Audio Channel Arbitration via Dynamic Priority Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing audio interactions in connected devices lack efficient methods to handle concurrent audio messages and audio playback scenarios, particularly in voice-controlled environments where background and foreground audio need to be seamlessly integrated and managed.
Innovation Solution
A voice interaction computing system that utilizes a local audio device controlled by a remote speech command service, which specifies audio types as background or foreground and attributes like mixing and interrupt behaviors to manage audio playback dynamically, ensuring smooth interaction and service execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple audio messages are played concurrently, then audio content delivery is enhanced, but audio channel conflicts and interference occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting audio playback parameters such as volume levels, priority levels, and channel allocation based on the importance and type of each audio message. Different audio messages are assigned different playback parameters to resolve conflicts without completely blocking any channel, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an audio message importance determination module as an intermediary that mediates between multiple audio sources and the playback system. This intermediary evaluates the importance of each audio message and coordinates channel allocation, preventing direct conflicts while ensuring critical messages are delivered reliably.
2Ease of operation
If background audio is interrupted by foreground audio, then user interaction responsiveness is improved, but audio continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the audio playback system adaptive and flexible. Background audio can dynamically transition to foreground audio based on user interaction, and the system adjusts playback states in real-time. This dynamic behavior allows responsive user interaction while maintaining overall audio continuity through smooth transitions rather than abrupt interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing audio message queues and priority levels before conflicts occur. When user interaction is detected, the system is already prepared to switch audio channels according to pre-determined importance levels, enabling rapid response without disrupting the overall audio continuity framework.
3Reliability
If audio messages are prioritized by importance, then critical information delivery is ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the audio message processing system into distinct functional modules: an audio message importance determination module that evaluates messages, and an audio playback control module that executes playback based on determined importance. This segmentation allows complex arbitration logic to be isolated in one module while keeping the playback module relatively simple, thus ensuring reliable critical information delivery without overwhelming system-wide complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A speech-based system includes a local device in a user premises and a remote service that uses the local device to conduct speech dialogs with a user. The local device may also be directed to play audio such as music, audio books, etc. When designating audio for playing by the local device, the remote service may specify that the audio is either background audio or foreground audio. For background audio, the service indicates whether the background audio is mixable. For foreground audio, the service indicates an interrupt behavior. When the local device is playing background audio and receives foreground audio, the background audio is paused, attenuated, or not changed based on the indicated interrupt behavior of the foreground audio and whether the background audio has been designated as being mixable.