Audio Routing Score for Multi-Source Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio output devices struggle to seamlessly route audio signals from multiple audio signal source devices with different operating systems to a common audio output device without degrading user experience or quality of connections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that assesses the operational state, activity, and user interaction of multiple audio signal source devices to generate an audio routing score, determining which device to route audio signals to based on this score, thereby ensuring seamless and efficient audio output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an audio output device is configured to communicate with only one audio signal source at a time, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability to multiple devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where the audio output device can transition between connected states with different audio signal sources based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically adjusts which device is actively connected while maintaining awareness of other potential sources, allowing seamless switching without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a routing manager as an intermediary component that coordinates connections between multiple audio signal sources and the audio output device. This mediator assesses operational states, generates routing scores, and makes intelligent routing decisions to determine which source should be connected at any given time, resolving the conflict between stability and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the audio output device automatically switches between audio signal sources, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information about user intent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors operational states, user interactions, and activity levels of connected devices. This feedback loop allows the routing manager to assess whether automatic switching aligns with user intent by detecting user actions such as manual selection gestures or lack thereof, thereby reducing information loss about user preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically managing connections based on assessed operational states and generated routing scores without requiring explicit user commands. The routing manager independently evaluates conditions and makes routing decisions, reducing the need for user intervention while maintaining alignment with user intent through intelligent assessment of device states and interactions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio signal sources are supported simultaneously, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the routing management function into distinct components: an assessment module that evaluates operational states of each audio signal source, a scoring module that generates routing scores based on weighted inputs, and a decision module that determines routing decisions. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by dividing the complex routing management task into manageable, specialized sub-functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal routing manager that handles multiple audio signal sources through a single, multi-functional assessment and routing system. Rather than implementing separate connection logic for each device type or operating system, the routing manager provides a unified interface that assesses and manages connections across diverse audio signal sources, reducing complexity through consolidation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If operating systems use different prioritization schemes, then adaptability to different platforms is improved, but manufacturing precision of routing logic deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a homogeneous routing assessment framework that uniformly evaluates all audio signal sources using the same criteria and weighting system, regardless of their operating system or device type. The routing manager applies consistent logic to assess operational states and generate routing scores, ensuring manufacturing precision and consistency in routing decisions across diverse platforms while maintaining cross-platform adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for routing communication to a common audio output device connected multiple audio signal source devices are disclosed. For each of audio signal source devices, a set of inputs are assessed. The set of inputs can include: an operational state of the audio signal source device, an interaction with the audio signal source device, an audio-producing application being executed by the audio signal source device, or a degree of user interaction with the audio-producing application. At a point in time, an audio routing score is generated for each of the audio signal source devices according to a weighted calculation of the set of inputs based on the assessing. Finally, an audio signal routing decision is made, to route an audio signal from one of the audio signal source devices to the audio output device, based on the audio routing score for each of the audio signal source devices.