Audio Playback Control for Seamless Multi-Source Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media presentation systems lack a simple and unified method for controlling audio playback devices connected to multiple audio information sources, making it difficult for users to seamlessly switch between different audio sources and adjust volume settings across various devices.
Innovation Solution
The system enables audio playback devices to exchange messages with audio information sources to control settings such as volume and signal sources, allowing users to interact with both devices using dedicated user input devices, ensuring consistent volume and source changes across the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio playback devices are connected to multiple audio information sources, then the system provides more audio source options and versatility, but the control complexity increases and user operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the user and multiple audio playback devices. This control device receives user input and automatically manages the complexity of switching between audio sources and devices, thereby maintaining versatility while reducing control complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to work with multiple types of audio playback devices and audio information sources simultaneously. It provides universal control capabilities that can manage different device types through a unified interface, reducing the need for device-specific control methods.
2Reliability
If users can control both audio playback devices and audio information sources with dedicated user input devices, then the control precision and reliability improve, but the system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions for audio playback devices and audio information sources into a single control device. This unified control interface maintains reliable control over both device types while simplifying the user experience by eliminating the need to learn and operate multiple separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device implements feedback mechanisms that provide users with clear information about the current audio source and playback device status. This feedback helps users understand system state without requiring complex operations, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
3Extent of automation
If the audio playback device automatically changes signal source based on messages from audio information source, then the system responsiveness and automation improve, but the risk of unintended source switching and system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements a feedback-based confirmation system where automatic source switching is triggered only after receiving and verifying appropriate messages from the audio information source. This feedback mechanism ensures that source switching occurs only when intended, maintaining automation while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification by receiving and processing messages from the audio information source before executing the source switching action. This preliminary action ensures that the switching is based on valid triggers, reducing unintended changes while maintaining automated responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to control audio playback devices are disclosed. An example first playback device includes a speaker driver, a processor, and a computer readable medium including a set of instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the first playback device to implement a method. The example method includes receiving, from a first audio information source, first audio information. The example method includes playing back the first audio information. The example method includes receiving, from a second audio information source, (i) a first message, and (ii) second audio information. Based on the received first message, the example method includes (i) determining that the first playback device and a second playback device are to playback the second audio information; (ii) stopping play back of the first audio information; (iii) playing back, via the speaker driver, the second audio information; and (iv) sending the second audio information to the second playback device.