Media Playback Navigation Using Voice Commands and Metadata Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of portable media players face challenges in efficiently navigating through large collections of digital media tracks without full attention, as traditional navigation methods require extensive interaction with display screens and can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A simplified navigation method using voice commands or limited user input controls, such as 'next', 'previous', 'repeat', and 'shuffle', coupled with metadata qualifiers like artist, album, or genre, to select tracks without the need for a full user interface, allowing for hands-free or reduced-attention navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hierarchical navigation methods are used to access media tracks, then the user can locate specific tracks in large collections, but the navigation process requires full user attention and extensive interaction with display screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation process into two distinct modes: a simplified voice-command mode for quick track selection, and a traditional hierarchical display mode for detailed browsing. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate navigation depth based on their current needs, reducing unnecessary complexity while maintaining precise track location capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voice commands as an intermediary between the user and the media library. Instead of directly interacting with complex hierarchical displays, users speak natural language commands that are processed by the system to locate and play tracks. This intermediary layer simplifies the interaction while maintaining accurate track selection.
2Ease of operation
If voice commands are used for navigation, then hands-free operation is enabled and attention requirements are reduced, but the system must process and interpret spoken input accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial voice processing by only activating voice recognition when specifically triggered (e.g., when a voice activation button is pressed). The system processes voice input selectively rather than continuously, reducing the overall computational burden while maintaining hands-free operation capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts voice processing as a separate, optional module rather than integrating it deeply into the core navigation system. Voice commands are handled as a distinct input method that can be activated or deactivated independently, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while offering advanced hands-free functionality.
3Device complexity
If a simplified command set is used for navigation, then the user interface complexity is reduced, but the navigation capabilities may be limited compared to full interface options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the navigation system universal by supporting multiple input methods (voice commands and traditional display interaction) and multiple navigation modes (simplified and detailed). The system can adapt to different user preferences and situations, maintaining both simplicity and versatility through this multi-functional approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic navigation where the system can switch between simplified voice-command mode and detailed hierarchical display mode based on user needs. This dynamic adjustment allows the interface to be simple when quick selection is needed, yet comprehensive when users require detailed browsing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for navigating among tracks uses limited input commands. A plurality of tracks is associated with a currently playing queue. One of the tracks in the queue is identified for a current focus. A voice command is received that includes a directional aspect and a metadata filtering aspect. In response, the focus moves to a second track having a different value for the selected metadata filtering category.