is provided as "user-input". Therefore, the predefined target zone distance can be categorized as the predefined zone distance when the operating mode is 'target mode'. Accordingly, Figure 4G and Figure 4H, depicts an area (427) covered by the 'predefined target zone distance' using bold circle. A user (428) is the audio source. The distance-measuring unit (404) determines the 'estimated traversing distance', as described earlier. In addition, the distance-measuring unit (404) determines a 'safe distance' either at least up to or nearly greater than the predefined target zone distance, until which the audio can be safely increased. As such, Figure 4G and Figure 4H depicts an area (429) covered by the 'estimated traversing distance' using dashed circle and an area (430) covered by the 'safe distance' using dotted circle.

Referring to Figure 4G, the estimated traversing distance exceeds the predefined target zone distance, as represented by solid arrow, indicating there is no violation. However, the estimated traversing distance is also greater than the safe distance, as represented by dashed arrow, indicating the user's voice may be too strong. Thus, the audio controller (417) can provide the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of decreasing the at least one second audio parameter. Such an adjustment notification can be provided as a suggestion to the user, for example, to decrease volume, as the user's voice may be too strong and causing disturbances to unwilling persons.

Conversely, when estimated traversing distance is approximately equal to the safe distance, the audio controller (417) provides the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of the second audio parameter within limits.

Referring to Figure 4H, the estimated traversing distance is less than the predefined target zone distance, as represented by solid arrow. Thus, the audio controller (417) can provide the audio adjustment notification as being indicative of increasing the at least one second audio parameter.

Now referring to Figure 4A, in one aspect of the invention, the audio controller (417) can further control audio monitoring when a task having priority higher than the audio monitoring is detected. Examples of such higher priority task include, but not limited to, incoming call and low power condition. The tasks and their corresponding priority either can be set by the user or is in-built or based on self-learning by the audio controller (417). In one implementation, the audio controller (417) can detect the priority task. In another implementation, a separate unit can detect the priority task and provide corresponding signal to the audio controller (417).

Upon detecting the priority task, the audio controller (417) handles the audio monitoring based on predefined rules. In one example rule, the audio controller (417) can detect an incoming call on a smartphone monitoring audio in safe mode and suspend the ongoing audio monitoring until the call is completed or rejected. In another example rule, the audio controller (417) can detect an incoming call on a smartphone monitoring audio in target mode. Upon detecting the incoming call, the audio controller (417) can switch to monitoring audio during the call, i.e., in safe mode. Upon completion or rejection of the call, the audio controller (417) can then switch to monitoring the audio in target mode.

Further, the audio parameter unit (403), the distance-measuring unit (404), and the audio controller (417) can be part of an audio parameter-adjusting unit (431). In one another implementation, the audio parameter unit (403), the distance-measuring unit (404), and the audio controller (417) can be integrated in the single unit. In one another implementation, the audio parameter unit (403), the distance-measuring unit (404), and the audio controller (417) can be different units, as illustrated in the figure.

Further, in one another implementation, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) is implemented using specific hardware elements. In one another implementation, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) is implemented as combination of hardware and software elements. In yet another implementation, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) is implemented as software elements such as a mobile application, web-application, and plug-in to media playing applications.

Further, the electronic device (400) includes a memory (432). The memory (432) may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory (432) includes configuration data (433). The configuration data (433) includes values/information pertaining to the operating mode, the zone distance, the location of audio environment, the audio propagation affecting factors, the user-observation sound damping parameter, and the frequency of audio level monitoring, received as user-input. Initially, the configuration data (433) includes standard values/information pertaining to the operating mode, the zone distance, the location of audio environment, the audio propagation affecting factors, the user-observation sound damping parameter, and the frequency of audio level monitoring. In one example, the standard data can be preloaded in the memory during manufacturing of the electronic device. In another example, the standard data can be loaded in the memory via application or software update. The user can change the standard values in accordance with current requirement. The last values defined by the user are stored as configuration data (433) in the memory (432). Once the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) is deactivated, the configuration data (433) can be used as default values during next monitoring of audio level. In addition, the user can also reset the configuration data (433) to standard values.

The memory (432) may also include plurality of predetermined rules (434). The plurality of predetermined rules (434) may include rules to determine hearing threshold and consequently to determine the estimated traversing distance. The plurality of predetermined rules (434) may also include rules to ensure the user does not provide null values for various parameters. For example, the user is prevented from providing value of pressure as zero. The plurality of predetermined rules (434) can be either user-defined rules or system-defined rules.

The electronic device (400) may further include a processor (435). The processor (435) may be one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analysing and processing data. In one implementation, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) is external to the processor (435), as illustrated in the figure. In another implementation, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) is integral to the processor (435).

The electronic device (400) may further include a communication interface unit (436) to communicatively couple with the connected devices (401) over the network. The various units of the electronic device (400) can communicate via a bus (not shown in the figure).

Although specific hardware components have been depicted in reference to the electronic device (400), it is to be understood that the electronic device (400) and the various components may include other hardware components and/or software components as known in the art for performing necessary functions.

For the ease of understanding, the forthcoming descriptions of Figures 5A-11 illustrate various implementation manifestations of the invention.

Figures 5A to 5C illustrate first example manifestation (500) of configuring settings on an electronic device (501) for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A illustrates the electronic device (501) depicting a first user-interface (502) for receiving user-input to adjust audio parameter. Examples of the electronic device (501) include, but not limited to, smart phone, personal desktop, laptop, tablet, notebook, and PDA. The electronic device (501) includes the units as described in Figure 4A. The first user-interface (502) can be accessed by various mechanisms. In one mechanism, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can provide an icon corresponding to audio adjustment functionality/mode in a quick access panel/settings panel. In another mechanism, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can provide an icon corresponding to audio adjustment mobile or web application. In one another mechanism, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can provide an audio adjustment functionality/mode for a media playing application.

The first user-interface (502) includes a user-selectable item (503) that activates/enables the electronic device (501) to receive and/or monitor audio and perform an action to adjust audio parameter accordingly. In an example, the user-selectable item (503) can be represented as button. The first user-interface (502) further includes a plurality of control elements (504) to receive user-input corresponding to zone distance, operating mode as safe mode and target mode, frequency of audio level monitoring, and notification type such as text, vibration pattern, and others like audio pattern, image, video, holograph, and map. Examples of the control elements (504) include, but not limited to, text field, dropdown menu, button, checkbox, and radio button.

The first user-interface (502) further includes a settings icon (505) to receive user-input corresponding to location of audio environment, audio propagation affecting factors, and user-observation sound damping parameter. Referring to Figure 5B, upon accessing the settings icon (505), a second user-interface (506) is provided on the electronic device (501). The second user-interface (506) includes a plurality of control elements (507) to receive the user-input. Examples of the control elements (507) include, but not limited to, text field, dropdown menu, button, checkbox, and radio button. In the example, the user-input indicates 'range' as 5 meters, 'operating mode' as Safe mode, 'notification type' as Text, 'type of audio environment' as 'auditorium', 'frequency of monitoring' or 'duration of check' as 30 minutes, 'relative humidity' as 25 degree C, atmospheric pressure as 10000 PA, connected environment as 'sensors'.

Further, upon selecting 'environment type' as 'selection on maps', referring to Figure 5C, a third user-interface (508) is provided on the electronic device (501). The third user-interface (508) provides pre-stored maps such as venue floor maps for selection or entering location for defining range. As illustrated, the electronic device (501) provides indication of current location (509) and a text field (510) to enter location from the pre-stored maps manually. Upon selecting the location, the second user-interface (506) is displayed on the electronic device (501).

Further, referring to Figure 5B, the second user-interface (506) includes a plurality of control elements (511) to confirm or reset values receive via the user-input. Upon receiving confirmation of the values via the control element (511-1), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) stores the value in the memory (432) as configuration data (433). Thereafter, upon receiving a user-input indicative of accessing the user-selectable item (503), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives and/or monitors audio and performs an action to adjust audio parameter according to the configuration data (433). Alternatively, upon receiving user-input indicative of resetting of the values via the control element (511-2), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) resets the configuration data (433) to standard values. Thereafter, upon receiving a user-input indicative of accessing the user-selectable item (503), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives and/or monitors audio and performs an action to adjust audio parameter according to the standard values. Upon setting the parameter, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance and performs corresponding action.

Figures 6A to 6G illustrate second example manifestation (600) for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example manifestation, a user is speaking to a second user in a restaurant (represented by dot-dash rectangle). Accordingly, the user defines the operating mode as 'safe mode' and other parameters, and activates the user-selectable item (503) in a mobile device (601) via the first user-interface (502). The mobile device (601) implements the invention and includes the units described in reference to Figure 4.

Referring to Figure 6A, an area (602) covered by the 'predefined safe zone distance' is depicted using solid circle. Upon activating the user-selectable item (503), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives the audio of the user through a microphone of the mobile device (601) and determines the estimated traversing distance. An area (603) covered by the 'estimated traversing distance' is depicted using dashed circle.

In a scenario, the user might invariable speak louder due to emotional levels such as happiness, anger, and excitement, and the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is exceeding the predefined safe zone distance as represented by solid arrow in the Figure 6B. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'decreasing the volume'. Referring to Figure 6C, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification (604) on the mobile device (601). The audio adjustment notification (604) includes a first graphical element (605-1) indicating current sound level as high and a second graphical element (605-2) indicating required sound level as low. The audio adjustment notification (604) also includes a progress bar and a text notification (606) to indicate 'reduce the volume by 10%'.

In another scenario, the user might speak at a safe volume and the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is less than the predefined safe zone distance as represented by solid arrow in Figure 6D. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'current volume is within range'. Referring to Figure 6E, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides the audio adjustment notification (604) on the mobile device (601). The audio adjustment notification (604) includes a third graphical element (607) indicating current sound level is within range. The audio adjustment notification (604) also includes the progress bar and the text notification (606) to indicate the volume is within the range.

In one another scenario, the user might invariable speak in very low volume and the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is less the predefined safe zone distance as represented by solid arrow. The audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) may also determine a 'safe distance' below which the user's voice may be too feeble to be interpreted clearly by a listener. An area (608) covered by the 'safe distance' is depicted using dotted circle. In the present scenario, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) may also determine that the estimated traversing distance is less than the safe distance as represented by dashed arrow in Figure 6F. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'increasing the volume'. Referring to Figure 6G, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides the audio adjustment notification (604) on the mobile device (601). The audio adjustment notification (604) includes the first graphical element (605-1) indicating current sound level as low and the second graphical element (605-2) indicating required sound level as high. The audio adjustment notification (604) also includes the progress bar and the text notification (606) to indicate 'increase the volume by 10%'.

Figures 7A to 7F illustrate third example manifestation (700) for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example manifestation, a user is giving a lecture in an auditorium. Accordingly, the user defines the operating mode as 'target mode' and other parameters, and activates the user-selectable item (503) on a special purpose device (701) via the first user-interface (502). The special purpose device (701) implements the invention and includes the units described in reference to Figure 4.

Referring to Figure 7A, an area (702) covered by the 'predefined target zone distance' is depicted using solid circle. Upon activating the user-selectable item (503), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives the audio of the user and determines the estimated traversing distance. An area (703) covered by the 'estimated traversing distance' is depicted using dashed circle. Further, the special purpose device (701) is communicatively coupled with a mobile device (704) of the user to provide notifications. The special purpose device (701) may also be communicatively coupled with a microphone (not shown in the figure) to receive audio from the user and speakers (not shown in the figure).

In a scenario, the user might speak at normal volume and the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is less the predefined target zone distance as represented by solid arrow in the Figure 7B. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'increasing the volume'. Referring to Figure 7C, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides the audio adjustment notification (705) on the mobile device (704). The audio adjustment notification (705) is in form of graphical curves (706) to indicate increase volume.

In another scenario, the user might speak at a volume that reaches every audience and the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is approximately equal the predefined target zone distance as represented by solid arrow in the Figure 7D. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'the volume being within range'. Referring to Figure 7E, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides the audio adjustment notification (705) in form of graph (706) indicating the volume is within range on the mobile device (704). Likewise, referring to Figure 7F, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides the audio adjustment notification (705) in form of dB representation (706) indicating the volume is within range on the mobile device (704).

Figures 8A to 8E illustrate fourth example manifestation (800) for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example manifestation, two users are doing a private conversation within a room (represented by dot-dash square). Accordingly, one user defines the operating mode as 'safe mode' and other parameters, and activates the user-selectable item (503) in a mobile device (801) via the first user-interface (502). The mobile device (801) implements the invention and includes the units described in reference to Figure 4.

Referring to Figure 8A, an area (802) covered by the 'predefined safe zone distance' is depicted using solid circle. Upon activating the user-selectable item (503), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives the audio of the user through a microphone of the mobile device (801) and determines the estimated traversing distance. An area (803) covered by the 'estimated traversing distance' is depicted using dashed circle.

In a scenario, the user might speak at normal volume and the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is approximately equal to the predefined safe zone distance as represented by solid arrow in the Figure 8B. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'volume being within the range'. Referring to Figure 8C, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification (804) on the mobile device (801). The audio adjustment notification (804) includes a first graphical element (805) indicating current sound level is within range. The audio adjustment notification (804) further includes a progress bar and a text notification (806) to indicate the volume is within the range.

In such scenario, a third user, wearing a smart watch (807), eavesdrops in the private conversation. The mobile device (801) detects the presence of the smart watch (807). Consequently, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is exceeding the predefined safe zone distance as represented by solid arrow in the Figure 8D. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'decreasing the volume'. Referring to Figure 8E, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides the audio adjustment notification (804) on the mobile device (801). The audio adjustment notification (804) includes a second graphical element (808-1) indicating current sound level is high and a third graphical element (808-2) indicating required sound level is low. The audio adjustment notification (804) also includes the progress bar and the text notification (806) to indicate 'decrease the volume by 10%'.

Figures 9A to 9F illustrate fifth example manifestation (900) for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example manifestation, a user is giving lecture in an auditorium. Accordingly, the user defines the operating mode as 'target mode' and other parameters, and activates the user-selectable item (503) in a mobile device (901) via the first user-interface (502). The mobile device (901) implements the invention and includes the units described in reference to Figure 4. The auditorium further includes a camera (902) to detect/sense information from surrounding environment. In one aspect of the invention, the user connects the camera (902) with the mobile device (901).

Referring to Figure 9A, an area (903) covered by the 'predefined target zone distance' is depicted using solid circle. Upon activating the user-selectable item (503), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives the audio of the user from a microphone (not shown in the figure) and determines the estimated traversing distance. An area (904) covered by the 'estimated traversing distance' is depicted using dashed circle.

In a scenario, the user might speak at a volume that reaches every audience and the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is approximately equal to the predefined target zone distance as represented by solid arrow in the Figure 9B. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'the volume being within range'. Referring to Figure 9C, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification (905) on the mobile device (901). The audio adjustment notification (905) includes a first graphical element (906) indicating current sound level is within range. The audio adjustment notification (905) further includes a progress bar and a text notification (907) to indicate the volume is within the range.

In such scenario, few participants join the lecture in the auditorium. Referring to Figure 9D, the camera (902) detects the presence of the participants (represented by dashed lines from the camera) and provides corresponding information to the mobile device (901). The audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives the information about the presence of the participants from the camera (902). Consequently, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is less than the predefined target zone distance as represented by solid arrow in the Figure 9E. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification indicative of 'increasing the volume'. Referring to Figure 9F, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides the audio adjustment notification (905) on the mobile device (901). The audio adjustment notification (905) includes a second graphical element (908-1) indicating current sound level is low and a third graphical element (908-2) indicating required sound level is high. The audio adjustment notification (905) further includes the progress bar and the text notification (907) to indicate 'increase the volume by 10%'. In another aspect of the invention, the mobile device (901) can automatically detect and connect with the camera (902) in the auditorium to receive information from surrounding environment without any user intervention. In one implementation, the mobile device (901) can automatically detect the camera (902) based on the selection of either 'operating mode' as 'target mode' or 'room type' as 'auditorium' by the user. In another implementation, the mobile device (901) can automatically detect the camera (902) based on detection 'room type' as 'auditorium' by the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) (based on self-learning) without any user intervention.

Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives the information about the presence of the participants from the camera (902) and accordingly provides notification to increase volume, as described in reference to Figures 9D-9F. In another example, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can increase volume of speakers (not shown in the figure) such that the volume of the user reaches every audience and the estimated traversing distance is approximately equal to the predefined target zone distance.

Figure 10 illustrates sixth example manifestation (1000) for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example manifestation, a mobile device (1001) plays an audio content via audio playing application (1002). The mobile device (1001) implements the invention and includes the units described in reference to Figure 4. In one aspect of the invention, a user of the mobile device (1001) can select an icon (1003) on a user-interface of the audio playing application (1002) to define the operating mode as 'safe mode' and other parameters, and activate the user-selectable item (503). Upon activating the user-selectable item (503), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives the audio from speaker (not shown in the figure) of the mobile device (1001) and determines the estimated traversing distance. In another aspect of the invention, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) is automatically activated when the audio playing application (1002) plays the audio content.

In a scenario, the volume of the audio playing application (1002) is high. As such, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is exceeding the predefined safe zone distance. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) automatically reduces volume of the audio playing application (1002).

Figure 11 illustrates seventh example manifestation (1100) for adjusting audio parameter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the example manifestation, a smart television (TV) (1101) plays an audio-video content on a user-interface (1102) in a room. The smart TV (1101) is further communicatively coupled with a mobile device (1103), which implements the invention and includes the units described in reference to Figure 4. In one aspect of the invention, a user of the mobile device (1103) defines the operating mode as 'target mode' and other parameters, and activate the user-selectable item (503) on the mobile device (1103). Upon activating the user-selectable item (503), the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) in the mobile device (1103) receives the audio from speaker (not shown in the figure) of the smart TV (1101) and determines the estimated traversing distance. In another aspect of the invention, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) is automatically activated upon detecting the smart TV (1101) is playing content having audio. The mobile device (1103) may be communicatively coupled with smart glass wall in the room.

In a scenario, the volume of the smart TV (1101) is high. As such, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance is exceeding the predefined safe zone distance. Accordingly, in one example, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) provides an audio adjustment notification (1104) indicative of 'decreasing the volume' on the smart TV (1101). In another example, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can provide an audio adjustment notification (not shown in the figure) indicative of 'decreasing the volume' on the mobile device (1103). In one another example, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can provide a trigger to the smart glass wall in the room. Upon receiving the trigger, the smart glass wall creates soundproof zone/partition within the room to prevent disturbance to users outside the room such as neighbours. The audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can also save logs for future reference.

In another scenario, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can determine the estimated traversing distance based on maximum distance of the user from a viewing area along with volume. In such scenario, an integrated camera of the smart TV (1101) can determine the distance and provide the distance to the mobile device (1103). Upon receiving the distance, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) determines the estimated traversing distance and provides notification or trigger, as described above.

In another example manifestation, when user is on a conversation using smart phone and earphones, the user can activate the user-selectable item (503) to monitor the audio level. Accordingly, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) receives the audio of the user through the earphone and determines the estimated traversing distance taking into consideration the various settings and information from surrounding environment. Thus, even though the user cannot accurately judge the audio level by his own, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) enables the user to adjust the audio level by continuously monitoring the audio level. In addition, the audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can guide the user to a location based on information from surrounding environment to address privacy concerns in case the user is unable to adjust the audio level.

In yet another example manifestation, a predefined target zone distance can be specified when a heavy machinery is operating. The audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) captures the audio of the heavy machinery and determines the estimated traversing distance taking into consideration the various settings and information from surrounding environment. The audio parameter-adjusting unit (431) can perform action such that operating audio of the heavy machinery is always within the predefined target zone distance.

Thus, the present invention addresses the privacy concerns and audibility issues. In addition, the invention eliminates need for individual monitoring of various connected devices and accordingly adjusting audio level, and thereby enhances user-experience.

The drawings and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. In addition, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

While certain present preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Clearly, the invention may be otherwise variously embodied, and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A method of adjusting audio on an electronic device, the method comprising:

receiving an audio from at least one audio source;

extracting at least one first audio parameter and a target audio from the audio;

determining an estimated traversing distance of the target audio based on the at least one first audio parameter; and

performing an operation to adjust at least one second audio parameter of the target audio based on the estimated traversing distance.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the performing the operation comprises adjusting the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio based on an operating mode, the operating mode including a first mode and a second mode.
The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the performing the operation comprises setting, in the first mode, the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio at most reach the estimated traversing distance, and in the second mode, at least reach the estimated traversing distance.
The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the performing the operation is further based on a zone distance to adjust the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio by comparing the estimated traversing distance with the zone distance.
The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the performing the operation comprises setting, in the first mode, the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio such that the estimated traversing distance is not longer than the zone distance.
The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the performing the operation comprises setting, in the first mode, the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio such that the estimated traversing distance is not shorter than a first predetermined range of the zone distance.
The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the performing the operation comprises setting, in the second mode, the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio such that the estimated traversing distance is not shorter than the zone distance.
The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the performing the operation comprises setting, in the second mode, the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio such that the estimated traversing distance is not longer than a second predetermined range of the zone distance.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the performing the operation provides an audio adjustment notification to adjust the at least one second audio parameter on the electronic device based on the estimated traversing distance.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first audio parameter and the at least one second audio parameter include amplitude, frequency, intensity, noise, direction, pressure, and decibel value.
The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the determining the estimated traversing distance is further based on at least one external parameter.
The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one external parameter includes audio propagation affecting factor input from a sensor, a user or at least one connected device.
An electronic device comprising:

a memory configured to store computer-readable instructions; and

a processor configured to execute the computer-readable instructions, which when executed cause the processor to:

receive an audio from at least one audio source; extractat least one first audio parameter and a target audio from the audio;

determine an estimated traversing distance of the target audio based on the at least one first audio parameter; and

perform an operation to adjust at least one second audio parameter of the target audio based on the estimated traversing distance.
The device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the operation to adjust the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio based on an operating mode, the operating mode including a first mode and a second mode, and in the first mode, to adjust the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio at most reach the estimated traversing distance, and in the second mode, at least reach the estimated traversing distance.
The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processor is further configured to perform the operation based on a zone distance to adjust the at least one second audio parameter of the target audio according to the operating mode by comparing the estimated traversing distance with the zone distance according to the operating mode.