Audio Playback Source Switching With Unified Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 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 in a home entertainment system.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where an audio playback device and an audio information source exchange messages to control settings such as volume and signal source, allowing users to interact with both devices using dedicated user input devices, enabling seamless switching between audio sources and maintaining consistent volume settings across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple audio sink devices individually detect volume instructions from remote control, then each device can independently control its own volume, but the system becomes complex and users cannot easily control multiple devices uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a home entertainment hub as an intermediary device that receives volume control instructions from the remote control and distributes them to multiple audio sink devices. This mediator approach allows users to control multiple devices uniformly through a single remote control while the hub manages the complexity of routing instructions to appropriate devices, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a home entertainment hub transmits volume instructions to all audio sink devices, then uniform volume control across devices is achieved, but devices not needing volume changes still receive instructions causing unnecessary communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling each audio sink device to autonomously detect whether it needs volume adjustment based on its own operational state. Devices that are already muted or at maximum volume can ignore volume instructions, while active devices apply them. This localized decision-making reduces unnecessary communication overhead while maintaining uniform user control through the hub.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users need to control both audio playback device and audio information source, then comprehensive control is possible, but users need multiple dedicated remote controls increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the audio playback device universal by enabling it to receive and process control instructions intended for both the audio information source and other audio sink devices. The playback device acts as a multi-functional controller that can interpret and forward appropriate instructions, allowing users to control the entire system with a single remote control dedicated to the playback device, thereby achieving versatility without sacrificing ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to control audio playback devices are disclosed. An example audio playback device includes an audio output device to generate audio signals based on a signal source, a device interface to receive a first message from a first audio information source, and a source selector to change the signal source from a second audio information source to the first audio information source based on the first message.