Media End Device Coordination via Inter-Device Control Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in managing media connections among multiple devices, often resulting in media content being routed to the wrong device, leading to a need for improved user control and coordination between source and sink devices.
Innovation Solution
Establishing communications channels between media end devices, such as wearable audio devices and vehicle audio systems, to exchange control information and manage media playback and call audio routing based on proximity, signal strength, user identification, and on-head/off-head status, allowing for seamless switching and user preference-based routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple media end devices are connected to a source device, then the user has more flexibility in media playback options, but the user may lose control over which device receives the media content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where end devices transmit status information (such as on-head/off-head detection, proximity signals, and availability status) back to the system. This feedback enables automatic determination of which device should receive media content based on real-time conditions, resolving the contradiction by providing both multiple playback options and intelligent automatic control that simplifies user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables end devices to autonomously determine their own suitability for receiving media content based on detected conditions (such as whether headphones are on-head, proximity to the user, or current playback status). This self-service capability allows devices to automatically negotiate and select the appropriate media routing without requiring explicit user control, thereby maintaining versatility while simplifying operation.
2Ease of operation
If automatic device selection is implemented based on proximity and signal strength, then media routing becomes more convenient, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the media routing control function into independent modules: proximity detection, signal strength measurement, device status monitoring, and routing decision-making. Each end device independently performs these segmented functions and communicates only essential status information to others. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by distributing functionality while maintaining automatic routing convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal communication protocol that enables all end devices to perform multiple functions: they can act as both sources and sinks of media content, perform proximity detection, transmit status information, and receive control commands. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by using a single standardized interface for all devices rather than requiring device-specific control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If end devices exchange control information directly, then the source device does not need to be involved in device switching, but the coordination between devices becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized communication protocol as an intermediary layer between end devices. This protocol defines uniform message formats for status information exchange, device identification, and control commands. By using this standardized intermediary, devices can exchange control information efficiently without requiring complex custom coordination logic, thus improving switching speed while managing coordination complexity through standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented to allow coordination between media end devices such that a user interface on a first end device may be used to manage audio calls, media playback, navigation prompts, or the like, on a second end device. The first end device establishes a first communications channel to a source device and a second communications channel to a second end device. The second end device may also have a communications channel to the source device. The first end device communicates with the second end device on the second communications channel to exchange command-and-control information to influence operation between the second end device and the source device. The source device, however, may be unaware of the second communications channel between the first and second end devices.