Blended Mix Channel Buffering for Radio Diversity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio receiver technologies limit users to listening to only one channel at a time, missing out on diverse content from multiple channels, and require complex user interfaces that are distracting and inconvenient for mobile use.
Innovation Solution
A radio receiver system that buffers content from multiple channels and allows users to play a customized blend of content from these channels using a single user interface control button, enabling seamless switching between channels and reducing user interaction through automated mixing of content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users select and tune to multiple channels manually, then they can access diverse content from multiple channels, but the user interface becomes complex and distracting for mobile use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple program channels into a single blended mix channel. The receiver automatically selects content tracks from two or more program channels and blends them together, allowing users to access diverse content from multiple channels through a single unified interface without manual channel switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic content selection and blending without requiring user intervention. The receiver autonomously selects content tracks from the programmed channels, manages the blending process, and handles channel switching, freeing the user from complex manual operations while maintaining content diversity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users frequently change channels to find diverse content, then they can discover new music and programming, but this requires frequent user interaction that is distracting during mobile use
Solution Approach 1:
The user programs the desired channels in advance before mobile use. The receiver then automatically manages content selection and channel switching based on these pre-programmed channels, eliminating the need for frequent user interactions during mobile use while maintaining access to diverse content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously performs content selection and channel switching without requiring user input. The receiver automatically monitors the programmed channels, selects appropriate content tracks, and blends them together, allowing the user to passively enjoy diverse content without active participation.
3Extent of automation
If the system buffers content from multiple channels, then it can provide seamless content blending, but this requires increased memory capacity and processing power
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and buffers only the essential elements needed for blending - specifically, content tracks and their associated metadata from multiple channels. Rather than buffering entire channels, it selectively buffers only the relevant audio tracks and control information, reducing memory and processing requirements while maintaining automated blending capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for generating a personalized radio channel playlist by simultaneously buffering multiple received channels from one or more source streams, and then selecting songs or tracks to playback from the buffered channels. Users can specify favorite channels for building their personal playlists, or multiple default playlist channels can be provided by genre or channels related in some other way. Navigation tools permit users to skip ahead and backward in the playback stream. A personalized radio channel playlist can be implemented as (1) content selected from buffered channels based on user preferences for artists, songs and the like, or (2) as a Mix Channel in which content from selected buffered channels is automatically mixed for playback in response to selection of a preset button assigned to the Mix Channel.