Modular Sound Module for Media Player Audio Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media player technologies face challenges in managing audio output from multiple instances on electronic devices, leading to user experience issues such as audio confusion and inability to track focus of video outputs.
Innovation Solution
A modular framework is implemented on electronic devices to host multiple media player runtimes and a sound module determines which instance should produce audio output, allowing for seamless audio management and blending of audio from non-visible and visible applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple media player instances are run simultaneously on an electronic device, then the versatility and functionality of the device is improved, but audio output management becomes complex and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sound module as an intermediary component that sits between multiple media player instances and the audio output device. This sound module receives audio outputs from multiple media player instances and determines which one should be presented to the user, thereby simplifying audio output management while allowing multiple media players to run simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If audio output from all media player instances is presented simultaneously, then all audio content is accessible, but user experience deteriorates due to audio confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The sound module acts as a mediator that selectively routes audio outputs from multiple media player instances to the audio output device. It maintains audio content accessibility by preserving all audio outputs internally while presenting only the relevant audio output to the user based on focus determination, thus avoiding audio confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different audio outputs differently based on their focus status. The focused media player instance receives high-priority audio output treatment while non-focused instances have their audio outputs suppressed or blended, creating a differentiated audio presentation that enhances user experience.
3Ease of operation
If the sound module always presents audio from the focused media player instance, then audio clarity is improved, but audio from non-visible applications is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sound module dynamically adjusts its audio routing behavior based on the visibility and focus status of media player instances. When a media player instance becomes non-visible, the sound module can transition its audio output handling, allowing audio from non-visible applications to be preserved or blended rather than completely suppressed, while maintaining audio clarity for focused instances.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes initiating media player instances for producing output by execution on an electronic device. Each of the media player instances is implemented using a modular framework on the electronic device configured to have each of multiple types of media player runtimes implemented therein and to host modules that configure any of the types of media player runtimes for respective device types. The method includes determining, using a sound module of the modular framework, which of the media player instances should be used for audio output by the electronic device. The method includes generating the audio output using the electronic device, the audio output produced by at least one of the media player instances as determined.