Audio Controller Emulating Direct Connection for Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless network standards, such as WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), fail to simplify the configuration of secure connections for streaming audio content between devices, particularly in establishing consistent and dedicated connections for audio output.
Innovation Solution
An intermediary audio controller manages audio output by emulating a direct connection between a source device and an output device, using wireless communication to formulate end-to-end audio control characteristics and regulate audio control parameters for seamless audio content transfer, and modifies audio content in real-time based on external events or user selections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) is used to simplify network configuration, then network connection setup is simplified, but audio streaming pairing cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The audio controller serves as an intermediary device between the wireless network and audio output devices. It receives audio content from a source device via wireless communication, emulates a direct connection to the output device, and manages the audio streaming process. This intermediary approach allows WPS to handle network configuration while the audio controller separately manages audio pairing and streaming.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is used for device pairing, then audio streaming pairing is enabled, but consistent dedicated connections cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The audio controller establishes a dedicated connection with the audio output device in advance before audio streaming begins. This pre-established connection remains active and consistent throughout the audio streaming process, providing stable audio transmission without relying on ad-hoc pairings during the streaming session.
3Device complexity
If direct connection is established between source device and output device, then audio streaming is simple, but secure communication cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The audio controller acts as a secure intermediary that receives audio content from the source device via wireless communication using established security protocols (such as WPS for network configuration). It then manages the audio streaming to the output device, ensuring secure communication through the intermediary rather than direct peer-to-peer transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing audio output through an intermediary. In some embodiments, an audio controller emulates a direct connection between an audio source device and an audio output device. In other embodiments, audio content local to an audio controller is combined with other audio content passing through the audio controller on its way from an audio source device to an audio output device. In additional embodiments, an audio output device is locked to an audio controller. The lock survives power cycling and soft resets of the audio output device. A special hard reset can be used to release the audio output device.