Wireless Headset Audio Switching to Prevent Media Masking in Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems face challenges in maintaining audio quality during joint media playback sessions, as conversations between participants can drown out or mask the sound of media content, degrading the user experience.
Innovation Solution
An audio system that switches between bi-directional and uni-directional wireless audio connections based on specific criteria, such as headset capabilities, signal strength, and user input, to manage audio signal levels and preserve media playback quality during calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bi-directional wireless audio connection is used during a call, then audio signals can be exchanged between devices for call functionality, but media content audio may be masked or drowned out by conversation sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between bi-directional and uni-directional audio connection modes based on whether media playback is active. During media playback, it transitions to uni-directional mode where the audio output device only receives audio signals without transmitting microphone signals back, preventing conversation audio from masking media content while maintaining call functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the wireless audio connection by switching connection types (bi-directional vs. uni-directional) and adjusting audio signal routing. This parameter change allows the audio output device to function differently depending on the context - full duplex during calls, receive-only during media playback - thereby resolving the audio masking issue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a uni-directional wireless audio connection is used for media playback, then media content audio quality is improved, but call functionality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic mode switching between uni-directional and bi-directional connection modes. When media playback is detected, it uses uni-directional mode for high-quality audio output. When call functionality is needed, it switches to bi-directional mode, ensuring both media playback quality and call functionality are maintained at different times as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system periodically evaluates the current state (media playback vs. call) and adjusts the connection mode accordingly. This periodic state checking and mode switching ensures that the appropriate connection type is active at the right time, resolving the contradiction between media quality and call functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the audio output device microphone is activated during media playback, then conversation can be captured, but it interferes with media content playback quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts or removes the microphone transmission function from the audio output device during media playback by switching to uni-directional mode. The audio output device receives audio signals for playback but does not transmit microphone signals back to the source device, effectively taking out the voice capture function that would otherwise interfere with media playback quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the audio output device microphone from active (bi-directional mode) to inactive (uni-directional mode) during media playback. This parameter change prevents the microphone from capturing and transmitting conversation audio that would mask media content, while still allowing media playback to proceed with high quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a first electronic device that is communicatively coupled to a wireless headset, the method includes, while engaged in a call with a second electronic device, communicating with the wireless headset via a bi-directional wireless audio connection; determining that a joint media playback session has been initiated in which the first and second electronic devices are to independently stream media content for separate playback by both of the first and second electronic devices while engaging in the call; and switching to communicate with the wireless headset via a uni-directional wireless audio connection based on a determination of one or more capabilities of the wireless headset, wherein a mix of 1) one or more signals associated with the call and 2) an audio signal of the media content is transmitted to the wireless headset over the uni-directional wireless audio connection.