Relay Device Transferring Control Authority for Multi-User Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio switching devices in conference rooms only support one-to-one calling functions and cannot facilitate three-party listening and calling, limiting their functionality in multi-user scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with a wired connection circuit and a wireless communication circuit, coupled with a processor, that transfers control authority of external peripheral devices from a control-side electronic device to a user-side electronic device when both are connected, enabling multi-user control of external devices without physical relocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an audio switching device is used to connect multiple external devices, then the device can switch between several audio channels, but it cannot achieve three-party listening and calling functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay device as an intermediary component between the control-side electronic device and user-side electronic devices. The relay device receives control signals from the control-side device and distributes them to external peripheral devices, enabling multiple user-side devices to control peripherals without directly connecting to the control-side device. This mediator approach allows three-party listening and calling functions while maintaining relatively simple individual device architectures.
2Ease of operation
If a control-side electronic device directly controls external peripheral devices, then control authority is maintained, but user-side electronic devices cannot control peripherals from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device serves as an intermediary that forwards control signals from user-side electronic devices to external peripheral devices. The control-side electronic device maintains authority by establishing the initial control connection, while the relay device enables user-side devices to remotely control peripherals by relaying commands through the established control channel, preventing loss of control authority.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional components: the control-side electronic device that establishes control authority, the relay device that distributes control signals, and user-side electronic devices that send control commands. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific role, enabling remote control while maintaining clear control authority hierarchy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an audio switching device provides one-to-one calling functions, then the connection is simple, but it cannot facilitate three-party listening and calling
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device provides multi-functional capability by supporting both one-to-one calling and three-party listening/calling functions. It can operate in different modes: directly connecting control signals for simple one-to-one communication, or distributing control signals to multiple user-side devices for multi-party communication. This universality allows the system to adapt to different communication scenarios without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device is disclosed. The relay device includes a wired connection circuit, a wireless communication circuit, and a processor. The wired connection circuit is suitable for wired connecting to a user-side electronic device. The wireless communication circuit is suitable for wirelessly connecting to a control-side electronic device. The processor is coupled to the wired connection circuit and the wireless communication circuit. When the wireless communication circuit and the control-side electronic device are wirelessly connected, and the wired connection circuit and the user-side electronic device are wired connected, the processor is configured to transfer a control authority of a first external peripheral device from the control-side electronic device to the user-side electronic device.