Controller Proximity Detection via Audio Propagation Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Associating a controller device with a media rendering device is cumbersome due to the need to enter a code, and there are often multiple devices that respond to the same code, making it difficult to determine the correct device to control.
Innovation Solution
A system where a controller device detects audio emitted by media rendering devices using an audio sensor, such as a microphone, to identify the device and determine proximity through audio signature or propagation delay, allowing it to deduce its location and control the appropriate device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a code identifying the rendering device is entered into the controlling device, then the controller can be associated with the rendering device, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual code entry mechanism with an acoustic detection mechanism. The controller device uses a microphone to detect and identify the rendering device through audio signals emitted by the device, eliminating the need for manual code input and significantly reducing the time required for device association.
Solution Approach 2:
The rendering device automatically emits an identifiable audio signal that enables the controller to identify and associate with it without requiring user intervention for code entry. The system performs the identification process autonomously through acoustic detection, making the association process self-service oriented.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rendering devices respond to the same controller code, then the controller can potentially control any of them, but it becomes difficult to determine which specific device to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each rendering device a unique acoustic signature or audio characteristic. Instead of using a common code that multiple devices respond to, each device emits a distinct audio signal that allows the controller to precisely identify and differentiate between multiple rendering devices in the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic signals as an identifier analogous to color coding. Each rendering device emits a unique audio signature that serves as its identifying characteristic, allowing the controller to distinguish between multiple devices similarly to how one would distinguish between devices with different color codes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless control of media rendering devices by identifying and selecting the correct device based on audio detection, simplifying the association process and resolving ambiguity among multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
a controller device detects audio emitted by media rendering devices using an audio sensor, such as a microphone
Data Source
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AI summary
A media rendering system includes a controller device and a media rendering device in communication via a communication network. The media rendering device is configured to render a media recording. The controller device includes a sensor configured to detect and receive an audio portion of the rendered media recording. The controller device is configured to identify the rendered media recording, and to determine a location of the controller device within a proximity of the media rendering device.