Unified Media Controller Resolving Multi-User Gain Conflicts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-user-device environments, existing multimedia network systems face challenges in conveniently controlling media characteristics like volume and sound quality across multiple devices, leading to user inconvenience and conflicts when multiple users try to adjust settings simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processor and memory that receives user inputs to adjust media output levels by identifying and transmitting control signals to both source and sink devices, using a unified interface to manage source and sink gains, allowing simultaneous control of media properties such as volume and image quality across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single controller is used to control both source device and sink device, then control convenience is improved, but user conflicts occur in multi-user environments when multiple users try to adjust media characteristics simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system by introducing separate controllers for source devices and sink devices. Each controller is dedicated to controlling its associated device, allowing multiple users to operate different devices independently without conflicts. The source controller manages source device functions while the sink controller manages sink device functions, dividing the control authority to eliminate user conflicts in multi-user environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary device that mediates between users and the multimedia devices. The controller receives user inputs and transmits appropriate control signals to either the source device or sink device based on the operation type. This intermediary structure enables unified control interface while maintaining separate control paths that prevent user conflicts.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate controllers are used for source device and sink device, then user conflicts are reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the controllers to be universal devices that can control both source and sink devices. Each controller is equipped with the capability to transmit various types of control signals (power on/off, volume adjustment, channel changing, etc.) to different device types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized controllers, simplifying the overall control system while maintaining separate control paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control signal routing where the controller adapts its behavior based on the target device. The controller dynamically determines whether to send control signals to the source device or sink device based on the operation type and current system state. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain simplicity while handling complex multi-device control scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If one user has exclusive authority to control source device, then channel control is simplified, but media characteristic control becomes inconvenient for other users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different control authorities to different users based on their needs and the operation type. The source device controller handles channel control and source-related operations, while the sink device controller handles output-related operations like volume and display settings. This localized control authority allows each user to control the media characteristics relevant to their device without interfering with others' exclusive channel control rights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the control system by introducing a second control interface (sink device controller) that operates independently from the source device controller. This creates a two-dimensional control structure where users can control media characteristics through their respective device controllers. The control space is expanded from a single exclusive authority model to a multi-dimensional model where different users have control over different aspects of media playback.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive a request associated with adjusting the media output level of a sink device that is configured to output media content. The device may identify a source gain of a source device that is configured to provide the media content to the sink device, and a sink gain of the sink device. The device may identify a sink adjustment value for changing the sink gain based on the request for adjusting the media output level of the sink device, the source gain, and the sink gain. The device may transmit, to the sink device, a control signal to permit the sink gain to be changed based on the sink adjustment value. The media output level of the sink device is based on the source gain and the sink gain.