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RIM granted patent for automatic volume adjustment based on ear seal

By on March 27, 2012 at 12:50pm in Mobile News


A patent RIM applied for in 2007 was granted today with the intent on making smartphones more able to dynamically adjust earpiece volume based on the “estimated degree of seal of an ear about a speaker port.” Remember, some people still use their smartphones as, you know, phones.

What this means is that a phone equipped with this technology would be able to tell, based on how hard or close you’re pressing your ear to the phone, what the volume of the call should be. This is done by using the touch sensor and at least one proximity sensor (probably a light sensor) on the top end of the phone near the earpiece.

The patent opens up a bunch of opportunities for easing the button-mashing tendencies of busy commuters who have to deal with the transition from loud to soft environments throughout the day.

Source: USPTO
Via: Engadget

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  3. Apple granted patent for the “Slide to Unlock” feature
  4. RIM patent shows thoughts of a Resistive/Capacitive touchscreen display

Discussion

17 comments for “RIM granted patent for automatic volume adjustment based on ear seal”

  1. Just when you think RIM is down and out, they are granted a “patent for automatic volume adjustment based on ear seal”.

    This is a huge win for the company, and a massive loss for both Apple and Android vendors.

    RIM IS BACK!!!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 14

    Posted by RIM BOLAYAH | March 27, 2012, 1:05 pm
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    • That’s probably the worst assumption anyone could ever make. As cool as this may be, some people a) use handsfree devices, therefore negating the use of this feature and b) hold their phones to their face with the same pressure regardless of external environmental sources. Although a “cool” feature to have, this won’t save RIM at all.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 14

      Posted by ELNY | March 27, 2012, 1:10 pm

  2. At least it is a patent on solid technology and not a swiping of a bar in a certain direction on a screen or some other BS. It isn’t going to have an impact on RIM however other than having the patent.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 1

    Posted by Paul | March 27, 2012, 1:16 pm
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  3. Great patent, great feature, but I wouldn’t buy a phone specifically for that. Right now, their biggest concern is their software and their apps. Stop playing around and get into it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 6

    Posted by Marc-Olivier Hétu | March 27, 2012, 1:21 pm
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  4. I think a lot of bar enthusiasts would like this feature. I still see lots of people pressing their phone to their ears harder and harder while trying to plug their other ear.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 2

    Posted by Jay | March 27, 2012, 1:28 pm
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  5. You people are losing sight of what the patent is for. Protection of intellectual property.

    Maybe it’s not a deal breaker for a phone not to have it. But if other manufacturers decide “hey, this is a good idea.. let’s use it too” then RIM gets to reap the licensing benefits which is just an added bonus.

    Anyway, if Apple came up with this idea I’m sure Ifans would be like “APPLE IS THE GREATEST INNOVATOR! THIS IS THE BEST IDEA SINCE SLICED BREAD! APPLE IS LEADING THE INDUSTRY ONCE AGAIN!” etc etc.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 1

    Posted by LC | March 27, 2012, 1:45 pm
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  6. I would benefit from this feature.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1

    Posted by CBV | March 27, 2012, 1:47 pm
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  7. That’s a pretty neat idea.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1

    Posted by Ryan | March 27, 2012, 1:55 pm
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  8. Wonder if Apple has a patent for being granted patents, maybe they’ll sue RIM for this!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3

    Posted by mark | March 27, 2012, 1:56 pm
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  9. Neat idea but honestly it’s not a great selling point.

    I’m pretty sure once they implement this into the next blackberrys 89% of the people that use the blackberry probably wont even notice the feature

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3

    Posted by Kalo | March 27, 2012, 2:02 pm
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  10. i think a better way is to monitor background noise through the mic to adjust volume. Did someone already implement this? If not, start sending the cheques my way!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0

    Posted by seant | March 27, 2012, 2:03 pm
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  11. Don’t club the baby ear seals!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1

    Posted by steven schwartz | March 27, 2012, 2:29 pm
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  12. Ifonez allreadi haz dat

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 10

    Posted by no1 u no | March 27, 2012, 3:00 pm
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    • iPhone (get the spelling right…..i`m sure there’s an App for that haha) does NOT have this feature you tool.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0

      Posted by BB King | March 27, 2012, 3:36 pm

  13. Go RIM!!!!!!!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2

    Posted by Chris S | March 27, 2012, 4:52 pm
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  14. RIM. Still great at phone calls, still mediocre at everything else.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2

    Posted by ehoustoun | March 27, 2012, 8:20 pm
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