Wearable Audio Playback Sync With Independent Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems face challenges in coordinating audio playback between wearable and non-wearable devices, particularly in home theater environments, where dynamic grouping and independent volume control are desired, and managing transitions between different audio source devices for enhanced user experience.
Innovation Solution
The system enables coordination between wearable and non-wearable playback devices through gateway devices that facilitate audio content transmission, allowing independent volume control and adaptive operational modes based on user input or detected parameters, and supports seamless transitions between audio source devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wearable playback devices are integrated into distributed audio systems, then adaptability and user experience are improved, but device complexity and coordination challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs gateway devices as intermediaries that facilitate communication and coordination between wearable playback devices and the distributed audio system. The gateway acts as a mediator that manages the complexity of integrating wearable devices, handling protocol translation, synchronization, and control signal routing, thereby enabling adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows wearable playback devices to perform multiple functions - they can operate as standalone audio devices, integrate with distributed audio systems, and adapt to different operational modes (synchronous playback, independent playback, volume mixing). This multi-functionality approach enables a single device architecture to serve diverse scenarios, improving adaptability while controlling complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If independent volume control is implemented for wearable devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic volume control where the wearable device can operate in different volume modes: independent volume control when detached, and synchronized volume control when integrated into the distributed system. The volume settings are dynamically adjusted based on the operational context, allowing users to easily switch between control modes without managing multiple complex configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the wearable device reports its operational state and volume settings to the gateway, which then coordinates with other audio devices to maintain proper synchronization. This feedback loop enables independent volume control while automatically managing the complexity of coordination through real-time state monitoring and adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seamless transitions between audio source devices are supported, then adaptability is improved, but reliability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing connection protocols and synchronization parameters before actual audio playback begins. When a wearable device joins or leaves the distributed system, the gateway proactively manages the transition by pre-configuring audio routing, buffer synchronization, and volume levels, thereby enabling seamless transitions while maintaining reliability through preparedness rather than reactive adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A media system comprises one or more non-wearable playback devices, a gateway device, and a wearable playback device. The one or more non-wearable playback devices are configured to receive media content and to play the media content in synchrony with one another. The gateway device is commutatively coupled with at least one of the non-wearable playback devices and is configured to receive the media content. The wearable playback device comprises a microphone and a transducer and is commutatively coupled to the gateway device. The wearable playback device is configured to receive the media content and to simultaneously play ambient audio received via the microphone and the media content via the transducer while the one or more non-wearable playback devices play the media content.