Audio Transfer Between Devices Using Coordinator Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to seamlessly manage and transfer audio between devices, leading to disjointed and uncoordinated interactions, and can be intrusive to others due to public operation of devices.
Innovation Solution
The system detects audio playing on a first device and modifies its output based on proximity and interaction with a second device, allowing for seamless audio transfer and adjustment of volume to prevent disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio is output from multiple devices independently, then each device can provide audio output, but the interactions become disjointed and uncoordinated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges audio output operations across multiple devices by establishing a coordinator device that manages audio playback state synchronization. When a first device detects audio from a second device, the coordinator mediates the interaction to ensure coordinated playback, transforming independent device operations into a unified multi-device audio experience.
2Ease of operation
If devices operate publicly with audio output, then audio can be heard by users, but it becomes loud and intrusive to others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling audio output only in specific local contexts where it is appropriate. The system detects whether a device is in a public or private context and adjusts audio output behavior accordingly - enabling audio in private contexts while suppressing or redirecting it in public contexts, thus providing audio accessibility where needed while preventing noise disturbance in inappropriate locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio transfer between devices is implemented, then seamless audio experience is achieved, but detection and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinator device as an intermediary that simplifies the complexity of multi-device audio transfer. Instead of requiring each device to independently detect and coordinate with all other devices, the coordinator centralizes the detection logic and coordination functions, reducing the overall system complexity while enabling seamless audio transfer between multiple devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments relate generally to modifying audio playing on a first device based on detection of that audio by a second device. Other embodiments relate to transferring audio between a first device and a second device. More particularly, audio playing from a first device may be muted, stopped, or adjusted in volume based on detection of that audio by, or interaction with, a second device. Likewise, audio may be transferred from a first device to a second device based on communications between the first and second devices, proximity of the first and second devices relative to one another, proximity of a user to either the first or second device, and so on.