Proximity-Based Audio Sharing System for Seamless Content Swapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not effectively enable temporary sharing of digital audio between devices based on proximity, lacking seamless audio content swapping and user interaction features when users are within a certain distance of each other.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for proximity-based temporary audio sharing, where devices automatically swap playing audio segments when within a threshold distance, allowing users to share music samples, access information, purchase, or connect socially, using wireless connections like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to facilitate the exchange of audio content and user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices continuously monitor proximity and manage audio playback state, then audio sharing functionality is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio sharing functionalityVSAvoidproximity monitoring and playback state management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines proximity detection, audio state monitoring, and content sharing into a unified system where multiple functions are coordinated through a single control architecture. The system merges wireless communication module, audio playback module, and proximity detection module into an integrated framework that automatically manages audio sharing when devices are in proximity, reducing the need for separate complex subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automatic detection and initiation of audio sharing based on proximity conditions. When devices enter proximity range, the system automatically detects the condition, establishes connection, and begins audio sharing without requiring manual user intervention for each step, thereby simplifying the user interface and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If audio content is shared between devices, then user interaction and music discovery are enhanced, but copyright compliance and audio rights management become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction and music discoveryVSAvoidcopyright compliance and audio rights management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary checks of audio rights and sharing permissions before initiating audio content transfer. The audio rights management module verifies licensing terms and user authorization in advance, ensuring that only authorized content is shared. This preliminary validation prevents copyright violations and simplifies subsequent sharing operations by pre-establishing compliance parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an audio rights management module as an intermediary between the audio sharing function and the actual content transfer. This intermediary layer handles copyright verification, licensing checks, and permission management, isolating the complexity of rights management from the core sharing functionality and enabling seamless user interaction while maintaining legal compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If audio segments are swapped between devices, then temporary sharing capability is improved, but audio synchronization and playback state management become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemporary sharing durationVSAvoidaudio synchronization and playback state management
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where each device monitors the playback state, proximity status, and audio transfer status in real-time. When audio segments are swapped between devices, the system tracks playback progress and automatically adjusts to maintain synchronization. The feedback loop detects when devices move out of proximity range and manages the graceful termination of sharing, ensuring synchronized state management throughout the temporary sharing duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The audio sharing system dynamically adjusts playback parameters based on real-time conditions. When devices enter or leave proximity range, the system dynamically modifies the sharing state, pausing or resuming playback as needed. The playback state management adapts to changing environmental conditions, user actions, and network status, enabling flexible temporary sharing while maintaining audio synchronization through dynamic parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4027343B1Proximity based temporary audio sharing
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4027343B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP4027343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4027343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer program products to perform an operation comprising determining that a first media device is within a threshold distance of a second media device, while the first media device is playing first audio content, and the second audio device is playing second audio content, wherein the first audio content is different than the second audio content, and, in response to the determining, causing at least a segment of the first audio content to be played on the second media device, causing at least a segment of the second audio content to be played on the first media device, and finishing the playing of the at least a segment of the first audio content on the second media device or finishing the playing of the at least a segment of the second audio content on the first media device even if the first media device and the second media device are no longer within the threshold distance of each other.