Audio Connection Device for Simultaneous Wireless Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing televisions often have limited audio outputs, requiring users to disconnect and reconnect devices, and wireless modules struggle with decoding compressed audio and simultaneous multi-device connections, leading to inconvenience and clutter.
Innovation Solution
A device with an input interface to convert optical signals to digital, a buffer to store the signal, an output interface to convert back to optical, and a wireless transmitter to send processed audio to multiple devices, implementing IEEE 802.15.1 standards for simultaneous wireless transmission and decoding compressed audio signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical splitter is installed to connect both soundbar and wireless module to the optical output, then multiple devices can be connected simultaneously, but cable clutter and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical receiver, buffer, processor, and wireless transmitter into a single integrated device that performs both optical-to-digital conversion and wireless transmission functions. This eliminates the need for separate optical splitters and multiple connection cables, reducing cable clutter while enabling simultaneous connection of soundbar and wireless headset to a single optical output.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless module is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving optical signals, converting them to digital audio, buffering the signal, processing/decoding compressed audio formats, and transmitting wirelessly to multiple devices simultaneously. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless module is added to enable wireless headset connection, then wireless audio output is enabled, but the number of audio outputs remains limited requiring device disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless transmission capability with the optical input processing in a single integrated device. This allows the wireless headset to connect simultaneously with the soundbar through the same optical output, eliminating the need to physically disconnect or rearrange devices when switching between wired and wireless audio output.
3Loss of information
If compressed audio signals are transmitted to wireless module, then audio signal transmission is enabled, but decoding capability is lost unless soundbar performs decoding
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless module is designed with built-in processing capability to decode compressed audio signals (such as AC-3) received from the optical input. This eliminates the requirement for the soundbar to perform decoding, allowing the wireless headset to receive and play decoded audio directly from the integrated device regardless of the soundbar's decoding capability.
4Device complexity
If wireless module connects to single optical output, then connection simplicity is maintained, but simultaneous transmission to multiple wireless devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated wireless module is designed to maintain a single optical connection while simultaneously transmitting audio signals to multiple wireless devices (such as multiple headsets or a headset and speaker). This enables multiple users to listen to the same audio source at the same time without requiring multiple optical connections or complex device arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of interfacing between a source media device and a destination media device. A wireless module passes through an audio signal from the source device to an output device, and transmits a wireless signal to a wireless device that outputs the audio signal. In this manner, the number of devices used for the connections may be reduced.