Patent Publication Number: US-2015063577-A1

Title: Sound effects for input patterns

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to a Korean Patent Application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 29, 2013 and assigned Serial No. 10-2013-0103513, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to a method for generating a sound effect and an electronic device thereof. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Due to the recent growth of multimedia technology, multi-functional electronic devices are now prevalent in today&#39;s society. Generally, these electronic devices may perform many complex functions. Some conventional electronic devices are mobile terminals typically known as “smart phones.” Such mobile terminals may include a large touch screen. In addition to being a mobile phone, these mobile terminals may include a high-pixel camera module to take still and moving pictures; may playback multimedia content, such as music, a video and the like; or may gain access to a network. 
     Therefore, various functions are gradually converging into electronic devices. Also, the performance of these electronic devices are gradually increasing due to the high-performance processors installed therein. Because mobile terminals have made considerable progress, the phone aspect of the terminal is considered a supplementary function. Electronic devices today may interface with users and provide graphic or audio output in response to a user&#39;s input. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various examples of the present disclosure provide a sound effect generating method and electronic device capable of providing audio feedback in response to a user&#39;s input. The method and electronic device of the present disclosure may provide a natural audio feedback in accordance with a user&#39;s motion. The sound generated by the techniques disclosed herein may be intuitive in view of the input. 
     In one aspect, an operation method of an electronic device may include obtaining features associated with a detected input pattern; obtaining a basic sound effect; synthesizing a sound effect that reflects the features associated with the input pattern, the sound effect being based at least partially on the basic sound effect; and playing the synthesized sound effect. 
     In a further aspect, an electronic device may include at least one processor to: detect an input pattern; identify features associated with the input pattern; obtain a basic sound effect; synthesize a sound effect that reflects the features associated with the input pattern, the sound effect being based at least partially on the basic sound effect; and play the synthesized sound effect. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an example electronic device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a block diagram illustrating example components of an electronic device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a block diagram illustrating an example processor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a working example of audio feedback making use of distance information in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating an example method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating another example method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating yet another example method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating yet a further example method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B  are working examples of a playback section in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating another example method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various examples of the present disclosure will be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that various modifications may be made to the examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As such, it is understood that the examples herein include all changes, equivalents or alternatives of the illustrations described herein. In a description of the drawings, like reference numerals are used for like components. 
     The expressions such as “comprise”, “include”, “may include”, “may comprise” and the like may indicate the existence of a disclosed function, operation, component and the like. Also, it should be understood that the terms such as “comprise”, “include”, and “have” designate the existence of a feature stated in the specification, a number, a step, an operation, a component, or a combination thereof, and do not exclude the existence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, or combinations thereof. 
     Expressions such as “or”, “at least one of A or/and B”, or the like include any and all combinations of words enumerated together. For example, “A or B” or “at least one of A or/and B” each may include “A”, or may include “B”, or may include both “A” and “B”. 
     Expressions such as “1st”, “2nd”, “first”, “second” and the like may modify various elements, but do not limit these elements. For example, the expressions do not limit the order of the elements, or the importance thereof. The expressions may be used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a 1st electronic device and a 2nd electronic device are all electronic devices, and represent different electronic devices. 
     When an element is “connected” to or “accessed” by another element, it should be understood that any element may be directly connected to or accessed by another element or that a third element may also exist between the two elements. In contrast, when any element is “directly connected” to or “directly accessed” by another element, it should be understood that the third element does not exist between the two elements. 
     The terms employed in the present disclosure are used for describing specific examples, and do not intend to limit the spirit and scope of the various examples herein. The expression of a singular number includes the expression of a plural number unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein including technological or scientific terms have the same meaning as being generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Terms as defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with a contextual meaning of a related technology, and are not interpreted as having ideal or excessively formal meanings unless defined clearly herein. 
     An electronic device may be a device including a telecommunication function. For example, the electronic device may include at least one of a smart phone, a tablet Personal Computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an electronic book (e-book) reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), an MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player, a mobile medical instrument, a camera, and a wearable device (e.g., a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) such as electronic glasses, electronic clothes, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an accessory, an electronic tattoo, or a smart watch). 
     In a further example, the electronic device may be a smart home appliance with a telecommunication function. For example, the smart home appliance may include at least one of a television, a Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, an audio system, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave, a washing machine, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a TV box (for example, Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic locking system, a camcorder, and an electronic frame. 
     In a further example, the electronic device may include at least one of a variety of medical instruments (e.g., Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), a scanning machine, an ultrasound machine and the like), a navigation device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, an Event Data Recorder (EDR), a Flight Data Recorder (FDR), a car infotainment device, an electronic equipment for ship (e.g., a navigation device for ship, a gyrocompass and the like), avionics, a security instrument, and an industrial or household robot. 
     In a further example, the electronic device may include at least one of a part of furniture or building/structure having a telecommunication function, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and various metering instruments (e.g., a tap water, electricity, gas, radio wave metering instrument or the like). 
     The electronic device may be one or a combination of more of the aforementioned devices. Also, the electronic device may be a flexible device. Also, it is understood that the electronic device is not limited to the aforementioned instruments. 
     An example electronic device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term ‘user’ may denote a person who uses the electronic device. The term ‘user’ may also refer to another device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device. In one example, the term ‘sound effect’ may include sound source. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a touch screen  190  may be installed in front  101  of the electronic device  100 . The touch screen  190  may display an electrical signal provided from the electronic device  100  as a picture such as a text, a graphic, a video and the like. Also, the touch screen  190  displays output in response to input. The touch screen  190  may receive data with an input means such as a finger or a stylus. 
     In one example, the touch screen  190  may employ not only capacitive, resistive, infrared and surface acoustic wave technologies but also any multi-touch sensing technology including other proximity sensor arrays or other elements. Through a variation of a physical quantity (for example, capacitance, resistance and the like) of contact with a finger, a stylus or the like, the touch screen  190  may recognize a touch, and sense operations such as flicking, a touch and drag, a tap and hold, a multi tap and the like. Also, the touch screen  190  may recognize a hovering input (also called a non-contact touch or a proximity touch) sensing that an input means such as a finger or a stylus approaches within a certain distance from touch screen  190 . 
     An earpiece  102  for receiving a voice may be installed at an upper side of the touch screen  190 . A plurality of sensors  103  such as a proximity sensor, a light sensor or the like and a camera device  104  for photographing or recording video of a subject may be installed around the earpiece  102 . 
     In one example, the electronic device  100  may further include a microphone device  105  located at a lower side of the touch screen  190  and receiving an input of sound, and a keypad device  106  arranging key buttons. Electronic device  100  may also comprise additional components that are not shown for implementing additional functions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , the electronic device  100  may include a memory  110 , a processor unit  120 , a camera device  130 , a sensor device  140 , a wireless communication device  150 , an audio device  160 , an external port device  170 , an input output control unit  180 , a touch screen  190 , and an input device  200 . The memory  110  and the external port device  170  may be constructed in plural. Each component is described as follows. 
     The processor unit  120  may include a memory interface  121 , at least one processor  122 , and a peripheral interface  123 . Here, the memory interface  121 , the at least one processor  122  and the peripheral interface  123  included in the processor unit  120  may be integrated as at least one integrated circuit or be implemented as separate components. 
     The memory interface  121  may control the access of the component such as the processor  122  or the peripheral interface  123  to the memory  110 . The peripheral interface  123  may control the connection of the memory interface  121  and the processor  122  with an input output peripheral device of the electronic device  100 . 
     The processor  122  may control the electronic device  100  to provide various multimedia services using at least one software program. The processor  122  may execute at least one program stored in the memory  110  and provide a service corresponding to the corresponding program. The processor  122  may execute several software programs, perform several functions of the electronic device  100 , and may perform processing and control for voice communication, video communication and data communication. Further, the processor  122  may interwork with software modules stored in the memory  110  and perform illustrative methods of the present disclosure. 
     The processor  122  may include one or more data processors, image processors, or CODECs. Further, the data processor, the image processor, or the CODEC may be separate or remote from electronic device  100 . Various components of the electronic device  100  may be connected through one or more communication buses (not denoted by reference numerals) or electrical connection means (not denoted by reference numerals). 
     The camera device  130  may perform a camera function such as photo, video clip, recording and the like. The camera device  130  may include a Charged Coupled Device (CCD), a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) or the like. Further, the camera device  130  may perform hardware construction change, for instance, lens shift, iris count adjustment, and the like in accordance with a camera program executed by the processor  122 . 
     The sensor device  140  may include a proximity sensor, a hall sensor, a light sensor, a motion sensor, and the like. For example, the proximity sensor may sense an object approaching the electronic device  100 , and the hall sensor may sense a magnetic force of a metal body. Also, the light sensor senses light around the electronic device  100 . The motion sensor may include an acceleration sensor or gyro sensor sensing a motion of the electronic device  100 . However, it is understood that sensor device  140  is not limited to the forgoing, and the sensor device  140  may also include various sensors for implementing additional functions. 
     The wireless communication device  150  makes possible wireless communication, and may include a wireless frequency transmitter/receiver or an optical (e.g., infrared) transmitter/receiver. Though not illustrated, the wireless communication device  150  may include a Radio Frequency (RF) IC unit and a baseband processor. The RF IC unit may transmit/receive an electromagnetic wave, and may convert a baseband signal from the baseband processor into an electromagnetic wave and transmit the electromagnetic wave through an antenna. 
     The RF IC unit may include an RF transceiver, an amplifier, a tuner, an oscillator, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card, and the like. 
     The wireless communication device  150  may be implemented to operate through at least one of a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, an Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Wireless-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) network, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a Wireless interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) network, a Near Field Communication (NFC) network, an infrared communication network, and a Bluetooth network in accordance with a communication network. But, it is not limited to this, and the wireless communication device  150  may apply several communication methods using an electronic mail (e-mail), instant messaging, or a Short Message Service (SMS) protocol. 
     The audio device  160  may be connected to the speaker  161  and the microphone  162  and perform an audio input and output function of a voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, call function or the like. The audio device  160  may provide an audio interface between a user and the electronic device  100 , and may convert a data signal received from the processor  122  into an electrical signal and output the converted electrical signal through the speaker  161 . 
     The speaker  161  may convert an electrical signal into an audible frequency band and output the audio frequency band. The speaker  161  may be arranged in front or rear of the electronic device  100 . The speaker  161  may include a flexible film speaker attaching at least one piezoelectric body to one vibration film. 
     The microphone  162  may convert a sound wave forwarded from human or other sound effects into an electrical signal. The audio device  160  may receive the electrical signal from the microphone  162 , convert the received electrical signal into an audio data signal, and transmit the converted audio data signal to the processor  122 . The audio device  160  may include an earphone, an ear set, a headphone or a headset which is attachable to or detachable from the electronic device  100 . 
     The external port device  170  may directly connect the electronic device  100  with a counterpart electronic device, or indirectly connect the electronic device  100  with the counterpart electronic device through a network (e.g., the internet, an intranet, a wireless LAN and the like). The external port device  170  may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a FIREWIRE port, or the like. 
     The input output control unit  180  may provide an interface between an input output device such as the touch screen  190 , the input device  200  and the like, and the peripheral interface  123 . The input output control unit  180  may include a touch screen controller and other input device controller. 
     The touch screen  190  may provide an input and output interface between the electronic device  100  and a user. The touch screen  190  may apply a touch sensing technology to forward user information to the processor  122 , and show visual information, a text, a graphic, a video or the like provided from the processor  122  to the user. 
     The touch screen  190  may display status information of the electronic device  100 , a text inputted by a user, a moving picture and a still picture. Further, the touch screen  190  may display information related to an application driven by the processor  122 . 
     The touch screen  190  may apply not only capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic technologies but also any multi touch sensing technology including other proximity sensor arrays or other elements. This touch screen  190  may apply at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), an Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode (AMOLED), a Thin Film Transistor—Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD), a flexible display, and a 3-Dimensional (3D) display. 
     The touch screen  190  may recognize a touch through a variation of a physical quantity (for example capacitance, resistance and the like) in accordance with a contact of a finger, a stylus or the like, and sense operations such as flicking, a touch and drag, a tap and hold, a multi tap and the like. Also, the touch screen  190  may be implemented to recognize a hovering input (also called a non-contact touch or a proximity touch) sensing that an input means such as a finger or a stylus approaches within a certain distance with the touch screen  190 . 
     The input device  200  may provide input data generated by user&#39;s selection to the processor  122  through the input output control unit  180 . The input device  200  may include a keypad including at least one hardware button, and a touch pad sensing touch information. 
     The input device  200  may include an up/down button for volume control. Besides this, the input device  200  may include at least one of a push button assigned a corresponding function, a locker button, a rocker switch, a thumb-wheel, a dial, a stick, a mouse, a track ball, and a pointer device such as a stylus and the like. 
     The memory  110  may include one or more high-speed random access memories or non-volatile memories such as magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices or flash memories (for example, Not AND (NAND) memories, Not OR (NOR) memories). 
     The memory  110  may store software. This software may include, but is not limited to, an operating system module  111 , a communication module  112 , a graphic module  113 , a user interface module  114 , a CODEC module  115 , an application module  116 , a basic sound effect management module  117 , a feature information operation module  118 , and a sound effect synthesis module  119 . The term of ‘module’ may be expressed as a set of instructions, an instruction set, or a program. 
     The operating system module  111  may include an embedded operating system such as WINDOWS, LINUX, Darwin, RTXC, UNIX, OS X, Android or VxWorks, and may include various software components controlling general system operation. Control of the general system operation may include memory control and management, storage hardware (device) control and management, power control and management, and the like. Further, the operating system module  111  may perform a function of making smooth communication between various hardware (devices) and software components (modules). 
     The communication module  112  may make possible communication with a counterpart electronic device such as a computer, a server, an electronic device and the like, through the wireless communication device  150  or the external port device  170 . 
     The graphic module  113  may include various software components for providing and displaying a graphic on the touch screen  190 . The term of ‘graphic’ may signify a text, a web page, an icon, a digital image, a video, an animation and the like. 
     The user interface module  114  may include various software components associated with a user interface. The user interface module  114  may control to display on the touch screen  190  information related to an application driven by the processor  122 . Also, the user interface module  114  may include information about how a state of a user interface is changed, whether the change of the state of the user interface is carried out in which condition, or the like. 
     The CODEC module  115  may include a software component related to encoding and decoding of a video file. 
     The application module  116  may include a software component for at least one application installed in the electronic device  100 . This application may include a browser, an e-mail, a phonebook, a game, a short message service, a multimedia message service, a Social Networking Service (SNS), an instant message, a wake-up call, MP3, schedule management, a paint, a camera, word processing, keyboard emulation, a music player, an address book, a touch list, a widget, Digital Right Management (DRM), voice recognition, voice replication, a position determining function, a location-based service, and the like. The term of application is expressed as an application program as well. 
     The basic sound effect management module  117  may store a basic sound effect for sound effect synthesis, and may include a software component for controlling a basic sound effect which is output in response to a detected input pattern. The basic sound effect management module  117  includes a previously recorded basic sound effect, and may store the basic sound effect in a Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) format. Also, the basic sound effect management module  117  may include related processes and instructions for generating the basic sound effect. 
     The feature information operation module  118  may include a software component for identifying features in a detected input pattern. The feature information operation module  118  may include related processes and instructions for determining collected feature information and generating a parameter value for sound effect synthesis. 
     The sound effect synthesis module  119  may include a software component for altering a basic sound effect using the features identified in the input pattern. The sound effect synthesis module  119  may include related processes and instructions for adapting the collected features to a physical modeling standard and altering the basic sound effect based on the standard. 
     The processor unit  120  may further include additional modules (instructions) besides the aforementioned modules. Various functions of the electronic device  100  may be executed by hardware, software, or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). 
     Though not illustrated, the electronic device  100  may include a power system for supplying power to several components included in the electronic device  100 . The power system may include a power source (i.e., an alternating current or a battery), a power error detection circuit, a power converter, a power inverter, a charging device, or a power level indicating device (e.g., a light emitting diode). Further, the electronic device  100  may include a power management and control device performing a power generation, management and distribution function. 
     In the present example, the components of the electronic device  100  are illustrated and described, but it is understood that electronic device  100  is not limited to the foregoing. That is, the electronic device  100  may have more or less components than illustrated in the present drawing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , the processor  122  may include an input reception unit  210 , a basic sound effect acquisition unit  220 , a feature information acquisition unit  230 , and a sound effect synthesis unit  240 . In one example, components of the processor  122  may be constructed as separate modules, but may be included in one module as components of software. 
     The input reception unit  210  may detect an input pattern detected by a user. The user may employ a body part (e.g., a finger) or a separate input device  200  to enter input. 
     In one example, when input reception unit  210  detects an input pattern, the input reception unit  210  may sense a motion of a human body such as a motion of a user&#39;s finger or eye and the like, and recognize the sensed motion as the input pattern. This input reception unit  210  may include a touch sensor for recognizing the user&#39;s finger, and may include a camera sensor for recognizing the user&#39;s eye. However, input reception unit  210  may be able to recognize a motion of any human body part. 
     In another example, when the input reception unit  210  receives an input pattern using the separate input device  200 , the input reception unit  210  may sense a motion of an input means such as a stylus pen, a mouse, a track ball and the like, and recognize the sensed motion as the input pattern. This input reception unit  210  may include a touch panel or separate sensor for recognizing the separate input device  200 . 
     In one example, the input reception unit  210  may digitize an input pattern (for example, a continuous input coordinate, input speed and the like) received from the user or the separate input device  200 , into an input pattern value. Also, the input reception unit  210  may digitize the input pattern received at a certain time interval or in real-time, and may provide the digitized input pattern value to the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  or the feature information acquisition unit  230 . 
     The basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  may execute the basic sound effect management module  117  stored in the memory  110  and provide a basic sound effect for sound effect synthesis in the sound effect synthesis unit  240 . For example, the basic sound effect may be stored in the memory  110  in a PCM format. 
     In one example, the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  may load a previously recorded basic sound effect stored in the basic sound effect management module  117 . This basic sound effect may include various sounds, for example, a ball point pen sound, a fountain pen sound, a pencil sound, a chalk sound, a felt-tip pen sound, a brush sound and the like. Thus, the sound may be a sound associated with the input pattern. 
     In another example, when the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  uses the previously recorded basic sound effect, the electronic device  100  may select a sound effect that is associated with the type of input (e.g., the kind of a pen and the like). For example, when using a ball point pen, the electronic device  100  may be able to generate a ball point pen sound effect. Electronic device  100  may identify the ball point pen based on the input pattern. The sound effect associated with the detected input pattern is not limited to the kind of the pen; it is understood that various inputs may be applied with various basic sound effects associated with the inputs. For example, if the electronic device  100  receives an input pattern by the user&#39;s touch (for example, the finger and the like), the electronic device  100  may play the previously recorded basic sound effect matching the input pattern generated by the touch. In yet a further example, the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  may synthesize a sound effect in accordance with a detected input, using a frequency synthesis method. For example, the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  may include a basic sound effect synthesis device which is comprised of a white noise generator, a Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO), and an audio filter. 
     In one example, the basic sound effect synthesis device may generate a white noise by applying a frequency of a detected input pattern to a random function through the white noise generator. Also, the basic sound effect synthesis device may generate a low frequency signal through the LFO using the generated white noise, modulate the generated low frequency signal, and synthesize a sound effect via the audio filter. For example, a setting value of the random function applied upon basic sound effect synthesis, a setting value of the LFO, a coefficient of the audio filter, and the like may be selected in accordance with the kind of sound effect, i.e., a characteristic of an audio feedback. 
     In one example, the electronic device  100  may identify a characteristic of a sound effect associated with a detected input pattern; may load a parameter value associated with the characteristic; apply the loaded parameter value when initializing each module of the basic sound effect synthesis device; and synthesizing a sound effect. For example, if the electronic device  100  detects an input pattern from the user&#39;s finger, the electronic device  100  may set a parameter value corresponding to a range touched by the finger and generate a sound effect in real-time. 
     An example method for generating a sound effect using a frequency is discussed below. However, it is understood that the sound effect synthesis device may generate a sound effect by applying various technology. 
     The feature information acquisition unit  230  may execute the feature information operation module  118  stored in the memory  110 , and provide feature information as a parameter value to the sound effect synthesis unit  240 . Sound effect synthesis unit  240  may use the parameter value for generating a sound effect. 
     In one example, the feature information acquisition unit  230  may acquire feature information of a detected input pattern. Here, the feature information may include a physical variation of the input pattern received within a certain time. For example, the feature information may include coordinate information, speed information, direction information, acceleration information, angular speed information, pressure information, and the like in which the input pattern is received during the certain time. 
     In one example, the feature information acquisition unit  230  may acquire feature information through a digitized input pattern value (e.g., a motion coordinate, a pressure, and the like of a user or an input tool) provided from the input reception unit  210 . For example, the feature information acquisition unit  230  may confirm variation values of an input coordinate of a detected input pattern, an input speed thereof, an input direction thereof, an input acceleration thereof, an input angular speed thereof, an input pressure thereof, and the like, by comparing an initial input value of the detected input pattern and a current input value thereof using a difference of time detected by the input reception unit  210 . 
     In one example, the feature information acquisition unit  230  may determine the confirmed feature information and extract a parameter value that is used for sound effect synthesis in the sound effect synthesis unit  240 . For example, the feature information acquisition unit  230  will be able to acquire feature information at a certain time interval or in real-time, in response to a detected input pattern. 
     The sound effect synthesis unit  240  may read feature information generated by the feature information acquisition unit  230 ; alter a sound effect generated by the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220 ; and generate an audio signal matching the detected input pattern in real-time. For example, the sound effect synthesis unit  240  may adapt the provided feature information to a physical modeling standard. 
     In one example, when speed is among the provided features, a movement speed of a moved coordinate of a detected input pattern may correspond to a pitch value or an output intensity of a sound effect. For example, the output intensity of the sound effect may gradually increase as the movement speed of the detected input pattern gradually increases. 
     In yet a further example, when a direction of the input pattern is among the provided features and the direction is a left-to-right direction, a movement sound effect may be provided using a panning effect or a Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) such that a balance of the output sound effect may move from the left to the right. 
     Also, a near-and-far effect may be provided such that it gradually sounds clearer by increasing an output intensity of the sound effect as the input pattern gets closer to an initial input coordinate; conversely, the sound effect may gradually sound less clear by decreasing the output intensity of the sound effect as the detected input pattern gets farther from the center point. 
     In yet a further example, when pressure information is among the provided features and a pressure of a detected input pattern increases, an output intensity of an associated sound effect may increase or a synthesis value may be adjusted to make a strong sound. And, if the pressure of the detected input pattern decreases, the output intensity of the output basic sound effect may be decreased or the synthesis value may be adjusted to make a lighter sound. 
     In a further example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , after storing the first portion (A) of a detected input pattern in the memory  110 , the sound effect synthesis unit  240  may obtain distances (e.g., L1, L2, L3, L4, or L5) with respect to the currently detected input coordinate (e.g., B1, B2, B3, B4, or B5), and generate an audio signal in real time using the distance value. The sound effect synthesis unit  240  may be able to generate a more natural sound effect in view of the motion of the input, such as a periodical motion of drawing a circle or a motion of drawing a straight line far. For example, a volume may be gradually decreased to produce a fade-out effect as a current coordinate gets farther from the first portion (A) of the detected input pattern; and the volume may be gradually increased such that a fade-in effect may be given as the current coordinate gets closer to the first portion (A). 
     In a further example, the sound effect synthesis unit  240  may alter a sound effect in accordance with a detected input feature of an input pattern. In one example, if the electronic device  100  executes an application such as a memo, a text message, a paint and the like capable of detecting input by a stylus or pen, the electronic device  100  may select and output a sound effect that corresponds to a thickness of a pen. For example, when a pen is thick, the electronic device  100  may apply a low-band enhancement filter and concurrently increase a volume of an output sound effect to generate a heavy sound. And, when a pen is thin, the electronic device  100  may use a high-band enhancement filter and decrease the volume to generate a light and sharp sound. Though not illustrated, the processor  122  may include a buffer control unit for controlling the output of a sound effect synthesized by the sound effect synthesis unit  240 . 
     In one example, the buffer control unit may temporarily store a synthesized sound effect generated by the sound effect synthesis unit  240 , and output a synthesized sound effect in response to a detected input pattern. This buffer control unit may be included in, for example, the audio device  160 . 
     In a further example, the aforementioned basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  and feature information acquisition unit  230  may be operated as one module (device). Also, this module (device) may be included in the audio device  160 . 
     In a further example, the electronic device  100  may synthesize an audio signal in response to a detected input pattern in real-time, store the synthesized audio signal in a buffer, and provide the synthesized audio signal whenever there is a request for data necessary for playback. At this time, the sound effect synthesis unit  240  may check a quantity of previously synthesized audio data stored in the buffer before generating audio data matching each motion. If the number of sound effects previously stored in the buffer is equal to or greater than a threshold number, the sound effect synthesis unit  240  may decrease audio latency by synthetizing a lower number of sound effects or by skipping synthetizing. In this method, the electronic device  100  may provide an audio feedback minimizing the latency, in response to the input pattern. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , in operation  400 , the electronic device  100  may detect an input pattern. As noted above, an input pattern may be detected with the input reception unit  210 . 
     In operation  410 , the electronic device  100  may obtain feature information of the detected input pattern. As noted above, the feature information acquisition unit  230  may obtain the feature information as a digitized input pattern value received from the input reception unit  210 . 
     In operation  420 , the electronic device  100  may generate a synthesized sound effect that reflects the features. The sound effect may be based at least partially on a previously stored basic sound effect. In one example, the sound effect synthesis unit  240  of the electronic device  100  may be provided with features collected by the feature information acquisition unit  230 . In turn, sound effect synthesis unit  240  may alter a previously stored basic sound effect and synthesize an audio signal associated with the detected input pattern in real time. Here, the basic sound effect may be stored in the memory  110  in a PCM format. The sound effect synthesis unit  240  may apply the provided feature information to a physical modeling standard to alter the basic sound effect. Thus, sound effect synthesis unit  240  may alter a basic sound effect dynamically in accordance with the features of a detected input pattern. 
     In operation  430 , the electronic device  100  may play the synthesized sound effect. As noted above, a buffer control unit of the electronic device  100  may temporarily store a synthesized sound effect, and output the synthesized sound effect in response to a detected input pattern. 
     Referring now to the example method in  FIG. 5 , in operation  500 , the electronic device  100  may detect an input pattern. As discussed above, input reception unit  210  may detect input from a user&#39;s body or an input device. 
     In operation  510 , the electronic device  100  may obtain a basic sound effect associated with the detected input pattern, and obtain feature information of the detected input pattern. As noted above, the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  of the electronic device  100  may synthesize a basic sound effect in accordance with a received input pattern, using a frequency synthesis method. For example, the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  may include a basic sound effect synthesis device which is comprised of a white noise generator, an LFO, and an audio filter. 
     In operation  520 , the electronic device  100  may synthesize a sound effect that reflects the acquired feature information. As noted above, the sound effect synthesis unit  240  may read the feature information generated by the feature information acquisition unit  230 ; alter a sound effect generated in the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220 ; and generate an audio signal matching the detected input pattern in real-time. 
     In operation  530 , the electronic device  100  may play the synthesized sound effect. 
     Referring now to the example of  FIG. 6 , in operation  600 , the electronic device  100  may detect an input pattern. In operation  610 , the electronic device  100  may select a basic sound effect for the detected input pattern. 
     In operation  620 , the electronic device  100  may identify whether to use the stored basic sound effect. If the stored basic sound effect will be used, the electronic device  100  may load the stored basic sound effect in operation  630 . As noted above, the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  may provide a basic sound effect for sound effect synthesis. For example, the basic sound effect may be stored in the memory  110  in a PCM format. 
     If the stored basic sound effect is not used, the electronic device  100  may determine whether to set a parameter value for a basic sound effect synthesis in operation  640 . If the parameter value is not set, the electronic device  100  may generate a basic sound effect using a frequency, in operation  660 . If the parameter value is set, the electronic device  100  may generate a basic sound effect based on the set parameter value, in operation  650 . 
     Referring to the example method in  FIG. 7 , in operation  700 , the electronic device  100  may detect an input pattern. 
     In operation  710 , the electronic device  100  may identify a sound effect associated with the detected input pattern. 
     In operation  720 , the electronic device  100  may obtain a previously stored basic sound effect associated with the detected input pattern. As noted above, the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220  of the electronic device  100  may load a previously recorded basic sound effect stored in the memory  110 . The memory  110  may store a variety of basic sound effects for different input patterns. 
     In operation  730 , the electronic device  100  may identify whether the detected input pattern satisfies a certain condition. In one example, the input reception unit  210  of the electronic device  100  may identify whether the detected input pattern satisfies a certain condition. This certain condition may be a condition that a speed of the detected input pattern be equal to or is less than a threshold speed, and that a length of the input pattern be equal to or greater than a threshold length. For example, if a user draws a long line slowly or draws a circle using an application such as a memo, a text message, a paint and the like capable of accepting input from a stylus or a pen, the electronic device  100  may identify whether the aforementioned certain condition is satisfied. However, it is understood that various input patterns may be analyzed to determine whether the conditions are satisfied. 
     If the detected input pattern does not satisfy the certain condition, the electronic device  100  may play back the obtained basic sound effect, in operation  740 . In one example, the electronic device  100  may play back all sections of the selected basic sound effect. Also, the electronic device  100  may output all sections of the selected basic sound effect in accordance with the detected input pattern. 
     In operation  750 , if the detected input pattern satisfies the certain condition, the electronic device  100  may select a playback section within the basic sound effect or a separate sound effect. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8A , electronic device  100  may select section B  820  as a playback section. Section B  820  may emit a certain sound within a pattern  800  of a basic sound effect. Section A  810  or Section C  830  may represent a variation of the input pattern that may have not been detected. Thus, if section A  810  or section C  830  is also played back, an unnatural or unfitting sound effect may be generated. 
     In operation  760 , the electronic device  100  may play back the selected playback section. In one example, the electronic device  100  may play back section B  820 , which is the selected playback section in this example as illustrated in  FIG. 8B . In this instance, the section B  820  is a section emitting a certain sound that is fitting for the input pattern and therefore, the electronic device  100  will be able to provide a natural sound effect that is in accordance with the detected input pattern. Electronic device  100  may play back only section B  820  that is the selected, but it is understood that multiple sections may be selected. For example, the playback section may include one or more sections, and these playback sections may be combined to provide various audio feedback. 
     Referring now to the example in  FIG. 9 , in operation  900 , the electronic device  100  may detect an input pattern. The input pattern may be, for example, a continuous touch input or continuous hovering input. 
     In operation  910 , the electronic device  100  may obtain feature information of the detected input pattern. 
     In operation  920 , the electronic device  100  may determine whether to use a stored basic sound effect for sound effect synthesis. If using the stored basic sound effect for the sound effect synthesis, in operation  940 , the electronic device  100  may load the stored basic sound effect. As noted above, the electronic device  100  may output a different basic sound effect in accordance with an input pattern. For example, if a ball point pen is used to apply input, the electronic device  100  will be able to generate a ball point pen sound in accordance with the detected input pattern. 
     If the stored basic sound effect is not used, the electronic device  100  may generate a basic sound effect, in operation  930 . As noted above, the basic sound effect may be generated using the basic sound effect acquisition unit  220 . 
     In operation  950 , the electronic device  100  may synthesize a sound effect that reflects the obtained feature information, the sound effect may be based at least partially on the basic sound effect. As noted above the basic sound effect may be altered by the sound effect synthesis unit  240 . 
     In operation  960 , the electronic device  100  may play the generated sound effect. As noted above, a buffer control unit of the electronic device  100  may temporarily store a generated sound effect and output the sound effect in response to a detected input pattern. In one example, the synthesized sound effect may be in proportion to the available capacity of the buffer memory. 
     The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, firmware or via the execution of software or computer code that may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD ROM, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a magnetic tape, a RAM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magneto-optical disk or computer code downloaded over a network originally stored on a remote recording medium or a non-transitory machine readable medium and to be stored on a local recording medium, so that the methods described herein may be rendered via such software that is stored on the recording medium using a general purpose computer, or a special processor or in programmable or dedicated hardware, such as an ASIC or FPGA. As would be understood in the art, the computer, the processor, microprocessor controller or the programmable hardware include memory components, e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash, etc. that may store or receive software or computer code that when accessed and executed by the computer, processor or hardware implement the processing methods described herein. In addition, it would be recognized that when a general purpose computer accesses code for implementing the processing shown herein, the execution of the code transforms the general purpose computer into a special purpose computer for executing the processing shown herein. Any of the functions and steps provided in the Figures may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both and may be performed in whole or in part within the programmed instructions of a computer. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for”. 
     In addition, an artisan understands and appreciates that a “processor” or “microprocessor” constitute hardware in the claimed invention. Under the broadest reasonable interpretation, the appended claims constitute statutory subject matter in compliance with 35 U.S.C. §101. The functions and process steps herein may be performed automatically or wholly or partially in response to user command. An activity (including a step) performed automatically is performed in response to executable instruction or device operation without user direct initiation of the activity. 
     The terms “unit” or “module” referred to herein is to be understood as comprising hardware such as a processor or microprocessor configured for a certain desired functionality, or a non-transitory medium comprising machine executable code, in accordance with statutory subject matter under 35 U.S.C. §101 and does not constitute software per se. 
     Although the disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the examples and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, while particular processes are shown in a specific order in the appended drawings, such processes are not limited to any particular order unless such order is expressly set forth herein; rather, processes may be performed in a different order or concurrently and steps may be added or omitted.