Device Synchronization via Server-Mediated Audio Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing TV synchronization methods require accurate audio recognition at the portable terminal, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially when immediate execution and user convenience are compromised by the need for separate applications and polling processes.

Innovation Solution

A display device and method that detects the presence of another display device, acquires information about its function provision source, establishes a connection, and displays information corresponding to the content provision source, allowing for seamless synchronization without the need for audio recognition, using a detection section, function execution section, communication section, and display section, and enabling immediate and convenient content synchronization between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio recognition is performed at the portable terminal to achieve TV synchronization, then synchronization function is enabled, but operation complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTV synchronization capabilityVSAvoidUser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that receives audio data from the TV, performs recognition, and returns results to the portable terminal. This mediator approach transfers the complex audio recognition processing from the portable terminal to the server, maintaining synchronization functionality while reducing the operational burden on users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/audio-based synchronization method (where the portable terminal directly recognizes TV audio) with an electronic/network-based system. The synchronization is achieved through electronic communication with the server, which processes audio data and exchanges information digitally, eliminating the need for direct audio recognition at the terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If audio recognition is required for TV synchronization, then synchronization accuracy can be maintained, but processing time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSynchronization accuracyVSAvoidSystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary that centralizes the audio recognition processing. Instead of requiring the portable terminal to have complex audio recognition capabilities, the server handles all recognition tasks, returning simplified results to the terminal. This maintains synchronization accuracy while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the TV outputs audio, the server performs recognition and management, and the portable terminal displays results. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the server handling the complex recognition tasks while terminals focus on display and user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate applications and polling processes are used for synchronization, then information can be displayed on both devices, but immediacy and responsiveness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMulti-device information displayVSAvoidSynchronization immediacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The server maintains continuous connection with both the TV and portable terminal, enabling real-time or near-real-time synchronization. Instead of periodic polling, the system establishes continuous communication channels that allow immediate transmission of synchronization information as it becomes available, improving responsiveness while maintaining multi-device display capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9813769B2Display device, information acquisition method, and information providing method

Publication Date: 2017.11.07 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided a display device including a detection section which detects a presence of another display device, and acquires information of a provision source of a function provided by the another display device, a function execution section which executes the function provided by the another display device based on the information acquired from the another display device, a communication section which establishes a connection with the another display device by the execution of the function by the function execution section, and a display section which displays information corresponding to reception, by the communication section, of information of a content provision source specified from content displayed on the another display device with which a connection has been established by the communication section.