Daisy-Chained Audio Control Devices for Low-Latency Gaming Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems for gamers, such as those described in existing patents, lack user control over sound levels and are complex to set up, often requiring technical expertise and offering high latency, which hampers team communication in competitive gaming scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with control devices that include primary and secondary audio ports for receiving and transmitting voice signals, internal mixing, and volume controllers, allowing users to control sound levels and easily couple devices for improved gaming team communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If centralized audio distribution is used, then audio signal distribution is achieved, but device complexity and setup complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio signal distributionVSAvoidsetup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the audio distribution function into segments, with each control device independently managing its own audio inputs and outputs. Instead of one centralized controller, multiple distributed control devices each handle local audio mixing and routing, reducing the complexity burden on any single device while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each control device is equipped with its own audio ports, mixing capabilities, and volume controls, allowing it to independently manage its audio signals without requiring centralized control. This self-service approach enables devices to autonomously handle audio distribution tasks, reducing setup complexity and eliminating the need for technician intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If daisy chaining is used, then connection simplicity is improved, but user control over sound levels is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidsound level control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements local quality by providing each control device with dedicated volume controllers that operate independently at each local position in the daisy chain. Each device can adjust its own input and output volume levels, as well as the volume of signals it receives from other devices, giving users granular control over sound levels at each location while maintaining the simplicity of daisy chain connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If internet-based chat solutions are used, then communication flexibility is improved, but latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control devices serve as local intermediaries that directly route audio signals between connected devices through audio ports and internal mixing. This local intermediary approach eliminates the need for internet-based communication, allowing audio signals to be transmitted directly through the daisy chain connection, thereby maintaining communication flexibility while dramatically reducing latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3208992B1Communication system, control device and method for communicating audio signals between multiple control devices
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 SENNHEISER COMM
  • EP3208992B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3208992B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3208992B1 patent drawingFigure 2C

AI summary

A communication system for communicating a plurality of audio signals between a plurality of control devices, wherein the plurality of control devices comprises at least a subsequent control device and at least a preceding control device. Each control device of the plurality of control devices comprises; an audio port configured to receive a local voice signal of a user of the control device, wherein the local voice signal may be extended into a first local voice signal and a second local voice signal. The control device comprises a primary audio input port configured to receive a first audio signal of the plurality of audio signals transmitted by the subsequent control device, wherein the first audio signal comprises a second voice signal of a second user of the subsequent control device, and a secondary audio input port configured to receive a second audio signal of the plurality of audio signals transmitted by the preceding control device, wherein the second audio signal comprises a third voice signal of a third user of the preceding control device.