Linked Smart Media Devices Sharing AI Across Low-Cost Hardware

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in lower-priced consumer electronics can be costly, making it economically unfeasible to integrate AI into every device, and existing centralized AI architectures may not optimally leverage device-specific intelligence.

Innovation Solution

A system that links smart devices, utilizing a primary AI module to share resources and intelligence across devices, enhancing user experience by pooling AI capabilities and device functionalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AI is implemented in every consumer device, then user experience is improved, but cost increases making it economically unfeasible for lower-priced devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges AI capabilities from multiple devices into a centralized cloud-based AI platform. Instead of each device having its own AI module, the system combines AI resources centrally and distributes them as needed, allowing lower-priced devices to access AI functionality without bearing the full cost of implementing AI hardware in each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized AI platform serves multiple devices simultaneously, providing universal AI functionality across different device types and price points. A single AI infrastructure supports diverse applications including voice assistants, image recognition, and predictive analytics across smartphones, tablets, wearables, and IoT devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a centralized AI architecture is used, then cost is reduced, but device-specific intelligence and optimization are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoiddevice-specific intelligence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments AI functionality into modular components that can be selectively deployed to different devices based on their specific needs. The centralized platform provides a library of AI capabilities that can be individually activated and customized for each device type, maintaining device-specific optimization while sharing underlying infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The AI architecture dynamically adapts to each device's specific requirements by selectively allocating and customizing AI capabilities in real-time. The system can adjust AI model deployment, resource allocation, and functionality activation based on device characteristics, user preferences, and operational context, ensuring optimal performance for each device despite shared infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260006287A1Linking devices to enhance user experience

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Implementations generally relate to the linking of smart devices to enhance user experience. In some implementations, a method includes detecting, by a first media device, a presence of a second media device, where the first media device includes a primary artificial intelligence (AI) module. The method further includes establishing communication between the first media device and the second media device. The method further includes determining configuration information associated with the second media device. The method further includes sharing functionality of the primary AI module with the second media device based on the configuration information.