Media Device Accessory Interaction Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current media devices lack efficient interaction with accessory devices, leading to suboptimal configuration and operation when connected, as they do not automatically adapt user interfaces or exchange status information effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects and configures the user interface of a media device based on the type or condition of an accessory device, exchanging status information to influence the operation of both devices, including automatic volume setting and user input processing between the media device and auxiliary speaker systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the media device uses a fixed user interface configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different accessory devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to accessory devicesVSAvoiduser interface configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface configuration is made dynamic by automatically detecting the connected accessory device type and adjusting the interface accordingly. The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic one that adapts in real-time based on the detected accessory, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The media device performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the accessory device and adjusting its user interface without requiring manual user input. This self-service approach enables adaptability to different accessories while maintaining simplicity for the user, as the system handles the configuration complexity autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the media device automatically exchanges status information with accessory devices, then the operational synergy is improved, but the loss of time for information exchange increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational synergyVSAvoidtime for status information exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The status information exchange is performed as a preliminary action during the initial connection phase between the media device and the accessory device. By completing this information exchange before actual media playback or operation begins, the system establishes operational synergy in advance while minimizing the time impact on subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the media device manually configures user interface settings, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of configuration control is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of interface configurationVSAvoidconfiguration control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The media device automatically detects the accessory device type and configures the user interface settings without requiring manual user input. This self-service mechanism dramatically improves ease of operation while maintaining precise configuration control through automated detection and configuration logic, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and configuration precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2205008B1Media delivery system with improved interaction
Publication Date: 2013.04.24 APPLE INC
  • EP2205008B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2205008B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2205008B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Methods and systems for improved interaction between media devices and accessory devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the improved interaction can operate to configure a user interface of a media device dependent on the type or condition of an accessory device. In the same or another embodiment, the improved interaction can exchange status information between a media device and an accessory device that can influence operation of either or both of the devices.