Multi-Audio Broadcast Switching Without Playback Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio streaming protocols do not allow users to seamlessly switch to different audio content without pausing playback or disrupting the listening experience for others, especially in environments where multiple users have different audio preferences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for on-demand multi-audio broadcasting that allows users to select and start a new audio stream without reconnecting to a device, using metadata broadcasts to list available content and enabling automatic or manual selection based on user preferences, while efficiently managing bandwidth and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing audio streaming protocols are used, then a single audio stream is transmitted to listeners, but users cannot switch to different audio content without pausing playback or disrupting the listening experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio broadcasting system into multiple independent audio streams (e.g., different languages, commentary tracks) that can be individually selected and switched between. Each audio stream is treated as a separate entity that can be independently controlled, allowing users to switch between them without interrupting the overall playback experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allows users to switch between different audio streams during playback based on their preferences. The audio broadcasting device dynamically adjusts which audio stream is transmitted to which listening device, enabling real-time adaptation without requiring playback pauses or reconnections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio streams are provided for different user preferences, then personalized listening experience is enabled, but bandwidth consumption and resource allocation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by transmitting only the audio streams that are actually requested by users. Instead of continuously broadcasting all available audio streams, the system selectively transmits specific streams based on user demand, thereby reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption while still supporting multiple audio content options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users can select different audio content, then personalized listening is achieved, but system complexity and device coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the audio broadcasting device pre-transmit metadata information about available audio streams (including language options, content descriptions) before actual audio playback. This allows listening devices to pre-process and present selection options to users in advance, simplifying the real-time switching process and reducing the complexity of on-the-fly decision-making in the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A content broadcast system may allow a user to select and start an audio stream of desired audio content without having to connect and authenticate to a specific device. Rather than a user having to pause the content and reconfigure settings of the broadcast system to select the desired audio content, the system may broadcast advertisements listing available audio content (e.g., corresponding to different spoken languages) and actively listen for requests from a device for new audio content to be streamed with the content. A user may manually select the new audio content, or the listening device may request particular audio content based on user preferences (e.g., a preferred language for streaming content). The system may broadcast audio data using a Bluetooth protocol.