Abstract:
Methods and devices for flexible and adaptable outputting of audio files in text or audio format based on certain parameters are described. Before delivering an acquired audio file to a user, the methods and devices described herein detect a current value of a pre-specified parameter, such as an environmental noise parameter, a mute setting parameter, a ring tone setting parameter, an audio/video playback parameter, or a setting parameter of an application acquiring the audio file, and compare the current value of the pre-specified parameter with a preset condition for the same parameter. The methods and devices described herein with output the audio file or a text file created from the audio file depending on the result of the comparison.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This international application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201310256256.4, filed Jun. 25, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure generally relates to the field of communications and, more particularly, to methods and devices for outputting an audio file. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A conventional communication terminal can support audio applications, including, e.g., receiving an audio file and playing the audio file to present content of the audio file to a user. Many terminals may also convert the audio file into a text file to present the content of the audio file to the user. In conventional communication terminals, however, the way the user receives the audio file is preset, and does not depend on any specific parameters. As such, the user may receive an audio file in a format this is not optimal. If the user is in a noisy environment and the parameter is set for the user to receive audio files, for example, the communication terminal will play the audio file, which the user may not be able to hear. In other situations, the user may be in an environment where it is difficult to read text files. What is needed are methods and devices for flexible and adaptable delivery of audio files in text or audio format based on certain parameters. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an output method for an audio file, comprising: acquiring an audio file; detecting a current value of a pre-specified parameter; and comparing the current value of the pre-specified parameter with a preset condition, and outputting an object file corresponding to the current value of the pre-specified parameter based on a comparison result, the object file including the audio file or a text file converted from the audio file. 
     According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an output device for an audio file, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor; wherein the processor is configured to: acquire an audio file; detect a current value of a pre-specified parameter; and compare the current value of the pre-specified parameter with a preset condition, and output an object file corresponding to the current value of the pre-specified parameter based on a comparison result, the object file including the audio file or a text file converted from the audio file. 
     According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform an output method for an audio file, the method comprising: acquiring an audio file; detecting a current value of a pre-specified parameter; and comparing the current value of the pre-specified parameter with a preset condition, and outputting an object file corresponding to the current value of the pre-specified parameter based on a comparison result, the object file including the audio file or a text file converted from the audio file. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the inventions and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the inventions. 
         FIG. 1  is a flowchart of a method for outputting an audio file, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a method for outputting an audio file, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a method for outputting an audio file, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an output device for an audio file, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an output device for an audio file, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following description refers to the accompanying drawings in which the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise represented. The implementations set forth in the following description of exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations consistent with the inventions. Instead, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with aspects related to the inventions as recited in the appended claims. 
       FIG. 1  is a flowchart of an method  100  for outputting an audio file for use in a device, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the method  100  includes the following steps. 
     In step S 101 , the device acquires an audio file. For example, the audio file can be acquired through a network, e.g., the audio file is acquired via an instant messaging (IM) application from a communication platform, or is acquired from a recording device, e.g., being transferred from the recording device with a distance close to the present device, or acquired from a storage device. Also for example, the audio file can include, e.g., a piece of conversation or music. 
     In step S 102 , the device detects a current value of a pre-specified parameter. For example, the pre-specified parameter can be a parameter specified via an input operation by a user, or a parameter specified via a received command from a network transmission. The pre-specified parameter may affect the user reading content of the audio file. For example, the pre-specified parameter can be a parameter of the device performing the method  100 , e.g. a setting parameter of the device, or a parameter of an external environment of the device, e.g., an external noise. 
     In step S 103 , the device compares the current value of the pre-specified parameter with a preset condition, and outputs an object file corresponding to the current value based on a comparison result. For example, the object file includes the audio file or a text file converted from the audio file. Also for example, the object file can be an object file corresponding to the current value of the pre-specified parameter as indicated in a predetermined mapping relationship. The mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between the value of the pre-specified parameter and the outputted audio file, and/or a mapping relationship between the value of the pre-specified parameter and the outputted text file. 
     If the object file corresponding to the current value of the pre-specified parameter is the audio file, step S 103  includes a direct playback of the audio file. If the object file corresponding to the current value is the text file converted from the audio file, step S 103  includes converting the audio file into the text file, and outputting the text file. 
     The method  100  can be used in any terminal supporting audio functions. Accordingly, the device performing the method  100  can be, e.g., a tablet computer, a mobile phone, an electronic reader, a remote control, a personal computer (PC), a notebook computer, automotive equipment, a network television, a wearable device, or any other intelligent equipment with network functions. 
     In the method  100 , the audio file or the text file converted from the audio file is outputted according to the current value of the pre-specified parameter. Thus, an output mode of the audio file can be adjusted according to the current value of the pre-specified parameter, to flexibly present content of the audio file to the user in different ways, which facilitates obtaining the content of the audio file by the user. 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a method  200  for outputting an audio file for use in a device, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the method  200  includes the following steps. 
     In step S 201 , the device acquires an audio file. For example, the audio file can be acquired through a network, e.g., the audio file is acquired via an instant messaging (IM) application from a communication platform, or is acquired from a recording device, e.g., being transferred from the recording device with a distance close to the present device, or acquired from a storage device. Also for example, the audio file can include, e.g., a piece of conversation or music. 
     In step S 202 , the device detects a current value of a pre-specified parameter. For example, the pre-specified parameter can be a parameter specified via an input operation by a user, or a parameter specified via a received command from a network transmission. The pre-specified parameter may affect the user obtaining content of the audio file. For example, the pre-specified parameter can be a parameter of the device performing the method  100 , e.g., a setting parameter of the device, or a parameter of an external environment of the device, e.g., an external noise. 
     In step S 203 , the device compares the current value of the pre-specified parameter with a preset condition, and outputs an object file indicated by a preset mapping relationship corresponding to the current value based on a comparison result. For example, the object file includes the audio file or a text file converted from the audio file. Also for example, the mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between the value of the pre-specified parameter and the outputted audio file, and/or a mapping relationship between the value of the pre-specified parameter and the outputted text file. 
     If the object file corresponding to the current value of the pre-specified parameter is the audio file, step S 203  includes a direct playback of the audio file. If the object file corresponding to the current value is the text file converted from the audio file, step S 203  includes converting the audio file into the text file, and outputting the text file. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the pre-specified parameter can comprise at least one of an environmental noise parameter, a mute setting parameter, a ring tone setting parameter, an audio/video playback parameter, or a setting parameter of an application acquiring the audio file. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the environmental noise parameter. Accordingly, step S 202  includes detecting a noise value of the environmental noise parameter by a microphone (MIC) of the device. Correspondingly, step S 203  includes, if the noise value is greater than a first threshold value, outputting the text file and, if the noise value is smaller than or equal to the first threshold value, outputting the audio file. For example, if the noise value is greater than the first threshold value, outputting the text file converted from the audio file, and displaying the text file, if the noise value is smaller than or equal to the first threshold value, directly playing the audio file. 
     In this way, step S 203  can implement outputting the text file in the environment with a greater noise value, and the noise in the environment will have less effect on the user reading the text file. For example, when the user carries the device on a noisy street, the device converts the audio file into the text file, and outputs the text file. Step S 203  can also implement playing the audio file in the environment with a smaller noise value. For example, when the user carries the device in a quiet environment, the device directly plays the audio file. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the mute setting parameter. Accordingly, step S 202  includes detecting a current value of the mute setting parameter. Correspondingly, step S 203  includes, if the current value of the mute setting parameter indicates a mute status, outputting the text files and, if the mute setting parameter indicates a non mute status, outputting the audio file. 
     For example, if the current value of the mute setting parameter indicates the mute status, it means that the user wants a quiet environment or does not want to disturb others, such as in a conference room or other places where user terminals are required to be mute. Accordingly, the device converts the audio file into the text file. As a result, the user can read the content of the text file without producing any noise. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the ring tone setting parameter. Accordingly, step S 202  includes detecting a ring tone volume value of the ring tone setting parameter. Correspondingly, step S 203  includes, if the ring tone volume value is smaller than or equal to a second threshold value, outputting the text file and, if the ring tone volume value is greater than the second threshold value, outputting the audio file. 
     For example, if the ring tone volume value is smaller than or equal to the second threshold value, it means that the user sets the ring tone volume to a relatively low level, which indicates that the user may be in an environment where loud sound is not allowed. In this case, step S 203  converts the audio file into the text file, and displays the text file. If the ring tone volume value is greater than the second threshold value, it means that the user sets the ring tone volume to a relatively high level, which indicates that the user may be in an environment where loud sound is allowed. In this case, step S 203  directly plays the audio file. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the audio/video playback parameter. Accordingly, step S 202  includes detecting a current value of audio/video playback parameter. Correspondingly, step S 203  includes, if the current value of the audio/video playback parameter meets a preset condition, outputting the text file and, if the current value of the audio/video playback parameter does not meet the preset condition, outputting the text file. The audio/video playback parameter can be an audio playback parameter or a video playback parameter. 
     For example, if the current value of the audio/video playback parameter indicates a currently played audio or video, it means that the device is playing the audio or the video, and it may be inconvenient for the user to listen to the audio file. In this case, step S 203  converts the audio file into the text file, and displays the text file. The user can read the content of the text file while listening to the audio or watching the video. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the setting parameter of the application acquiring the audio file. Accordingly, step S 202  includes detecting a current value of the setting parameter. Correspondingly, step S 203  includes, if the current value of the setting parameter meets a preset condition that the application is unsuitable for outputting the audio file, outputting the text file and, if the current value of the setting parameter meets a preset condition that the application is suitable for outputting the audio file, outputting the audio file. 
     For example, the application is unsuitable for outputting the audio file because the application is set in a mute status, or a reminder message of the application is set in a mate status. That is to say, the application may be unsuitable for directly outputting the audio file in the current status. In this case, step S 203  converts the audio file into the text file, and displays the text file. Also for example, the application is suitable for outputting the audio file when a login account of an application is online, or the reminder message is set to be a voice reminder. In this case, step S 203  directly plays the audio file. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the device detects current values of multiple pre-specified parameters, such as multiple ones of the environmental noise parameter, the mute setting parameter, the ring tone setting parameter, the audio/video playback parameter, and the setting parameter. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameters include the environmental noise parameter and the mute setting parameter. Accordingly, step S 202  includes detecting the noise value of the environment noise parameter and the current value of the mute setting parameter. Correspondingly, step S 203  includes determining whether the noise value is greater than the first threshold value, if not, outputting the audio file, and if yes, further determining whether the current value of the mute setting parameter indicates a mute status. If the current value of the mute setting parameter is determined to indicate the mute status, the text file is output. If the current value of the mute setting parameter is determined to indicate a non-mute status, the audio file is output. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameters include the ring tone setting parameter and the environment noise parameter. Accordingly, step S 202  includes detecting a ring tone volume value of the ring tone setting parameter and a noise value of the environment noise parameter. Correspondingly, step S 203  includes determining whether the ring tone volume value is greater than the second threshold value, if yes, outputting the audio file and, if no, determining whether the noise value is greater than the first threshold value. If the noise value is greater than the first threshold value, the text file is output. If the noise value is smaller than the first threshold value, the audio file is output. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the pre-specified parameters can also be a combination of the ring tone setting parameter and the audio/video playback parameter, a combination of the ring tone setting parameter and the setting parameter of the device, etc. 
     The method  200  can be used in any terminal supporting audio functions. Accordingly, the device performing the method  200  can be, e.g. a tablet computer, a mobile phone, an electronic reader, a remote control, a personal computer (PC), a notebook computer, automotive equipment, a network television, a wearable device, or any other intelligent equipment with network functions. 
     In the method  200 , an output mode of the audio file is adjusted according to the current value of the pre-specified parameter, to flexibly present content of the audio file to the user in different ways, which facilitates the user obtaining the content of the audio file. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a method  300  for outputting an audio file for use in a device, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the method  300  includes the following steps. 
     In step S 301 , the device acquires an audio file. 
     In step S 302 , the device checks a setting of an application status. The application status can be a status of an application that acquires the audio file, or a status of the device performing the method  300 . 
     In step S 303 , the device determines whether the setting of the application status is a mute status, if yes, performing step S 304  and, if no, performing step S 305 . 
     In step S 305 , the device detects a ring tone setting. 
     In step S 306 , the device determines whether the ring tone setting is smaller than a first threshold value, if yes, performs step S 304  and, if no, performs step S 307 . 
     In step S 307 , the device detects a noise value. 
     In step S 308 , the device determines whether the noise value reaches a second threshold value, if yes, performs step S 304 , and if no, performs step S 309 . 
     In step S 304 , the device outputs text of the audio file. For example, the device converts the audio file into a text file, and displays the text file. 
     In step S 309 , the device directly plays the audio file. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram of an output device  400  for an audio file, according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the device  400  comprises an acquisition unit  401 , a detection unit  402 , and an output unit  403 . 
     The acquisition unit  401  is configured to acquire an audio file. For example, the audio file can be acquired through a network, e.g., the audio file is acquired via an instant messaging (IM) application from a communication platform, or is acquired from a recording device, e.g., being transferred from the recording device with a distance close to the device  400 . Also for example, the audio file can include, e.g., apiece of conversation or music. 
     The detection unit  402  is configured to detect a current value of a pre-specified parameter. For example, the pre-specified parameter can be a parameter specified via an input operation by a user, or a parameter specified via a received command from a network transmission. The pre-specified parameter may affect the user obtaining content of the audio file. For example, the pre-specified parameter can be a parameter of the device  400 , e.g., the setting parameter of the device  400 , or a parameter of an external environment of the device  400 , e.g., an external noise. 
     The output unit  403  is configured to compare the current value of the pre-specified parameter with a preset condition, and output an object file corresponding to the current value based on a comparison result. For example, the object file includes the audio file or a text file converted from the audio file. The object file can be an object file corresponding to the current value as indicated in a predetermined mapping relationship. Also for example, the mapping relationship is a mapping relationship between the value of the pre-specified parameter and the outputted audio file, and/or a mapping relationship between the value of the pre-specified parameter and the outputted text file. 
     If the object file corresponding to the current value of the pre-specified parameter is the audio file, the output unit 43 performs a direct playback of the audio file. If the object file corresponding to the current value is the text file converted from the audio file, the output unit 43 converts the audio file into the text file, and output the text file. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the pre-specified parameter can comprise at least one an environmental noise parameter, a mute setting parameter, a ring tone setting parameter, an audio/video playback parameter, a setting parameter of an application acquiring the audio file. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the environmental noise parameter. Accordingly, the detection unit  402  detects a noise value of the environmental noise parameter. If the noise value is greater than a first threshold value, the output unit  403  outputs the text file. If the noise value is smaller than or equal to the first threshold value, the output unit  403  outputs the audio file. For example, if the noise value is greater than the first threshold, the output unit  403  converts the audio file into the text file and displays the text file. If the noise value is smaller than or equal to the first threshold value, the output unit  403  directly playbacks the audio file. 
     In this way, the output unit  403  can implement outputting the text file in the environment with a greater noise value, and the noise in the environment will have less effect on the user reading the text file. For example, when the user carries the device  400  on a noisy street, the output unit  403  converts the audio file into the text file, and outputs the text file. The output unit  403  can also implement playing the audio file in the environment with a smaller noise value. For example, when the user carries the device  400  in a quiet environment, the output unit  403  directly plays the audio file. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the mute setting parameter. Accordingly, the detection unit  402  detects a current value of the mute setting parameter. The output unit  403  outputs the text file if the current value of the mute setting parameter meets a preset condition indicating a mute status, and outputs the audio file if the current value of the mute setting parameter meets the preset condition indicating a non-mute status. 
     For example, if the current value of the mute setting parameter indicates the mute status, it means that the user wants a quiet environment or does not want to disturb others, such as in a conference room or other places where user terminals are required to be mute. Accordingly, the output unit  403  converts the audio file into the text file. As a result, the user can read the content of the text file without producing any noise. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the ring tone setting parameter. The detection unit  402  detects a ring tone volume value of the ring tone setting parameter. The output unit  403  outputs the text file if the ring tone volume value is smaller than or equal to a second threshold value, and outputs the audio file if the ring tone volume value is greater than the second threshold value. 
     For example, if the ring tone volume value is smaller than or equal to the second threshold value, it means that the user sets the ring tone volume to a relatively low level, which indicates that the user may be in an environment where loud sound is not allowed. In this case, the output unit  403  converts the audio file into the text file, and displays the text file, if the ring tone volume value is greater than the second threshold value, it means that the user sets the ring tone volume to a relatively high level, which indicates that the user may be in an environment where loud sound is allowed. In this case, the output unit  403  directly plays the audio file. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the audio/video playback parameter. The detection unit  402  detects a current value of the audio/video playback parameter. The output unit  403  outputs the text file if the current value of the audio/video playback parameter meets a preset condition indicating a currently played audio or video, and outputs the audio file if the current value of the audio/video playback parameter meets the preset condition indicating an audio or video not being played. 
     For example, if the current value of the audio/video playback parameter indicates a currently played audio or video, it means that the device  400  is playing an audio or video, and it may be inconvenient for the user to listen to the audio file. In this case, the output unit  403  converts the audio file into the text file, and displays the text file. In this way, the user can read the content of the text file while listening to the audio or watching the video. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the setting parameter of the application acquiring the audio file. The detection unit  402  detects the current value of the setting parameter. The output unit  403  outputs the text file if the current value of the setting parameter meets a preset condition indicating that the application is unsuitable for outputting the audio file, and outputs the audio file if the current value of the setting parameter meets the preset condition indicating that the application is suitable for outputting the audio file. 
     For example, the application is unsuitable for outputting the audio file because the application is set in a mute status, or a reminder message of the application is set in a mute status. That is to say, the application may be unsuitable for directly outputting the audio file in the current status. In this case, the output unit  403  converts the audio file into the text file, and displays the text file. Also for example, the application is suitable for outputting the audio file when a login account of the application is online, or the reminder message of the application is set as a voice reminder. In this case, the output unit  403  directly plays the audio file. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the detection unit  402  detects current values of multiple pre-specified parameters, such as multiple ones of the environmental noise parameter, the mute setting parameter, the ring tone setting parameter, the audio/video playback parameter, and the setting parameter of the application acquiring the audio file. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameters include the environmental noise parameter and the mute setting parameter. The detection unit  402  detects the noise value of the environment noise parameter and the current value of the mute setting parameter. The output unit  403  determines whether the noise value is greater than the first threshold value. If not, the output unit  403  outputs the audio file. If yes, the output unit  403  determines whether the current value of the mute setting parameter indicates a mute status. If the current value of the mute setting parameter indicates the mute status, the output unit  403  outputs the text file. If the current value of the mute setting parameter indicates a non-mute status, the output unit  403  outputs the audio file. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the pre-specified parameter includes the ring tone setting parameter and the environment noise parameter. The detection unit  402  detects a ring tone volume value of the ring tone setting parameter and a noise value of the environment noise parameter. The output unit  403  determines whether the ring tone volume value is greater than the second threshold value. If yes, the output unit  403  outputs the audio file. If no, the output unit  403  determines whether the noise value is greater than the first threshold value. If the noise value is greater than the first threshold value, the output unit  403  outputs the text file. If the noise value is smaller than or equal to the first threshold value, the output unit  403  outputs the audio file. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the pre-specified parameters can also include a combination of the ring tone setting parameter and the audio/video playback parameter, a combination of the ring tone setting parameter and the setting parameter of the application acquiring the audio file, etc. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the device  400  can be any terminal that supports audio functions, e.g., a tablet computer, a mobile phone, an electronic reader, a remote control, a personal computer (PC), a notebook computer, automotive equipment, a network television, a wearable device, or any other intelligent equipment with network functions. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an output device  500  for an audio file, according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the device  500  can be a tablet computer, a mobile phone, an electronic reader, a remote control, a personal computer (PC), a notebook computer, automotive equipment, a network television, a wearable device, or any other intelligent equipment with network functions. Referring to  FIG. 5 , the device  500  includes a processor  502  and a memory  504  for storing data as well as for storing instructions for performing the above described methods, and otherwise facilitating operation of the processor  502 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, there is also provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as included in the memory  504 , executable by the processor  502 , for performing the above-described methods for instant messaging. For example, the storage medium can be a disk, a CD-ROM, a read-only memory, a random access memory and so on. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the above described units can each be implemented by hardware, or software, a combination of hardware and software. One of ordinary skill in the art will also understand that multiple ones of the above described units may be combined as one unit, and each of the above described units may be further divided into a plurality of sub-units. 
     Other embodiments of the inventions will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the inventions disclosed here. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventions following the general principles thereof and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the inventions being indicated by the following claims. 
     It will be appreciated that the present inventions are not limited to the exact construction that has been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is intended that the scope of the inventions only be limited by the appended claims