Display Device Audio Routing for External Input Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices cannot optimize audio output for external inputs, as they typically use only the built-in speaker, failing to provide preferred sound quality for users.

Innovation Solution

A display device and method that allow users to set and output audio from an external input device to a specific audio output device, automatically selecting based on the type of external device or media content, enabling better sound quality and user preference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If audio from external inputs is output through only the built-in speaker, then the device structure remains simple, but the sound quality cannot be optimized for user preference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output flexibilityVSAvoidaudio output configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the type of external input device and autonomously selects the most appropriate audio output device without requiring manual user configuration. For example, when a game console is detected, the system automatically routes audio to the sound bar, eliminating the need for users to manually configure audio settings while achieving optimized sound quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures audio output mappings for different external device types during system initialization or device pairing. Audio routing rules are established in advance based on device categories (e.g., game consoles → sound bar, media players → TV speaker), so that when an external device is connected, the appropriate audio output is already prepared and immediately activated

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual audio output device selection is implemented for each external input, then audio quality can be optimized, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output optimizationVSAvoidaudio setting process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically identifies the external input device type through device detection protocols and autonomously configures the corresponding audio output device. The system performs self-configuration by matching detected device types with pre-defined audio routing rules, eliminating manual user intervention while ensuring optimized audio output for each device category

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the connection status and type of external devices, and automatically adjusts audio routing based on real-time device detection feedback. When a device is connected or disconnected, the system receives feedback about the current state and automatically reconfigures audio output paths to maintain optimal sound quality without requiring user input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If automatic audio output device selection is implemented, then user preference can be matched, but the control logic becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides external devices into distinct categories (e.g., game consoles, media players, audio devices, general computers) and assigns specific audio output routing rules to each category. This segmentation allows the control logic to handle different device types through standardized, pre-defined rules rather than requiring complex individual configuration for each device, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3417630B1Display device and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3417630B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3417630B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3417630B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes: a display unit configured to display a list including a plurality of external input items; an external device interface unit configured to receive at least one of an image signal and an audio signal output from an external input device; and a control unit configured to control the display unit and the external device interface, wherein the control unit receives a command for selecting one from the plurality of external input items, and transmits, to an audio output device corresponding to the selected external input item, an audio signal input from an external input device corresponding to the selected external input item according to the received command.