Acoustic Region Notification Routing for Multi-Device Echo
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic device systems, sending notifications to multiple devices in close proximity can result in unsynchronized and distorted audio output, as existing systems lack the ability to effectively manage and synchronize audio data across devices in the same acoustic region.
Innovation Solution
The system groups devices into acoustic regions and uses selection data to identify a single device for each region, selecting the most frequently used device or the one with the best input/output capabilities to send notifications, thereby reducing echo and improving audio quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If notifications are sent to multiple devices in close proximity, then users can receive notifications across different locations, but audio output becomes unsynchronized and distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments devices into distinct acoustic regions based on their spatial relationships and audio characteristics. Each acoustic region is treated as an independent zone with its own designated output device, preventing simultaneous audio output from multiple devices and eliminating distortion while maintaining broad notification coverage across different locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary selection mechanism that uses selection data to determine which device should output notifications for each acoustic region. This intermediary layer coordinates notification delivery by selecting appropriate output devices based on acoustic region boundaries, ensuring synchronization without requiring direct device-to-device coordination
2Area of stationary object
If multiple devices output notifications simultaneously, then notification coverage is expanded, but echo and distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the operational space into separate acoustic regions, each with its own designated output device. This segmentation ensures that only one device outputs notifications within each region, expanding overall coverage while preventing the harmful echo and distortion effects that would occur with simultaneous multi-device output
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of multiple devices being able to output notifications into a benefit by using selection data to identify acoustic regions. This allows the system to leverage multi-device capability while preventing distortion through intelligent selection, turning what would be a source of echo into a mechanism for coordinated notification delivery
3Manufacturing precision
If devices are grouped into acoustic regions with single device selection, then audio quality is improved, but device selection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having devices automatically generate and transmit selection data about their own audio performance and spatial characteristics. The acoustic region identification is performed autonomously based on this self-provided data, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex external coordination while maintaining high audio quality through automated single-device selection per region
Data Source
AI summary
A system that determines that devices are co-located in an acoustic region and selects a single device to which to send incoming notifications for the acoustic region. The system may group devices into separate acoustic regions based on selection data that selects between similar audio data received from multiple devices. The system may select the best device for each acoustic region based on a frequency that the device was selected previously, input/output capabilities of the device, a proximity to a user, or the like. The system may send a notification to a single device in each of the acoustic regions so that a user receives a single notification instead of multiple unsynchronized notifications. The system may also determine that acoustic regions are associated with different locations and select acoustic regions to which to send a notification based on location.