Remote Controller Button Mapping for Dynamic Audio Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio processing systems in home theaters and soundbars face challenges in dynamically handling different audio formats and source devices, leading to potential data incompatibilities and artifacts, especially when limited by the number of input ports and static routing configurations.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate device is introduced between the source and destination devices, capable of dynamically processing audio and video streams based on user selections via a control profile, allowing for flexible data routing and format adaptation by mapping control elements to processing parameters, including selecting the appropriate input port and data path (forward or reverse) based on contextual information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static routing configurations are used in audio processing systems, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different audio formats and source devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic routing configurations that automatically adapt to different audio formats and source devices. The system transitions from static to dynamic routing by continuously monitoring audio format compatibility and source device capabilities, then adjusting data paths in real-time. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making while achieving high adaptability to various audio scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes routing parameters dynamically based on detected audio formats and device capabilities. When incompatibilities are detected, the system modifies data path parameters to route audio through appropriate processing stages or format converters. This parameter adaptation enables the system to handle diverse audio formats without requiring complex manual configuration.
2Device complexity
If limited input ports are used on the acoustic device, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility in connecting various source devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal input port functionality where each physical port can dynamically serve multiple source devices through software-based device association. The acoustic device maintains a mapping between control elements and source devices, allowing a single port to handle multiple devices sequentially. This approach preserves hardware simplicity while achieving multi-device versatility through flexible software configuration and dynamic routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic processing based on user selections is implemented, then adaptability to different source devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service dynamic processing by automatically detecting source device types and selecting appropriate processing modes without requiring complex manual configuration. The acoustic device monitors incoming audio streams, identifies format compatibility issues, and autonomously adjusts routing and processing parameters. This automation reduces the perceived complexity for users while maintaining high adaptability to different devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors audio stream characteristics and device capabilities, then uses this information to dynamically adjust processing parameters. The feedback loop enables the device to adapt to different source devices by learning from detected audio formats and performance requirements, reducing complexity through intelligent automation rather than hard-coded configurations.
4Ease of operation
If data incompatibilities and artifacts occur due to static configurations, then ease of operation is maintained, but audio quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of audio streams and device capabilities before processing, identifying potential incompatibilities in advance. By detecting audio formats and source device types upfront, the system can pre-configure appropriate processing paths and format converters, preventing artifacts before they occur. This preliminary action maintains ease of operation by automating the detection and resolution process without requiring user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The technology described in this document can be embodied in a method that includes receiving, at an intermediate device disposed between a source device and a destination device, information indicative of a user-selection. The user-selection identifies a particular control element from a plurality of control elements of a controller device. Each of the plurality of control elements is selectable as the particular control element to be associated with the source device. The method also includes mapping a control profile to the particular control element identified by the user-selection, and receiving, from the controller device, information indicative of a user-interaction with the particular control element. Responsive to receiving the information indicative of the user-interaction of the particular control element, the intermediate device processes at least a portion of an output of the source device in accordance with the control profile mapped to the particular control element.