Digital Stream Swapping via Segmented Signaling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication technologies face challenges in seamlessly switching between digital streams, particularly in scenarios where users need to easily switch between multiple audio or video sources connected to a single output device, such as headphones or speakers, without disconnecting existing connections or requiring complex multi-step actions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable digital stream swapping by receiving initial and alternate streams with signaling and data channels, and upon an event signal, stop decoding the initial data channel and initiate decoding of the alternate data channel while maintaining signaling channels for both streams, allowing users to switch between streams with a single action like a button press or voice command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional stream switching is implemented, then users can switch between digital streams, but the switching process requires complex multi-step actions and disconnects existing connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the digital stream into two independent components: signaling channel and data channel. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the signaling connection while switching data channels, enabling seamless stream switching without disconnecting the overall connection. The signaling channel handles connection management while the data channel carries the actual audio/video content, allowing independent switching of data channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes and maintains signaling channels for multiple potential streams in advance before switching is needed. When a stream switch is triggered by a simple user action, the pre-established signaling channels allow immediate switching without complex connection setup procedures. This preliminary establishment of signaling infrastructure enables rapid, simple stream switching.
2Ease of operation
If traditional stream switching is implemented, then users can change audio or video sources, but multiple actions or notifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining signaling channels for multiple streams simultaneously before switching is triggered. When the user initiates a stream switch with a single action, the signaling infrastructure is already in place, allowing immediate switching without requiring multiple sequential actions or waiting for connection establishment notifications. This eliminates time loss associated with traditional multi-step switching procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signaling channels are maintained for multiple streams, then seamless switching is enabled, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stream into signaling and data channels, the system can maintain lightweight signaling connections for multiple streams without the full overhead of active data transmission for all streams. The signaling channels consume minimal resources compared to full data channels, allowing the system to maintain adaptability for multiple streams while controlling energy consumption by only activating data channel decoding for the currently selected stream.
4Reliability
If data channel decoding is stopped and restarted during switching, then the correct stream is decoded, but decoding interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates signaling channel processing from data channel decoding. The signaling channel remains active and continuous, maintaining connection state and coordination between devices. The data channel decoding is stopped and restarted only for the selected stream, ensuring correct decoding while the signaling channel bridges the gap to maintain overall connection continuity. This segmentation allows decoding interruption without connection interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling channel provides continuous useful action by maintaining the connection framework and coordination throughout the stream switching process. Even when data channel decoding is interrupted during switching, the signaling channel continues to operate, ensuring that the connection remains valid and can quickly resume data transmission without full reconnection procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments for digital stream swapping between digital signal sources. A new event handler functionality enables swapping an existing digital stream to a next one if more than one digital stream is identified, enabling a user to easily and intuitively switch between the existing streams.