Parameter Control Device for Synchronized Audio Volume Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio device networks, such as those using DLNA, lack efficient methods for simultaneously controlling volume values across multiple connected devices, particularly for synchronized and individual adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A parameter control device and method that includes individually operated and cooperative operated portions, a parameter updating unit, and an operational screen displaying unit, allowing for synchronized and individual control of volume values across multiple audio devices connected to a network, using a smartphone as a controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio devices are connected to a network for simultaneous reproduction, then audio coverage and versatility are improved, but parameter control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio coverageVSAvoidparameter control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is segmented into individually operated portions for each audio device and a cooperative operated portion for synchronized control. This allows users to control each device's parameters independently or collectively, reducing control complexity while maintaining versatility across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The parameter control device provides multiple operating modes (individual control and cooperative control) within a single system, enabling it to handle both device-specific parameter adjustments and synchronized parameter changes across all connected audio devices, thereby reducing overall control complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If individual parameter adjustment for each audio device is enabled, then control precision is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter control precisionVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operated portions are divided into individually operated portions associated with specific audio devices and a cooperative operated portion for synchronized control. This segmentation allows users to access precise individual control when needed while providing a simplified cooperative mode for routine adjustments, thus maintaining precision without permanently increasing operation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically switches between individual control mode and cooperative control mode based on user needs. The individually operated portions enable precise control of specific device parameters, while the cooperative operated portion provides simplified synchronized control, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level to the current operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If synchronized parameter control across multiple devices is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but control flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments operated portions into individually operated portions and a cooperative operated portion. The cooperative operated portion enables efficient synchronized parameter changes across all audio devices, while the individually operated portions maintain flexibility for device-specific adjustments, thus balancing operational efficiency with control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts between synchronized control and individual control based on user interaction. When cooperative control is activated, parameters are adjusted synchronously across all devices for efficient operation. When individual operated portions are used, the system provides flexible device-specific control, allowing the system to optimize between efficiency and flexibility as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10656815B2Parameter control device, non-transitory storage medium storing a parameter control program, and parameter control method, that update a parameter of a controlled device according to a parameter adjusted by both a cooperative operated portion and a specific operation portion each associated with the controlled device

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A parameter control device includes a parameter updating unit, and an operational screen displaying unit. In a case where any one of the individually operated portions is operated, the parameter updating unit changes the parameter of the controlled device, which is associated with the relevant individually operated portion, by following an operation amount of the individually operated portion. In a case where a cooperative operated portion is operated, the respective parameters of the plurality of controlled devices are changed by following an operation amount of the cooperative operated portion. The operational screen displaying unit displays the respective parameters of the plurality of controlled devices, displays the plurality of operated portions in positions corresponding to displays of the parameters of the respectively associated controlled devices, and displays the cooperative operated portion in a position corresponding to a display of a parameter of the master device.