Master Device Audio Routing for Distributed Sound Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio rendering systems in distributed networks require manual configuration for routing audio signals, which can be complex and costly, especially when dealing with multiple devices and changing network configurations.

Innovation Solution

A distributed sound system with a master device that detects audio signals, routes them across multiple wireless channels, and alerts connected audio rendering devices about signal duplication, allowing them to automatically select and consume a single channel, thereby simplifying the configuration process and reducing hardware costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration is used for routing audio signals in distributed sound systems, then routing control is precise, but device complexity and user operation burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidrouting configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master device automatically detects the number of audio signals and performs routing configuration without user intervention. The system self-adjusts the routing mode (duplicated or different signals) based on the detected signal count, eliminating manual configuration steps while maintaining precise routing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the routing parameter (duplicated vs. different signals) based on the detected number of audio signals. When one signal is detected, duplicated routing is used; when multiple signals are detected, different signal routing is applied. This dynamic parameter adjustment simplifies operation while maintaining routing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If audio signals are routed to multiple wireless channels, then audio distribution capability is improved, but signal duplication and interference may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio distribution capabilityVSAvoidsignal duplication interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The master device dynamically adjusts the routing strategy based on the detected number of audio signals. It switches between duplicated signal mode (for single input) and different signal mode (for multiple inputs), optimizing audio distribution while preventing interference by adapting to current system conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The master device detects the number of audio signals and uses this feedback information to determine the appropriate routing mode. This closed-loop control ensures that audio signals are distributed efficiently across wireless channels while avoiding duplication interference by selecting the correct routing strategy based on real-time signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If automatic routing detection is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but processing complexity in the master device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting automation levelVSAvoidmaster device processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The master device performs automatic detection of audio signal count and self-configures the routing mode without user intervention. This automation reduces user burden while the processing complexity is managed through straightforward detection and decision logic that switches between two routing modes based on signal count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10511922B2Method adapted to be implemented in a master device of a sound system, corresponding method adapted to be implemented in an audio rendering device of a sound system, corresponding master device, audio rendering device, system, computer readable program product and computer readable storage media
Publication Date: 2019.12.17 INTERDIGITAL MADISON PATENT HLDG
  • US10511922B2 patent drawing
  • US10511922B2 patent drawing
  • US10511922B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method adapted to be implemented in a master device of a distributed sound system is described. The master device includes a plurality of audio input interfaces and is adapted to output audio signals on a set of at least two audio channels. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes detecting at least one audio signal conveyed by at least one of the audio input interfaces; routing the conveyed signal to at least one of the audio channels, the routing taking into account a number of detected audio signals. A corresponding master device, system, computer readable program product, and computer readable storage medium are also described.