Synchronized Playback Control Interface for Companion Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices lack a simple and intuitive interface for controlling the synchronized playback of visual and audio content, making it difficult for users to manage the synchronized output of companion content, such as eBooks and audio books, especially when the content is decoupled and stored on separate devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a control interface that allows users to manage synchronized playback by moving a cursor or pointer across textual content, adjusting the lead interval to change the speed of audio output, and utilizing content synchronization information to maintain synchronization between textual and audio content, even when the content is decoupled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If synchronized playback control is implemented through traditional interfaces, then playback control functionality is provided, but user interface simplicity and intuitiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines playback speed by monitoring user interaction patterns with the textual content, eliminating the need for users to manually configure playback parameters. The interface serves itself by deriving control information from natural user behavior rather than requiring explicit control inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical control interfaces (buttons, sliders, menus) are replaced with a digital sensing system that detects user interactions with the displayed text and automatically translates these interactions into playback control commands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If synchronized playback control features are added to manage companion content, then playback management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple playback management capabilities (speed control, synchronization, content coordination) through a single unified mechanism that detects user interactions with textual content, eliminating the need for separate control systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines content display, user interaction detection, and playback control into a single integrated system where the display interface itself serves as the control input mechanism, merging previously separate functions into one cohesive system.
3Speed
If lead interval adjustment is implemented to change audio output speed, then playback speed control is achieved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts playback speed by monitoring the user's reading pace and interaction patterns with the text, deriving speed control parameters from natural user behavior rather than requiring users to manually set speed parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the playback speed parameter based on detected user interaction patterns, automatically adjusting the lead interval and audio output speed in response to observed user behavior rather than fixed preset values.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device provides a control interface enabling the user to manage synchronized output of companion content (e.g., text and corresponding audio content). A visual cue may be displayed identifying a current location in text corresponding to a current output position of companion audio content. The cue may be advanced during audio presentation to maintain synchronization between the output position of the audio content and a corresponding position in the text. In some embodiments, synchronized output may be controlled by dragging a finger across the text displayed on the touch screen. A visual indication may be provided depicting the distance between the advancing position in the text and the current position of the user's finger. In fin1her embodiments, the speed at which the audio content is presented and the visual cue is advanced may be adjusted based at least in part on a user's performance on a task.