Side Channel Control for Wireless Audio-Video Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless computing devices lack an efficient method to seamlessly connect and control remote audio-video presentation devices for enhanced user experiences, such as streaming content and controlling presentation settings with minimal user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A wireless computing device forms two channels with a remote presentation device: an audio-video channel for streaming content and a side channel for control commands, using various transport methods like Wi-Fi Direct, BLUETOOTH, or infrared, allowing for low-power, low-interference communication to control aspects like volume and display settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wireless computing device forms two separate wireless connections (audio-video channel and side channel) with a remote presentation device, then the device can stream audio-video content and send control commands simultaneously, but the device complexity increases due to managing multiple connections and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into two separate channels: an audio-video channel for streaming media content and a side channel for transmitting control commands. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized independently for its specific function, resolving the contradiction by enabling versatile functionality while maintaining manageable complexity through clear separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single wireless computing device to simultaneously perform multiple functions: streaming audio-video content, sending control commands, and maintaining network connectivity. By designing the system to support multiple concurrent connections with different protocols (Wi-Fi Direct, BLUETOOTH, infrared), the device achieves multi-functionality that resolves the versatility-complexity contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the side channel uses low power transmission in licensed spectrum (e.g., digital TV spectrum), then interference with other receivers is reduced, but the transmission distance and signal strength are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission parameters of the side channel by using low power levels in licensed spectrum bands (such as digital TV spectrum). This parameter adjustment reduces harmful interference to other receivers while accepting the trade-off of limited transmission distance, which is acceptable for the control command function that does not require high data rates or long range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transport methods (Wi-Fi Direct, BLUETOOTH, infrared) are supported for forming connections, then device compatibility and adaptability are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the appropriate transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic transport selection mechanism where the system can adaptively choose among multiple transport methods (Wi-Fi Direct, BLUETOOTH, infrared) based on availability, device capabilities, and environmental conditions. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining high compatibility while managing selection complexity through runtime decision-making rather than static configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless computer that pairs with a remote audio-video presentation device, such as a television. As a result of the pairing, a communication channel is established for the computer to transmit audio-video content for presentation through that device. Additionally, as part of the pairing, the computer and remote device select a side channel for communication of user commands. The wireless computer may display a user interface through which a user may input commands that control the manner in which the remote audio-video device presents the content. As a result, a user may use the wireless computer as a remote control for the audio-video device, controlling both the content presented and the manner in which it is presented. The side channel may use different frequencies than the channel used to communicate audio-video content, and may use very low power at frequencies in the digital TV spectrum.