Dynamic Audio Routing for Multi-Display Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-display setups involving personal computers and television receivers connected via HDMI, audio output is typically controlled to the primary device, not the secondary device where the user's attention is focused, limiting user flexibility in managing audio output during concurrent image display on both devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a multi-display module, audio driver, and audio-output controller that dynamically controls audio signal output to either the internal speaker or an external HDMI connector based on the current image display state, ensuring audio is directed to the device displaying the highest-priority window or area of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio output is controlled to the primary device in multi-display setup, then audio output is automatically managed, but audio cannot be directed to the secondary device where user attention is focused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic audio output control that automatically switches between primary and secondary devices based on real-time display state. The system monitors which device displays the active window and dynamically routes audio to that device, making the audio output adaptable to user attention without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the display state of both primary and secondary devices to determine where the active window is displayed. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust audio output destination based on current display configuration, resolving the contradiction between automatic management and user-centric control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-display method is used to display different parts of image on multiple apparatuses, then image display flexibility is improved, but audio output cannot be synchronized with user visual attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the active display device by monitoring which device shows the active window, and self-adjusts the audio output destination without requiring user intervention. This eliminates the need for manual audio-visual synchronization while maintaining alignment with user attention.
Solution Approach 2:
By continuously monitoring the display state and active window location across multiple devices, the system receives feedback about user visual attention and automatically synchronizes audio output to match the displayed content, resolving the audio-visual synchronization issue.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a display, a speaker, a connector, a multi-display module, an audio driver, and an audio-output controller. The connector is configured to output a video signal and an audio signal. The multi-display module is configured to control an outputting of the video signal in order to display a part of an image on the display and another part of the image at an external apparatus connected to the connector. The audio driver is configured to control an outputting of the audio signal at the speaker and the connector. The audio-output controller is configured to control the audio driver to output the audio signal to the speaker or the connector in accordance with the state of displaying the image at the display or the external apparatus, if the multi-display module displays the parts of the image on the display and the external apparatus.