Audio Signal Routing via Management Device Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
In audio systems with multiple devices, users face difficulties in setting which audio signal is sent to or received from specific devices, especially as the number of devices increases.
Innovation Solution
An audio signal input and output device with a port for input/output, an interface for channel or bus assignment, and a sender that communicates with a management device to facilitate easy signal routing, allowing users to assign audio signals to specific devices through a user interface or network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identifier is given to each of a plurality of devices, then devices can be identified in an audio system, but it becomes difficult for users to set which audio signal is sent to which device or which audio signal is received from which device when the number of devices is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management device as an intermediary between users and multiple audio devices. This management device provides a unified interface for configuring signal routing, eliminating the need for users to directly manage complex device-to-device connections. The management device handles the complexity of routing multiple audio signals to multiple devices, while users only need to interact with the simplified management interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device serves multiple functions: it identifies devices, configures signal routing, manages device connections, and provides a centralized control interface. By consolidating these functions into a single universal device, the system simplifies user operations while maintaining reliable device identification and signal routing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are connected in an audio system, then audio signal routing options increase, but the complexity of managing and configuring signal assignments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex configuration management functions from individual audio devices and concentrates them in a separate management device. This extraction allows audio devices to focus on their primary audio processing functions, while the management device handles the complexity of signal routing configuration, reducing overall system complexity despite increased versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device acts as an intermediary that simplifies the interface between users and the complex network of audio devices. It provides a unified configuration interface that manages signal routing across multiple devices, allowing users to take advantage of increased routing options without being overwhelmed by the underlying complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are replaced in an audio system, then system flexibility improves, but settings and configurations may need to be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The management device maintains a centralized copy of all system configuration data, including device assignments and signal routing settings. When devices are replaced, the management device can quickly replicate existing configurations to new devices, minimizing reconfiguration time and allowing seamless device replacement without manual setting adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration management by maintaining centralized records of all device settings and signal routing assignments. This preliminary organization of configuration data allows for rapid deployment when devices are replaced, as the management device can automatically apply pre-stored configurations to new devices without requiring time-consuming manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio signal input and output device includes a port that inputs or outputs an audio signal, an interface that receives a specification of a channel or bus to be assigned to the port, and a sender that sends information over a network for assigning the channel or bus based on the specification received by the interface. The information assigns the inputted audio signal to a predetermined input channel of the management device. A speaker emits a sound based on the inputted audio signal.