{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853910","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853910","title":"Contents reproduction apparatus","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-02-04T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","G01C","G01C","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":9,"abstract":"A contents reproduction apparatus has a contents buffer, a contents reproduction unit, a navigation function unit that provides guide in a route to a destination, an output switching unit that selects first audio data outputted from the contents reproduction unit or second audio data outputted from the navigation function unit and outputs the selected audio data to outside, and a streaming control unit that sets a buffer size that is a target value of the data amount of contents data to be accumulated in the contents buffer and controls the contents reproduction unit and the output switching unit. When the data amount of contents data accumulated in the contents buffer is less than the buffer size, a reproduction operation of the contents reproduction unit is stopped in a period in which the second audio data are outputted to outside."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Contents Reproduction Apparatus patent addresses the issue of audio interruptions caused by navigation systems. The core innovation lies in its ability to intelligently pause content reproduction when navigational audio cues are presented, ensuring a seamless user experience. This is achieved through a sophisticated system that includes a content buffer, a content reproduction unit, a navigation function unit, an output switching unit, and a streaming control unit. The system monitors the data amount of content accumulated in the content buffer and pauses playback when the buffer size falls below a target value, prioritizing navigational audio over other content. This technology offers significant business value by improving the usability and safety of navigation systems in various industries, including automotive, mobile, and augmented reality. The market opportunity is substantial, as consumers increasingly demand seamless integration between different applications. The Contents Reproduction Apparatus provides a valuable solution to this challenge, paving the way for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. This technology can be integrated with various content streaming services, allowing users to enjoy their favorite music or podcasts without sacrificing the clarity of navigational guidance. The potential for increased user satisfaction and enhanced safety makes this a compelling innovation for businesses and consumers alike.","layman_explanation":"The Contents Reproduction Apparatus tackles the common problem of audio interruptions when using navigation systems. Imagine you're driving and listening to music, and suddenly the GPS voice cuts in, often at a crucial part of the song. This invention aims to solve that by making the transition between music and navigation prompts seamless.\n\n**What Problem Does This Solve?**\nThis patent addresses the annoyance and potential safety hazard of interrupted audio during navigation. Existing systems often simply overlay the navigation voice over the music, making it difficult to hear the directions clearly. This can be frustrating and even dangerous, especially in unfamiliar areas.\n\n**How Does It Work?**\nInstead of just talking over the music, this technology intelligently pauses the music when the navigation system needs to give instructions. It's like having a smart volume control that automatically lowers the music when the GPS speaks, and then smoothly brings it back up when the directions are finished. This is achieved through a system that monitors the audio levels and anticipates when a navigation prompt is coming. It then uses a buffer to temporarily store the music, so it can be resumed seamlessly after the prompt.\n\n**Why Does This Matter?**\nThis technology has several important implications. First, it improves the overall user experience by making navigation less frustrating and more enjoyable. Second, it enhances safety by ensuring that drivers can clearly hear navigation instructions without being distracted by music. Third, it opens up new possibilities for integrating audio and navigation in a variety of applications, such as car infotainment systems, mobile apps, and even augmented reality.\n\n**What's Next?**\nFuture applications of this technology could include personalized audio profiles, where the system learns the user's preferences and adjusts the audio levels accordingly. It could also be integrated with voice recognition systems, allowing users to control the audio and navigation with their voice. The market adoption timeline will depend on the willingness of manufacturers to integrate this technology into their products. From an investment perspective, this patent represents a valuable opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for seamless audio-navigation integration.","technical_analysis":"The Contents Reproduction Apparatus patent details a system designed to seamlessly integrate audio playback with navigation systems by intelligently managing audio interruptions. The technical architecture consists of several key components: a content buffer, a content reproduction unit, a navigation function unit, an output switching unit, and a streaming control unit. The streaming control unit is responsible for setting the buffer size, monitoring the data amount of content accumulated in the buffer, and controlling the output switching unit. The output switching unit selects either the audio data from the content reproduction unit or the audio data from the navigation function unit, based on the priority of the audio content. When navigational cues are required, the output switching unit prioritizes the audio data from the navigation function unit. Implementation details involve sophisticated algorithms for managing the buffer and switching between audio sources. The system is designed to minimize the duration of pauses in audio playback, ensuring a smooth and seamless audio experience. Integration patterns involve APIs for connecting to various content streaming services and navigation applications. Performance characteristics are optimized for low latency and minimal processing overhead. Code-level implications include the need for efficient memory management and real-time audio processing capabilities. This technology requires careful consideration of audio codecs, buffering strategies, and synchronization mechanisms to ensure a high-quality user experience.","business_analysis":"The Contents Reproduction Apparatus patent presents a significant market opportunity in the realm of audio-navigation integration. The core value proposition lies in its ability to seamlessly manage audio interruptions caused by navigation systems, enhancing the user experience and improving safety. The market opportunity size is substantial, as consumers increasingly demand seamless integration between different applications. Competitive advantages include its intelligent audio switching mechanism, its optimized buffering system, and its adaptability to various devices and platforms. The revenue potential is significant, as this technology can be licensed to automotive manufacturers, mobile device makers, and augmented reality companies. Business models include licensing fees, subscription models, and value-added services. Strategic positioning involves targeting industries where seamless audio-navigation integration is critical, such as automotive, mobile, and AR/VR. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology offers a clear value proposition and addresses a significant pain point for consumers. This technology has the potential to disrupt the audio-navigation market by providing a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The Contents Reproduction Apparatus offers a compelling business case for investors and companies looking to capitalize on the growing demand for seamless audio-navigation integration.","faqs":null,"topics":["audio navigation","GPS audio","seamless audio","music interruption","patent","contents","reproduction","apparatus"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Contents Reproduction Apparatus - Seamless Audio Navigation","description":"Discover the Contents Reproduction Apparatus patent for seamless audio navigation. Learn how it intelligently pauses music for GPS directions. Full analysis & claims.","keywords":["audio navigation","GPS audio","seamless audio","music interruption","patent","patent US-9853910","audio management","content reproduction","streaming control","navigation systems"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853910","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853910","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Contents reproduction apparatus\" (US-9853910). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853910","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853910","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853910","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T17:42:59.753Z"}