Seamless Radio to Local Media Switching via Buffer Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices cannot seamlessly switch between media items in a broadcast stream and locally stored media, leading to consumption of unwanted content due to lack of control over broadcast content.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device determines user preferences by analyzing metadata or playback history and switches playback from a broadcast stream to locally stored media items when an unwanted item is detected, using relevance algorithms to select coherent alternatives, and buffers the broadcast for seamless return when an interested item becomes available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user receives media broadcasts from a radio station or content source, then the user can access a succession of different media items, but the user cannot control which media items are played back
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local media library as an intermediary between the broadcast stream and the playback system. When the broadcast contains unwanted content, the system automatically substitutes it with relevant media from the local library, giving users indirect control without requiring manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by providing media selection control through automatic substitution while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring broadcast content, comparing it against user preferences, and automatically adjusting playback by substituting unwanted broadcast items with desired local media. This closed-loop feedback enables users to control which media items are played back without direct manual control, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user tunes to a different media broadcast to avoid unwanted content, then the user can access different media items, but the user loses the ability to consume wanted content from the original broadcast
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-populating a local media library with media items that match user preferences before broadcast playback occurs. When unwanted broadcast content is detected, the system can immediately substitute it with pre-prepared local media, avoiding the time loss associated with switching broadcasts. This resolves the contradiction by enabling instant media substitution without requiring users to manually change channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The local media library serves as an intermediary that provides immediate access to desired content without requiring broadcast switching. When the broadcast contains unwanted content, the system substitutes it with relevant local media, allowing users to consume wanted content without the time loss of tuning to different broadcasts.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a user listens to unwanted broadcast content, then the user maintains continuous playback, but the user consumes media items that are not of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts unwanted content from the broadcast stream by detecting it through metadata or audio analysis, then substitutes it with desired media from the local library. This extraction and replacement process maintains continuous playback while preventing the consumption of unwanted media items, resolving the contradiction between continuous playback duration and media consumption quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors broadcast content and provides feedback by comparing it against user preferences. When unwanted content is detected, the feedback loop triggers automatic substitution with desired local media, maintaining continuous playback while ensuring high media consumption quality by only playing content the user wants to hear.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for seamlessly switching media playback between a media broadcast, such as a radio broadcast, and media from a local media library. When an electronic device determines that an upcoming media item in a media broadcast is not of interest to a user, the electronic device can switch playback from the media stream to a media item from the electronic device local library. The selected local media item can be related to a previously broadcast media item to ensure continuity in the user's listening or viewing experience. The electronic device can switch away from the local media item and return to the media stream when the media stream again broadcasts media items or segments of interest to the user.