Dynamic Audio Sharing Controls for Concurrent Device Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for sharing audio data using electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring complex user interfaces with multiple key presses and wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.
Innovation Solution
Electronic devices are equipped with methods and interfaces that allow for efficient audio data sharing by displaying volume control affordances based on connection conditions, enabling simultaneous audio playback to multiple devices with reduced user input and conserving power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing techniques are used for sharing audio data, then audio can be transmitted to multiple devices, but the user interface becomes complex and time-consuming with multiple key presses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the volume control functionality into a separate, dedicated interface element that can be independently accessed and manipulated. When a user interacts with the volume control affordance, the system presents a simplified overlay interface that isolates the volume adjustment task from the complex multi-device connection management, allowing users to quickly adjust volume without navigating through complex menus or performing multiple key presses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the volume control interface into distinct affordances for different external devices. Each connected device receives its own dedicated volume control element, allowing users to independently adjust volume for each device without affecting others. This segmentation simplifies the user interface by presenting only the necessary controls for the current task rather than a complex unified control system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If existing techniques are used for sharing audio data, then audio can be transmitted to multiple devices, but device energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic interface rendering that adapts to the current connection state. The system automatically determines which external devices are connected and renders only the corresponding volume control affordances, avoiding the energy cost of maintaining and processing controls for disconnected devices. This dynamic adaptation optimizes energy usage by keeping the interface system minimal and responsive to actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the visibility and state of volume control affordances based on connection conditions without requiring manual user configuration. When connection conditions change, the interface automatically updates to show or hide appropriate controls, eliminating the need for users to manually manage complex multi-device settings and reducing the energy required for manual interface management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If volume control affordances are displayed for all connected devices, then all devices can be controlled, but the interface becomes more complex when not all devices are connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic interface rendering that automatically adapts to the current connection state. The system continuously monitors connection conditions and renders only the volume control affordances corresponding to currently connected external devices. This dynamic approach allows the interface to remain simple and uncluttered while maintaining full adaptability to various connection scenarios, as controls are added or removed automatically based on actual device connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
While an electronic device is connected to a first external device, display a first user interface including a first affordance. Detect an input selecting the first affordance. In response to detecting the input corresponding to selection of the first affordance, initiate a process to provide audio data concurrently with the first external device and a second external device different from the first external device. After initiating the process to provide audio data concurrently to the first external device and a second external device, detect an indication that a physical proximity between the electronic device and the second external device satisfies a proximity condition. In response to detecting the indication that the physical proximity between the electronic device and the second external device satisfies the proximity condition, display a second user interface indicating that the physical proximity between the electronic device and the second external device satisfies the proximity condition.