Imperceptible Audio Identifier for Cross-Device Context Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia distribution systems fail to provide a cohesive and integrated experience when users switch between devices, such as from a television to a cell phone, due to the lack of direct connection or shared systems between devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an ultrasonic wake word and item identifier within media content, allowing devices to communicate contextually through imperceptible audio triggers, enabling seamless transitions and context-aware responses across devices without a direct connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are associated with the same manufacturer, account profile, or service to enable seamless experience, then user experience coherence is improved, but system complexity and user setup effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device association requirement entirely by using audio identifiers embedded in media content as the communication bridge. Instead of requiring devices to be pre-associated through manufacturer accounts or services, the system uses standalone audio fingerprints that any device with audio playback and recording capabilities can process, eliminating the need for complex association infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an audio identifier (ultrasonic or imperceptible audio signal) as an intermediary carrier that transmits context information between devices. This intermediary enables communication between unrelated devices without requiring direct device-to-device association, as the audio signal serves as a universal medium that any compatible device can send and receive
2Ease of operation
If audible audio triggers are used for device communication, then user awareness and control are improved, but user experience quality deteriorates due to perceptible noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different audio frequency characteristics for different functions: ultrasonic frequencies (above human hearing range) for wake-word triggering and item identifier transmission, while perceptible audio frequencies are reserved for normal media content. This frequency separation allows the communication signal to be locally differentiated from regular audio content, enabling silent operation without user-perceived noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of imperceptible audio (which could be considered invisible interference) into a benefit by using it as an unobtrusive communication channel. The ultrasonic or imperceptible audio serves as a beneficial carrier that transfers context information without affecting user experience, turning what could be noise into a useful signaling mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a unified user experience by allowing devices to recognize and respond to content items across different devices, enhancing user engagement and product discovery while maintaining privacy and minimizing user effort.
Implementation Method 1
The first device can play an ultrasonic wake word to trigger the second device
Implementation Method 2
The first device can play an audio segment that includes the item identifier at an imperceptible volume
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of systems and methods allow a system to embed an item identifier into a content item. A first device can then play an audio trigger that is imperceptible to humans before playing the item identifier. A second device can go into an active listening mode after detecting the audio trigger and record an audio segment contain the embedded item identifier. A system can then decode the item identifier to determine an appropriate context for the second device. The second device can then receive a vocal command or query and respond according to the determined context. In one example, the first device can be a television, and the second device can be a digital assistant (e.g., Amazon Alexa) that detects advertisements played on the television via audio signals embedded in accompanying audio streams. Subsequent user interactions with the digital assistant can then be informed by the context of the recently-heard advertisements.