Media Stick Wireless Audio Wired Video Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need to replace the audio/video receiver (AVR) in home entertainment systems arises due to advancements in technology, where many televisions have multiple inputs, eliminating the need for connection and switching functions, and wireless speakers often include their own amplifiers, rendering the amplification functions of the AVR obsolete, while audio decoding can be performed by other devices.
Innovation Solution
A media stick that provides a wired connection for video signals from a source device to a display device and a wireless connection for audio signals to wireless speakers, acting as an interface between these devices and incorporating an input interface, processor, output interface, and output audio transmitter to manage and transmit signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an audio/video receiver (AVR) is used to provide connection and switching functions, then multiple source devices can be connected and switched among inputs, but the device complexity increases and the need for multiple components arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection and switching functions previously provided by an AVR directly into the television set. The television now has multiple input interfaces (HDMI, USB, component inputs) and internal switching capability, eliminating the need for a separate AVR device for these functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The television is designed to perform multiple functions that were previously distributed across separate devices. It serves as both the display device and the connection/switching hub, accepting inputs from multiple sources through various interfaces and routing them to the appropriate processing and display pathways.
2Power
If an audio/video receiver (AVR) is used to provide amplification functions, then wired speakers can be amplified, but the device complexity increases and wireless speakers cannot utilize their own amplifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplification function from the traditional AVR and relocates it to the wireless speakers themselves. The television provides audio output without built-in amplification, and the wireless speakers receive the audio signal and amplify it locally, enabling them to function independently with their own power and amplification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The television acts as an intermediary that provides audio signals to wireless speakers without providing amplification itself. The wireless speakers serve as the intermediary devices that receive the signal and perform the amplification function, bridging the gap between the television's audio output and the need for powered speakers.
3Reliability
If an audio/video receiver (AVR) is used to provide audio decoding and processing, then audio can be decoded and processed (e.g., surround sound processing, Dolby processing), but the device complexity increases and other devices cannot perform these functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio decoding and processing functions from the AVR and relocates them to the television. The television includes built-in decoders for various audio formats (Dolby Digital, DTS, surround sound processing) and performs these functions internally, eliminating the need for an external AVR to handle audio decoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The television is designed to perform audio decoding and processing functions that were traditionally the domain of AVRs. It includes multiple audio codecs and processing capabilities, making it a universal device that can handle various audio formats and processing requirements without needing a separate dedicated AVR for these functions.
4Ease of operation
If wireless speakers are used instead of wired speakers, then flexible placement is enabled and setup is simplified, but the need for an AVR with amplification functions arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplification function from the AVR and places it in the wireless speakers. This allows wireless speakers to be self-sufficient with their own power and amplification, eliminating the need for an AVR to provide these functions and enabling truly flexible placement without being constrained by amplifier location or wired connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of interfacing between a source media device, a destination media device and wireless speakers. A media stick provides the output video signal to the destination media device via a wired signal path, and provides the output audio signal to the wireless speakers via a wireless signal path. In this manner, a user may use a single device—the media stick—as both a connector between the devices and to provide the audio signal to the wireless speakers.