Internet Audio Scanner with Threshold-Based Active Content Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scanning enthusiasts face difficulty in finding active audio content on Internet scanner feeds, as they are unfamiliar with channel scanning operations in their local region and struggle to locate breaking news events beyond their scanner's range.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that sequentially scan plural network servers for active streaming audio transmissions, using a list of Internet addresses and radio frequencies, and process signals based on threshold conditions to discriminate between active and inactive content, allowing for integration of radio scanner functionality with Internet-based scanner feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users scan Internet scanner feeds sequentially, then they can access a wide range of audio sources, but it becomes difficult to efficiently locate active audio content and breaking news events
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring the audio threshold levels of multiple Internet scanner feeds in advance, maintaining a list of active feeds before the user needs to locate breaking news. This allows the system to prepare and organize audio sources proactively, reducing the time users spend searching for active content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously measuring audio threshold levels from each scanner feed and using this information to dynamically update the list of active feeds. The feedback loop monitors audio activity in real-time and adjusts the feed list accordingly, enabling the system to respond to changing audio conditions and guide users to currently active content.
2Ease of operation
If users are unfamiliar with local channel scanning operations, then they cannot effectively monitor breaking news events beyond their scanner's range
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary between the user and the complex task of scanning multiple Internet audio feeds. It provides a simplified interface that automatically manages the scanning process, filters active feeds based on audio thresholds, and presents a curated list of relevant sources. This mediator function eliminates the need for users to manually scan and evaluate multiple feeds, making the system both easy to operate and reliable for locating breaking news.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system monitors multiple Internet audio feeds simultaneously, then it increases the coverage of audio sources, but it complicates the process of identifying active content
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring process by dividing the list of Internet audio feeds into distinct categories based on their audio threshold levels and activity status. It separates active feeds from inactive ones, organizing them in a structured manner that simplifies identification. This segmentation reduces the complexity of processing multiple feeds simultaneously by creating clear distinctions between relevant and irrelevant sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes, specifically audio threshold levels, as the criteria for identifying and filtering active content. By monitoring and comparing audio parameters against predefined thresholds, the system automatically determines which feeds are active and should be presented to the user. This parameter-based approach simplifies the identification process by using objective, measurable criteria rather than complex analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for processing signals produced by signal sources, including a first signal source that is a first server of streaming audio signals, which include intermittent audio content, and which is located at an address on a network. The apparatus includes a network interface and a processor that selects the first signal source by outputting the address of the first server to the network interface, thereby establishing a network connection. The apparatus also includes a threshold detector coupled to receive streaming audio signals through the network interface, and that has a detector output with an active state that indicates that the intermittent audio content presently meets a threshold value. The processor further couples the streaming audio content to an output circuit if the detector output is active. The apparatus may further include a scanning radio receiver that is used as an alternative source for audio signals with intermittent content.