DESC:CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is related to and claims the benefit of priority from the Indian Provisional Patent Application with Serial No. 4776/CHE/2015 titled “A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING AUDIO LEVELS IN MOBILE DEVICES”, filed on September 9, 2015, was subsequently post dated by 3 months to December 9, 2015 and the contents of which are incorporated in entirety by the way of reference.

A) TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is generally related to audio systems and mobile communication devices. The present invention is particularly related to a system and method for adjusting audio output of a mobile communication device. The present invention is more particularly related to a system and method for automatically controlling audio output of a mobile communication device based on ambient noise level of a surrounding environment of a user.

B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Mobile communication devices are becoming increasingly common and are used in different environments due to their portable nature. The noise level dramatically varies from one environment to other environment depending on the location of a user, the number of people around the user, and an equipment in the immediate environment of the user. For example, the noise level at outdoor places is typically higher than the noise levels at user’s home or office.
[0004] Due to the variations in ambient noise levels, the user has to manually adjust the volume of the mobile device in such a way that the attention of the user is caught, when an incoming call, text, email or the like is received. For example, in a noisy environment, the user sets the ring tone or speaker volume at a level higher than a normal level. In a quiet environment, the user sets the ring tone or the speaker volume at a level less than the normal level.
[0005] In most of the cases, the user forgets to adjust the audio levels of the mobile device while moving from one environment to another environment. This makes it difficult for the user to get attention of an incoming call, text, email or the like. For example, a user adjusts the volume of a mobile phone ring tone to a level that suits for a loud environment. The user later moves to a quieter environment. When the mobile gets an incoming call or a SMS or a notification, the volume of the ring tone in the quieter environment is disruptive. Similarly, the volume level which is optimized for a quiet environment is not detectable in a louder environment. Thus, the user needs to remember and constantly adjust the volume of the mobile device depending on the ambient noise level in the surrounding environment.
[0006] Hence, there is a need for a system and method for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device based on the ambient noise levels of a surrounding environment of a user. There is also a need for a system and method that adaptively changes the audio levels of a mobile device to compensate the variations in the ambient noise levels of a user’s surrounding environment. Further, there is need for a system and method that eliminates the need of a user to manually adjust the audio levels of a mobile device to hear audio output at a satisfactory level relative to background noise.
[0007] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device based on the ambient noise levels of user’s surrounding environment.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that adaptively changes the audio levels of a mobile device to compensate the variations in ambient noise levels of user’s surrounding environment.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that eliminates the need of a user to manually adjust the audio levels of a mobile device to hear an audio output at a satisfactory level relative to background noise.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to monitor the audio output of the mobile device at the ear piece or loudspeaker, when an audio related activity such as an incoming phone call or a notification of SMS or any other notification is in progress in the mobile device.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to compare the ambient noise levels and the audio output of the mobile device.
[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to increase the audio output of the mobile device, when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to decrease the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker of the mobile device, when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient audio levels of the surrounding environment.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The various embodiments of the present invention provides a system and a method for a system for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device based on the ambient noise levels of a user’s surrounding environment is provided. The system comprises a microphone configured for detecting the ambient noise levels of the environment which is in proximity to the mobile device and an audio input subsystem configured for receiving the ambient noise levels detected using the microphone. The system also comprises an audio output subsystem configured for monitoring the audio output of the mobile device at an ear piece or a loudspeaker. The system further comprises a processor configured for receiving an audio output feedback from the audio output subsystem. The processor is configured for comparing the ambient noise levels received using the audio input subsystem and the audio output of the mobile device. The processor is further configured for automatically adjusting the audio output of the mobile device to suit the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment based on the result of the comparison.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is loaded with algorithms for detecting the ambient noise levels, comparing the detected noise levels with an output audio level and controlling the audio output levels of the mobile device.
[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured for increasing the audio output of the mobile , when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured for decreasing the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker of the mobile device, when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the loudspeaker or the ear piece is configured for receiving and playing the audio output from the audio output subsystem.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the audio output of the mobile device comprises an audio output related to an incoming phone call, SMS notification, any other notification and the like.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented method comprising instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and run on a computing device provided with a hardware processor and memory for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device based on the ambient noise levels of a user’s surrounding environment. The method comprises detecting ambient noise levels of the environment which is in proximity to the mobile device using a microphone. The method also comprises receiving the ambient noise levels detected via the microphone using an audio input subsystem and monitoring the audio output of the mobile device at an ear piece or a loudspeaker using an audio output subsystem. The method further comprises receiving an audio output feedback from the audio output subsystem using a processor. The processor is configured for comparing the ambient noise levels received using the audio input subsystem and the audio output of the mobile device. The processor is configured for automatically adjusting the audio output of the mobile device to suit the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment based on the result of the comparison.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is loaded with algorithms for detecting the ambient noise levels, comparing the detected noise levels with an output audio level and controlling the audio output levels of the mobile device.
[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises increasing the audio output of the mobile device based on an output command from the processor, when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises decreasing the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker of the mobile device based on an output command from the processor, the processor when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0026] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of an illustration and not of a limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an automatic audio control system for mobile devices, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrate a flow chart explaining a method of automatically controlling audio output of a mobile device based on ambient noise level of a user’s surrounding environment, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0032] The various embodiments of the present invention provides a system and a method for a system for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device based on the ambient noise levels of a user’s surrounding environment is provided. The system comprises a microphone configured for detecting ambient noise levels of the environment which is in proximity to the mobile device and an audio input subsystem configured for receiving the ambient noise levels detected using the microphone. The system also comprises an audio output subsystem configured for monitoring the audio output of the mobile device at an ear piece or a loudspeaker. The system further comprises a processor configured for receiving an audio output feedback from the audio output subsystem. The processor is configured for comparing the ambient noise levels received using the audio input subsystem and the audio output of the mobile device. The processor is further configured for automatically adjusting the audio output of the mobile device to suit the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment based on the result of the comparison.
[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is loaded with algorithms for detecting the ambient noise levels, comparing the detected noise levels with an output audio level and controlling the audio output levels of the mobile device.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured for increasing the audio output of the mobile device when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured for decreasing the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker of the mobile device when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the loudspeaker or the ear piece is configured for receiving and playing the audio output from the audio output subsystem.
[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the audio output of the mobile device comprises audio output related to an incoming phone call, SMS notification, any other notification and the like.
[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented method comprising instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and run on a computing device provided with a hardware processor and memory for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device based on the ambient noise levels of a user’s surrounding environment. The method comprises detecting ambient noise levels of the environment which is in proximity to the mobile device using a microphone. The method also comprises receiving the ambient noise levels detected via the microphone using an audio input subsystem and monitoring the audio output of the mobile device at an ear piece or a loudspeaker using an audio output subsystem. The method further comprises receiving an audio output feedback from the audio output subsystem using a processor. The processor is configured for comparing the ambient noise levels received using the audio input subsystem and the audio output of the mobile device. The processor is configured for automatically adjusting the audio output of the mobile device to suit the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment based on the result of the comparison.
[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is loaded with algorithms for detecting the ambient noise levels, comparing the detected noise levels with an output audio level and controlling the audio output levels of the mobile device.
[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises increasing the audio output of the mobile device based on an output command from the processor, when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises decreasing the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker of the mobile device based on an output command from the processor, when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system and a method are provided for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device based on the ambient noise levels of a user’s surrounding environment. The automatic audio controlling system comprises a microphone, an audio input subsystem, a processor, an audio output subsystem, and a loud speaker or an ear piece. The automatic audio controlling system is set up in the mobile device of the user.
[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the microphone is configured to detect the ambient noise levels of the environment which is in proximity to the mobile device. Further, the microphone is configured to send the detected ambient noise levels to the audio input subsystem.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the audio input subsystem is configured to receive the ambient noise levels from the microphone and forwards the signals to the processor.
[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the audio output subsystem is configured to monitor the audio output of the mobile device at the ear piece or loudspeaker, when an audio related activity such as an incoming phone call or a notification of SMS or any other notification is in progress in the mobile device. Further, the audio output subsystem is configured to send the feedback to the processor.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured to compare the ambient noise levels and the audio output of the mobile device. Further, the processor is configured to determine whether the audio output of the mobile device is suitable for the detected ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the processor is configured to automatically adjust (either increase or decrease) the audio output of the mobile device to suit the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment.
[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured to increase the audio output of the mobile device, when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor is configured to decrease the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker of the mobile device, when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient audio levels of the surrounding environment.
[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the loudspeaker or ear piece is configured to receive the audio signals from the audio output subsystem and further play the audio.
[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, initially the microphone in the mobile device detects the ambient noise levels of an environment which is in proximity to the mobile device. Later, the microphone sends the ambient noise levels to an audio input subsystem. The audio input subsystem receives the ambient noise levels from the microphone and forwards the signals to the processor. An audio output subsystem continuously monitor the audio output of the mobile device at ear piece or the loudspeaker and sends the feedback to the processor. An audio output subsystem monitors the audio output of the mobile device at the ear piece or loudspeaker when an audio related activity such as an incoming phone call or a notification of SMS or any other notification is in progress in the mobile device. The audio output subsystem sends the feedback to the processor. Further, the processor compares the ambient noise levels and the audio output of the mobile device. Based on the comparison results, the processor determines whether the audio output of the mobile device is suitable for the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment. When the audio output of the mobile device does not match with the ambient noise levels, the processor automatically adjusts (either increase or decrease) the audio output of the mobile device to suit for the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment. Thus, the user gets the attention of incoming call, text, email or the like, irrespective of the kind of environment surrounding the mobile device.
[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an automatic audio control system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 1, the automatic audio controlling system 100 comprises microphone 101, audio input subsystem 102, processor 103, audio output subsystem 104, and loud speaker or an ear piece 105. The automatic audio controlling system 100 is set up in the mobile device of the user.
[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the microphone 101 is configured to detect the ambient noise levels of the environment which is in proximity to the mobile device. Further, the microphone 101 is configured to send the detected ambient noise levels to the audio input subsystem 102.
[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the audio input subsystem 102 is configured to receive the ambient noise levels from the microphone 101 and forwards the signals to the processor 103.
[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the audio output subsystem 104 is configured to monitor the audio output of the mobile device at the ear piece or loudspeaker 105 when an audio related activity such as an incoming phone call or a notification of SMS or any other notification is in progress in the mobile device. Further, the audio output subsystem 104 is configured to send the feedback to the processor 103.
[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor 103 is configured to compare the ambient noise levels and the audio output of the mobile device. Further, the processor 103 is configured to determine whether the audio output of the mobile device is suitable for the detected ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the processor 103 is configured to automatically adjust (either increase or decrease) the audio output of the mobile device to suit the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment.
[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor 103 is configured to increase the audio output at the ear piece or loud speaker 105 of the mobile device when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processor 103 is configured to decrease the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker 105 of the mobile device when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient audio levels of the surrounding environment. Thus, current surrounding environment of the user is checked in order to take decision of volume control which is directly proportional to the noise level of surrounding i.e. more the noise, more audio output level. The surrounding noise taken as input to the microphone is converted to a digital signal in order to feed to the processor. The processor measures and analyses the noise level. After analysis, the processor controls audio level proportional to the noise level. Here, the surrounding noise is directly measurement in dB level to evaluate noise level before actual operation is performed.
[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the user set configurations are allowed to override the automatic control of audio levels. For example, in case the user wants to force the low sound output like silent mode irrespective of the ambient sound level.
[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the loudspeaker or ear piece 105 is configured to receive the audio signals from the audio output subsystem 104 and further play the audio.
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrate a flow chart explaining a method of automatically controlling audio output of a mobile device based on ambient noise level of a user’s surrounding environment, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the microphone in the mobile device detects the ambient noise levels of an environment which is in proximity to the mobile device (201). Later, the microphone sends the ambient noise levels to an audio input subsystem. The audio input subsystem receives the ambient noise levels from the microphone and forwards the signals to the processor. An audio output subsystem monitors the audio output of the mobile device at the ear piece or loudspeaker when an audio related activity such as an incoming phone call or a notification of SMS or any other notification is in progress in the mobile device. The audio output subsystem sends the feedback to the processor (202). Further, the processor compares the ambient noise levels and the audio output of the mobile device. Based on the comparison results, the processor determines whether the audio output of the mobile device is audible in the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment (203). When the audio output of the mobile device does not match with the ambient noise levels, the processor automatically adjusts (either increase or decrease) the audio output of the mobile device to suit for the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment (204). Thus, the user gets attention when an incoming call, text, email or the like is received irrespective of the kind of environment surrounding the mobile device.
[0060] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of an illustration and not of a limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0061] The present invention provides an automatic audio controlling system that automatically adjusts the audio output of the mobile device to suit the surrounding environment of the user. This eliminates the need of the user to manually check and adjust the audio levels of the mobile device to hear audio output at a satisfactory level relative to background noise. The audio levels are controlled automatically without user interaction and this makes comfortable for listening the device in any condition. Thus, an enhanced user experience is provided while handling the mobile device in different noisy environment
[0062] The proposed invention is also used for the purpose of noise pollution level analysis with user permission and for creating a database based on the analysis. In conjunction with global positioning system (GPS) the proposed invention facilitates locating noise polluted areas on map.
[0063] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications.
[0064] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein with modifications. ,CLAIMS:1. A system for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device, the system comprising:
a microphone configured for detecting an ambient noise level of an environment which is in proximity to the mobile device;
an audio input subsystem configured for receiving the detected ambient noise levels;
an audio output subsystem configured for monitoring the audio output of the mobile device at an ear piece or a loudspeaker; and
a processor configured for receiving an audio output feedback from the audio output subsystem, wherein the processor is configured for comparing the ambient noise levels received using the audio input subsystem and the audio output of the mobile device, and wherein the processor is configured for automatically adjusting the audio output of the mobile device to suit the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment based on the result of the comparison, and wherein the processor is loaded with algorithms for detecting the ambient noise levels, comparing the detected noise levels with an output audio level and controlling the audio output levels of the mobile device.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured for increasing the audio output of the mobile device, when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured for decreasing the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker of the mobile device, when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the loudspeaker or the ear piece is configured for receiving and playing the audio output from the audio output subsystem.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the audio output of the mobile device comprises audio output related to an incoming phone call, SMS notification, and any other notification.
6. A computer implemented method comprising instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium and run on a computing device provided with a hardware processor and memory for automatically controlling the audio levels of a mobile device based on the ambient noise levels of a user’s surrounding environment, the method comprising the steps of:
detecting ambient noise levels of the environment which is in proximity to the mobile device using a microphone;
receiving the ambient noise levels detected with the microphone using an audio input subsystem;
monitoring the audio output of the mobile device at an ear piece or a loudspeaker with an audio output subsystem; and
receiving an audio output feedback from the audio output subsystem using a processor, wherein the processor is configured for comparing the ambient noise levels received using the audio input subsystem and the audio output of the mobile device, and wherein the processor is configured for automatically adjusting the audio output of the mobile device to suit the ambient noise levels of the user’s surrounding environment based on the result of the comparison, and wherein the processor is loaded with algorithms for detecting the ambient noise levels, comparing the detected noise levels with an output audio level and controlling the audio output levels of the mobile device.
7. The method according to claim 6, further comprises increasing the audio output of the mobile device based on an output command from the processor when the audio output of the mobile device is less than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.
8. The method according to claim 6, further comprises decreasing the audio output at the earpiece or loud speaker of the mobile device based on an output command from the processor when the audio output of the mobile device is more than the ambient noise levels of the surrounding environment.