Set-Top Box Voice Audio Retrieval Without Video Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face distractions and inconvenience when trying to access various forms of audio content, such as music or TV programs, due to the need to operate multiple separate entertainment devices, which can divert attention from other activities and require significant setup and manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A set-top box device equipped with an audio input device for voice commands, media control logic module, and a display, which retrieves and outputs audio content while filtering out video content, allowing users to access and control audio content through voice commands without needing to operate multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users operate multiple separate entertainment devices to access audio content, then access to diverse audio content is enabled, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to diverse audio contentVSAvoidmultiple separate entertainment devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple entertainment device functions (TV, stereo receiver, set-top box, DVD player) into a single integrated device. The set-top box device includes an audio input device for voice commands, a media control logic module, and an audio output device, consolidating what previously required separate devices into one unified system that can access diverse audio content while simplifying operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The set-top box device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple tasks: receiving voice commands, retrieving audio content from various sources (TV programs, recorded music, radio broadcasts), controlling media playback, and outputting audio. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining access to diverse audio content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users operate multiple separate entertainment devices, then access to various audio content is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to proximity and manipulation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to various audio contentVSAvoidproximity and manipulation of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging control functions into a single set-top box device, the patent eliminates the need for users to physically move between or manipulate multiple devices. The unified device with integrated audio input, media control logic, and audio output allows users to access various audio content from one location, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation (physically moving between devices, pressing buttons on multiple remotes) with voice command recognition. The audio input device captures voice commands, which the media control logic module interprets to retrieve and play audio content, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If display brightness and on-demand content availability increase, then content accessibility is improved, but harmful factors increase due to user distraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent accessibilityVSAvoiduser distraction from other tasks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the video display function from the audio playback function. The set-top box device can output audio content independently without requiring the television or display to be active. Users can listen to audio content (music, radio, TV audio) while the display remains off or shows unrelated content, maintaining content accessibility while eliminating visual distraction from other tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the multimedia content into separate audio and video channels. The audio output device can deliver audio content independently of the video display system. This segmentation allows users to access audio content while minimizing the distracting effects of bright displays and on-demand visual content, as the audio can be enjoyed without requiring visual attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8798286B2System and method of providing audio content

Publication Date: 2014.08.05 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

A method includes receiving input from a remote control device at a set-top box device. The input identifies media content that includes audio content and video content. The input also indicates that the audio content is to be output via an audio output device coupled to the set-top box device without sending the video output from the set-top box device to an external display device coupled to the set-top box device. The method includes determining whether the media content is stored at a local memory device of the set-top box device. When the media content is stored at the local memory device, the method includes retrieving the media content from the local memory, sending a first audio signal corresponding to the audio content of the media content to the audio output device and blocking output of the video content to the external display device.