Media Playback Probability Control via Visual Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users cannot directly influence the probability of media files being selected for playback in shuffle functions, relying on indirect methods such as listening habits, which limits control over playback order.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that display graphic objects representing media files, allowing users to change their size or color via touch gestures to directly adjust the playback probabilities, enabling users to increase or decrease the likelihood of specific files being played.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a random selection algorithm is used for shuffle function, then all media files have equal probability of being selected, but the user cannot directly influence the playback order

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over playback probabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity for probability adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color changes of graphic objects to represent and adjust playback probabilities. Users can directly modify the color of graphic objects corresponding to media files, and the system automatically calculates updated probabilities based on these color changes. This provides intuitive visual feedback and direct user control without complex interface elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a visual dimension (color space) as an alternative to traditional numerical probability adjustment. Instead of requiring users to input numerical values or navigate complex menus, the system maps probability adjustments to color modifications, transforming a one-dimensional numerical control problem into a two-dimensional visual interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If user preferences are recorded over time to determine playback probability, then playback order adapts to listening habits, but the user cannot directly influence selection probabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayback adaptation to user preferencesVSAvoiddirect control over playback probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to perform preliminary actions (modifying graphic object features before playback) to set their desired playback probabilities in advance. Rather than passively adapting to historical listening habits, users can proactively configure their preferences by modifying graphic objects, and these settings are then used to determine the playback order.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying the features of graphic objects that correspond to playback probabilities. Users can see the current state of their media files and directly modify the graphic object features to adjust probabilities, creating a closed-loop control system where users can observe and refine their playback preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If graphic object features are modified to represent probability changes, then users can directly influence playback probability, but the interface requires visual manipulation of multiple objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect probability adjustmentVSAvoidtime to adjust multiple graphic objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the graphic object features serve multiple functions: they represent media files, display playback probabilities, and act as interactive controls for probability adjustment. By modifying a single feature (color) of a graphic object, the system simultaneously achieves visual representation and probability control, eliminating the need for separate control elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3114684B1Method and device for controlling the selection of media data for reproduction
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3114684B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3114684B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3114684B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling the selection of media data for reproduction. Graphical objects (7, 7.1 – 7.17, 11.1 – 11.15) are displayed, each piece of media data being assigned to a respective graphical object (7, 7.1 – 7.17, 11.1 – 11.15). Furthermore, first probabilities (P1), with which the media data is selected for reproduction, are displayed via a feature (S) of the graphical object (7, 7.1 – 7.17, 11.1 – 11.15) in the method. An operating action of a user is detected and used to change the feature (S) of at least one graphical object (7, 7.1 – 7.17, 11.1 – 11.15). Additionally, second probabilities (P2) are assigned to the graphical objects (7, 7.1 – 7.17, 11.1 – 11.15) dependent on the change of the feature (S) of the at least one graphical object (7.15, 11.13). The media data is selected for reproduction dependent on the second probabilities (P2). The invention further relates to a device (1) for controlling the selection of media data for reproduction.