Standalone Audio Output Device for Screen-Free Child Sound Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of systems that allow infants and young children to easily select various sounds without relying on parents' digital video devices, and existing audio output devices lack a convenient control environment that can change playback states even when offline.
Innovation Solution
An audio output system comprising an audio output device, user device, and server, which includes an event bus and shadow device to manage and control playback states, allowing users to select and change audio content through a communication network, even when the device is offline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If infants and young children use digital video devices for auditory stimulation, then parents can control the content, but visual exposure to digital devices increases which is harmful to children's development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio output function from the digital video device, creating a standalone audio output device that can be controlled by infants and young children without requiring visual interaction with screens. The device includes physical buttons and speakers that children can operate independently, eliminating the need for them to use digital video devices while still providing auditory stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the audio output device and the user. The server stores control information and manages the audio content, allowing the audio output device to function independently without requiring direct connection to digital video devices. This intermediary enables the device to operate autonomously while providing parentally-approved content.
2Ease of operation
If audio output device operates offline, then it provides convenient control, but it cannot access network resources for content updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing control information and audio content locally in the audio output device and its associated memory before network connection is needed. The device includes a storage unit that pre-loads necessary data, allowing it to operate independently offline while still providing updated content from previous network connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a local copy of the control information and audio content within the audio output device. The device includes a storage unit that stores copies of data that would otherwise need to be accessed through network connections, enabling offline operation while maintaining access to updated content that was previously downloaded.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audio output device is connected to network, then it can access content resources, but it requires complex communication setup and may not work offline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the audio output device to function in multiple modes: online mode for accessing network resources and offline mode for local operation. The device includes both network communication capabilities and local storage, allowing it to adapt to different usage scenarios without requiring complex setup. Users can switch between modes based on their needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio output system comprising: an audio output device configured to output different pieces of audio content in accordance with sound figures; a user device configured to control the audio output device through an application; and a shadow device connected to the user device and the audio output device through communication networks, respectively, and configured to store control information for the user device to control the audio output device, wherein the control information includes current state information that represents a current state related to an output of the audio content of the audio output device and specific state information for changing the state of the audio output device to a specific state desired by a user, and wherein the user device is configured to be provided with the current state information that represents the current state from the shadow device and to provide the specific state information for changing the state of the audio output device to the specific state to the shadow device.