Dynamic Parameter Control for Heterogeneous Audio Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio device networks, such as those following DLNA guidelines, often face challenges in uniformly or individually adjusting volume values across multiple connected audio devices, particularly when some devices lack volume adjustment capabilities, requiring remote controllers like smartphones to handle such scenarios effectively.

Innovation Solution

A parameter control device and method that includes a display, processor, and memory to determine if a controllable device's parameter can be changed, displaying appropriate screens for manipulation or locking the parameter if it cannot be updated, and using a parameter updating unit to transmit commands for subordinate device control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a remote controller is used to control volume of multiple audio devices, then uniform volume adjustment is possible, but the system cannot handle devices that lack volume adjustment capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different audio devicesVSAvoidvolume control operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface dynamically changes based on device capabilities. The system detects whether each audio device supports volume adjustment and automatically adapts the UI - showing editable volume controls for compatible devices and locked/readonly controls for incompatible devices, enabling seamless operation across heterogeneous device types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the control interface have different properties based on device capabilities. Volume controls for devices that support adjustment are made editable, while controls for devices that don't support adjustment are made locked or readonly, allowing each control element to have the appropriate interaction mode for its underlying device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the system locks parameters for devices that cannot be adjusted, then operational errors are prevented, but user flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter update reliabilityVSAvoidparameter adjustment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of device capabilities before presenting controls to the user. By checking whether each audio device supports volume adjustment in advance, the system pre-configures the appropriate control mode (editable or locked), preventing operational errors while maintaining user flexibility for compatible devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10237392B2Parameter control device, parameter control program, and parameter control method

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A control device includes: a display, at least one processor, and a memory configured to store a parameter and instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the control device to: determine whether a parameter of a controllable device can be changed, when the parameter of the controllable device is possible to change, display a first screen for manipulating the parameter of the controllable device on the display and update the parameter of the controllable device by user's manipulation, and when the parameter of the controllable device is not possible to change, display the second screen on the display and lock the parameter of the controllable device.