Control Device Audio Switching for Multi-User Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In cooperative systems involving controlled devices like televisions and control devices, it is challenging to manage multiple audio streams effectively, particularly when multiple users want to listen to different sounds during simultaneous content reproduction, leading to audio mixtures that can be difficult to navigate.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that allow for seamless sound switching by detecting the reproduction status of the controlled device and switching the output sound to a predetermined sound based on user preferences, using a commander that communicates with the controlled device through wired or wireless communication, enabling users to select desired audio outputs through graphical user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the controlled device outputs multiple audio streams simultaneously, then multiple users can access different audio content, but the audio streams may mix and become difficult to listen to
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the audio output into separate physical channels: the controlled device outputs one audio stream while the control device outputs another audio stream. This segmentation allows multiple audio streams to be delivered without mixing, as each device uses its own independent output channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that receives and outputs a different audio stream from the controlled device. This intermediary role enables the system to provide multiple audio streams simultaneously without direct mixing, as the control device mediates the audio delivery to the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controlled device switches between different audio streams, then different content can be accessed, but the switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio switching function from the controlled device and places it in the control device. The control device detects the reproduction status and determines which audio stream to output, thereby simplifying the controlled device while maintaining audio stream variety through the control device's switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the controlled device switch audio streams directly to the user, the system inverts the approach: the controlled device outputs a primary audio stream, and the control device outputs a secondary audio stream that complements or alternates with the first, reducing switching complexity in the main device.
3Ease of operation
If the control device detects and responds to reproduction status changes, then audio switching becomes seamless, but the detection and processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from the reproduction status detection to automatically adjust its audio output. By continuously monitoring the reproduction status and responding with appropriate audio stream selection, the system achieves seamless switching without requiring complex user intervention or excessive processing power for manual management.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control device may include a control unit to switch an output information to a predetermined output information, when a transition of contents of a controlled device is detected.