N-Screen Audio Control via Centralized Sound Signal Mediation
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional N-Screen systems lack the ability to efficiently control and diversify content distribution across multiple devices, primarily focusing on movie content and limited to simultaneous sharing between wired and wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a communication unit, sound output unit, and controller that synchronizes with external devices to manage sound signals, allowing for the sharing of content metadata and controlling sound output modes between devices, including converting voice signals to text and providing user interfaces for volume control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices output sound signals simultaneously in an N-Screen system, then content distribution is enhanced, but sound control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main device acts as an intermediary controller that receives user input and manages sound output across multiple devices. The controller generates control signals that route sound signals through the main device to auxiliary devices, centralizing control logic and simplifying the user interface while enabling coordinated multi-device sound output
Solution Approach 2:
The main device's controller is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving sound signals from external sources, processing user input through the user interface, generating control signals for auxiliary devices, and managing the overall sound distribution architecture. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each device
2Adaptability or versatility
If sound signals are distributed across multiple devices, then user experience is enhanced, but control efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The main device serves as a central mediator that consolidates control operations. The user interacts with a single user interface on the main device, which then manages sound distribution to multiple auxiliary devices. This intermediary approach maintains control efficiency by preventing the user from needing to directly control each device individually
Solution Approach 2:
The controller merges control functions for multiple devices into a single control unit. By combining the logic for managing sound signals across the main device and auxiliary devices into one controller, the system achieves efficient centralized management while supporting diverse sound distribution scenarios
3Adaptability or versatility
If diverse content types are supported, then system versatility improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface and controller are designed with universal functionality to handle diverse content types including video, audio, and data signals. The same user interface mechanisms and control signal generation processes work across different content types, managing versatility without proportionally increasing control complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method of controlling the electronic device are provided. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may recognize a first sound signal output from at least one external device connectable through a communication unit and to control a sound output of at least one of the at least one external device or the sound output unit when a second sound signal is output through the sound output unit.