Method and device for setting output volume of audio signal to prevent acoustic shock in mobile terminal

• US 20070024700A1
• Filed: 07/07/2006
• Published: 02/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Shin, Young-Sun, Lim, Dok-Shin, Park, Won-Joo, Lim, Kyoung-Ae, Cho, Min-Sun
• Granted Patent: US 8,159,517 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/14.10
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6041 Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2007/145 Handheld terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/141 between two video terminals, e.g. videophone telephonic communication systems combined with television receiver for reception of entertainment or information matter H04M11/085

Abstract

A mobile terminal with a function for setting an output volume of an audio signal to prevent acoustic shock is disclosed. In the mobile terminal, a receiver is integrated into a speaker. The speaker limits the initial output volume of an audio signal to a predetermined level. The mobile terminal provides a menu for setting an output volume of an audio signal. The menu enables a user to select either to maintain the currently limited volume level or to change to a volume level set for a speaker mode. Since an audio signal received with the connection of an incoming call is output at a predetermined reference volume level, acoustic shock caused by unexpectedly high-level of sound volume can be prevented.

Claims

1. A method for setting an output volume of an audio signal in a mobile terminal to prevent acoustic shock, comprising the steps of:

detecting an incoming call as being a video call;

outputting an audio signal received in relation to the video call in a safe speaker mode limiting a volume level when the call is connected; and

changing the current safe speaker mode to an original speaker mode when a user inputs a request for adjusting an output volume of the audio signal.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising displaying a message asking whether to adjust the output volume of the audio signal after a predetermined period of time from the output of the audio signal.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising

determining whether the user presses a predetermined key to adjust the output volume of the audio signal during the output of the audio signal;

and

displaying a message asking whether to adjust the output volume of the audio signal when the predetermined key is pressed.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safe speaker mode limits an output volume to a volume level corresponding to voice output during a voice call.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safe speaker mode limits an output volume to a volume level not exceeding 120 dBspl.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output volume of the audio signal is increased to a volume level corresponding to the original speaker mode with the change of the current mode to the original speaker mode.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mobile terminal has an integrated speaker and receiver with a single transmission path.

8. A method for setting an output volume of an audio signal in a mobile terminal to prevent acoustic shock, comprising the steps of:

detecting an incoming call as being a voice call;

outputting an audio signal received in relation to the voice call in a receiver mode at a volume level not higher than a predetermined level when the call is connected; and

changing the current receiver mode to a speaker mode when a user inputs a request for adjusting an output volume of the audio signal.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising

determining whether the user presses a predetermined key to adjust the output volume of the audio signal during the output of the audio signal;

and

displaying a message asking whether to adjust the output volume of the audio signal when the predetermined key is pressed.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the message is displayed in a popup window.

11. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising

determining whether any preset alarm time is reached, while outputting the audio signal in the receiver mode;

and

generating an alarm sound at a volume not exceeding the predetermined level when the preset alarm time is reached.

12. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising

determining whether a new message has arrived during the output of the audio signal;

and

outputting a new message alert sound at a volume not exceeding the redetermined level.

13. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the receiver mode limits an output volume to a volume level not exceeding 120 dBspl.

14. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mobile terminal has an integrated speaker and receiver with a single transmission path.

15. A mobile terminal capable of setting an output volume of an audio signal to prevent acoustic shock, comprising:

an RF unit for detecting an incoming call;

a control unit for connecting a call when a user inputs a request for call connection corresponding to the incoming call, for outputting an audio signal received with the call connection at a reference volume level preset to limit an output volume, and for canceling the limiting of the volume level when the user inputs a request for adjusting an output volume of the audio signal; and

a voiceband signal processor for outputting the audio signal at the reference volume level when the call is connected under the control of the control unit, and for outputting the audio signal at an original volume level when the limiting of the volume level is cancelled.

16. The mobile terminal as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a display unit for displaying a message asking whether to adjust the output volume of the audio signal when the user inputs the request for adjusting the output volume of the audio signal.

17. The mobile terminal as claimed in claim 15, wherein said reference volume level does not exceed 120 dBspl.

18. The mobile terminal as claimed in claim 15, wherein said original volume level is a volume corresponding to a speaker mode.

19. The mobile terminal as claimed in claim 15, wherein said mobile terminal has an integrated speaker and receiver with a single transmission path.