Audio Playback Source Switching With Unified Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media presentation systems lack a simple and unified control method for 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
A method and system that allow audio playback devices to communicate with audio information sources through dedicated user input devices, enabling users to control volume and source selection across multiple devices using a single interface, maintaining consistent volume settings when switching between sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio playback devices are connected to multiple audio information sources, then the versatility and availability of audio content is improved, but the complexity of control and source switching increases
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 source switching and volume control across multiple devices, eliminating the need for users to manually configure each device and simplifying the overall control complexity while maintaining multi-source connectivity
2Ease of operation
If users can control volume and source selection across multiple devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (source selection, volume control, device management) into a single control device that communicates with multiple audio playback devices. This merging of control functions into one unified interface improves ease of operation while the control device handles the underlying system complexity through automated message routing and coordination
3Extent of automation
If audio playback devices autonomously manage source switching and volume control, then the extent of automation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring system state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device sends control messages to audio playback devices and receives status messages in response. This feedback loop allows the control device to automatically manage source switching and volume control while maintaining awareness of the current system state through structured message exchanges, resolving the difficulty of monitoring automated operations
Data Source
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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.