Seamless Audio Handoff via Acoustic Content Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia devices struggle to seamlessly transition audio playback from one device to another, especially when they are not part of the same ecosystem, leading to abrupt interruptions in audio content.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device determines audio content identification through acoustic signal analysis of a microphone signal and, upon detecting the cessation of playback, retrieves and outputs the corresponding audio content using local or remote storage, ensuring a seamless transition without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are not part of the same ecosystem and lack direct connectivity, then device complexity and connectivity requirements are reduced, but audio playback continuity and synchronization are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic signal analysis as an intermediary mechanism that enables audio content identification without direct device connectivity. The microphone captures audio output from another device, and acoustic analysis identifies the content, allowing the electronic device to retrieve and continue playback independently, thus bridging the connectivity gap while maintaining playback continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/connectivity-based ecosystem integration system with an acoustic field-based identification system. Instead of requiring wired or wireless direct connections between devices, the system uses acoustic signal capture and analysis to identify audio content, substituting physical connectivity requirements with acoustic field interaction
2Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic signal analysis is used to identify audio content without direct device connectivity, then ecosystem dependency is reduced, but measurement precision and content identification accuracy may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the electronic device continuously or proactively analyze acoustic signals in the environment to identify audio content before playback handoff is needed. This advance identification and content retrieval preparation ensures that when audio playback cessation is detected, the device can immediately continue playback without interruption, maintaining both independence and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the acoustic signal analysis results are continuously refined and compared against stored audio content databases. The identification process incorporates feedback loops that adjust analysis parameters and refine content matching based on the quality and characteristics of the captured acoustic signal, thereby maintaining high identification accuracy despite indirect measurement
3Duration of action of moving object
If the electronic device retrieves and outputs audio content from local or remote storage, then audio playback continuity is maintained, but loss of time for content retrieval and synchronization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading and caching audio content in local storage when it is detected or anticipated. When audio playback handoff is needed, the device retrieves content from local cache rather than streaming from remote storage in real-time, dramatically reducing retrieval time and maintaining seamless playback continuity without synchronization delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts content retrieval strategy based on real-time conditions. When remote streaming is necessary, the device optimizes retrieval by pre-fetching content segments and using parallel download mechanisms. The synchronization process dynamically adjusts playback timing based on the actual retrieval speed, maintaining continuity while minimizing time loss through adaptive resource allocation
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a portable media player device. The method receives a microphone signal that includes audio content output by an audio playback device via a loudspeaker. The method determines identification information regarding the audio content, wherein the identification information is determined through an acoustic signal analysis of the microphone signal. In response to determining that the audio playback device has ceased outputting the audio content, the method retrieves from local memory of the portable media player device or a remote device with which the portable media player device is communicatively coupled, an audio signal that corresponds to the audio content and drives a speaker that is not part of the audio playback device using the audio signal to continue outputting the audio content and any additional audio content related to the audio content.