Audio Processor Managing Multi-Source Playback Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices that output audio from multiple sources face usability issues when multiple audio source devices communicate with a single audio sink device, as they struggle to manage simultaneous audio streams effectively, leading to user dissatisfaction due to interruptions and silent periods.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus with a processor that manages audio output by receiving signals from multiple devices, stops and restarts audio playback based on specific signals, and uses memory-stored information to determine playback durations and types, ensuring seamless transitions between audio streams from different sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the audio sink device plays audio from a second device while audio from a first device is being output, then the audio from the second device can be heard, but the audio from the first device is interrupted causing a silent period after the second audio ends
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing playback status information and sending playback request signals before the silent period occurs. When audio from the second device ends, the system automatically requests and restores playback of the first device's audio, preventing the silent period before it can happen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the playback status of multiple audio sources and using this information to automatically control audio output. The playback request signal is sent based on feedback from detecting when the second audio ends and when the first device's audio should be restored.
2Reliability
If the audio sink device automatically switches between multiple audio sources, then audio continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple processors and memory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages audio playback from multiple devices, stores playback status information, and automatically controls switching between audio sources. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the audio processing functions, status memory, and control logic into a single integrated processor system. By merging these functions into one processor rather than using separate components, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining the capability to manage multiple audio streams.
3Device complexity
If the audio sink device waits for user input to switch between audio sources, then device complexity is reduced, but silent periods occur reducing user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by automatically sending playback request signals before the user would need to manually intervene. When the second audio ends, the system proactively requests restoration of the first audio playback, eliminating the silent period without requiring user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically managing audio source switching without requiring user intervention. The processor monitors audio playback status and autonomously controls the switching between audio sources, making the system independent of user input while maintaining continuous audio output.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes a communication interface and a processor configured to control, based on a signal corresponding to a play start of a first audio being received from a first device through the communication interface, to output the first audio received from the first device, end, based on a signal corresponding to a play start of a second audio being received from a second device through the communication interface while the first audio is being output, an output of the first audio and control to output the second audio received from the second device, transmit, based on an output of the second audio being ended, a signal requesting playing of the first audio to the first device through the communication interface, and control, based on the signal corresponding to the play start of the first audio corresponding to the signal requesting the playing of the first audio being received, to output the first audio received from the first device.