Audio Routing Interface for Faster Device Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing audio output on electronic devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes, wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for managing audio output are provided, reducing the number of user inputs needed to switch audio devices, enhancing user satisfaction, and conserving power by optimizing processor and battery usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques are used to manage audio output, then audio switching functionality is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio switching operationVSAvoidtime to switch audio devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting when an audio device is connected and proactively presenting the audio routing interface with pre-populated device options, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple menus and presses to access audio switching functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically managing the audio routing interface - it detects audio device connections, populates the interface with available devices, and maintains the interface in an accessible state without requiring user initiation, thereby reducing the operational steps needed for audio switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If existing techniques are used to manage audio output, then audio device switching is achieved, but device energy and battery power are wasted due to redundant processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio routing efficiencyVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-populating the audio routing interface with available audio devices before the user needs to make a selection, reducing the time the processor needs to spend on audio routing tasks and minimizing energy consumption during the switching process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system skips unnecessary intermediate steps and redundant processing by directly presenting the audio routing interface with pre-processed device information, thereby reducing processor workload and battery power consumption while maintaining audio routing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentEP4334811B1User interfaces for audio routing
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 APPLE INC
  • EP4334811B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4334811B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4334811B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to user interface for audio routing. In some examples, a computer system detects an audio device and displays a selectable option in accordance with a determination that a set of criteria is met. The selectable option, when selected, enables the computer system to connect to the audio device and transmit audio data to the audio device.