Audio Output Path Control for Simultaneous Multi-Source Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional WiDi communication technology limits users to outputting audio from only one path when multiple terminals capable of audio output are connected, making it difficult to simultaneously listen to multiple audio sources.

Innovation Solution

A terminal and method that allow for independent control of audio output paths by selecting a terminal to output audio from among connected devices, enabling multiple audios to be reproduced separately through different paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If all audios are output through one output path that is currently connected, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to simultaneously listen to multiple audio sources is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidaudio output path selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio output system by introducing an audio output path setting unit that can independently configure different output paths for different audio sources. Instead of a single unified output path, the system divides audio processing into separate channels, allowing each audio event to be routed to appropriate terminals (e.g., speaker, headphone, external audio device) based on user selection or automatic detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If multiple audio sources are output through the same path, then the device complexity is reduced, but the audio quality and user experience deteriorate due to mixed or overwritten audio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidaudio output reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments audio output routing by creating separate processing paths for different audio sources through the audio output path setting unit. Each audio event can be independently directed to specific terminals, preventing audio mixing and ensuring reliable playback of individual audio sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different audio sources to have different output path configurations tailored to their specific requirements. The audio output path setting unit can selectively assign high-quality output paths to specific audio events based on user preference or audio characteristics, ensuring optimal audio quality for each source without compromising the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9756436B2Terminal to control audio output path and method for controlling audio output path between terminals
Publication Date: 2017.09.05 PANTECH CORP
  • US9756436B2 patent drawing
  • US9756436B2 patent drawing
  • US9756436B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal and a method for controlling an audio output path is provided. The terminal includes: an audio output path setting unit to determine an audio output path for one or more audio data when one or more audio event occurs; an audio output unit to output a first audio data in a first audio output path; and a data communication unit to transmit one or more audio data other than the first audio data to external terminal(s) by setting a second audio output path.