AV Receiver Activity Configuration via Bidirectional Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex home entertainment systems require cumbersome and error-prone user actions to configure for desired activities due to the proliferation of media formats and appliance types, with existing automation methods often failing when equipment configurations are not as expected.
Innovation Solution
A cooperative method between an AV receiver and a universal controlling device, where activation of an activity key on the controlling device initiates predefined configuration actions based on the AV receiver's status determination, allowing for bidirectional communication and conditional command transmissions to ensure reliable and user-friendly system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration methods are used for home entertainment systems, then system adaptability to different media formats and appliances is achieved, but user operation complexity and error probability increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting connected appliances, identifying their types and capabilities, and setting up appropriate signal routing without requiring manual user input. The AV receiver and controlling device work together to autonomously establish the system configuration based on detected device status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes configuration parameters such as signal routing paths, device activation states, and mode settings based on detected appliance status. When appliances are connected or disconnected, the system automatically adjusts routing parameters and operational modes to match the current configuration.
2Loss of time
If automation methods like macro sequences or state-based control are implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but reliability decreases when equipment configurations differ from expectations
Solution Approach 1:
The AV receiver continuously monitors and provides feedback on the actual status of connected appliances to the controlling device. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify whether detected devices match expected configurations and to adjust automation sequences accordingly, preventing errors when actual setup differs from anticipated setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation system transitions from static pre-programmed sequences to dynamic adaptive control that responds to real-time device status. The system can modify its behavior based on detected appliance types and configurations, making the automation flexible enough to handle varying setups while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the controlling device attempts to control all appliances directly, then command functionality is maximized, but system complexity and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The AV receiver serves as an intermediary device between the controlling device and various appliances in the system. It centralizes the complexity of device detection, status monitoring, and routing logic, while the controlling device maintains simplified command functions. This mediator approach distributes complexity appropriately without reducing overall system capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A command value corresponding to an activity key of a controlling device is associated with a configuration of an entertainment device in which at least one of a plurality of devices is selected as an audio visual input source device for the entertainment device and at least one of the plurality of devices is selected as an audio visual output destination device for the entertainment device. When the entertainment device receives from the controlling device a signal which includes the command value corresponding to the activity key of the controlling device, the entertainment device accesses and uses the configuration associated with the command value corresponding to the activity key of the controlling device.