Smart Hub Content Source Management via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smart hub systems lack the ability to efficiently manage and switch between multiple content sources, provide universal remote control functionality, and offer personalized user experiences based on learned behavior and environmental context.

Innovation Solution

The smart hub system integrates advanced software and firmware architectures that enable seamless switching between content sources, universal remote control capabilities, and personalized user experiences through the use of Bluetooth beacons, acoustic processing, and machine learning algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple content sources are integrated into the smart hub system, then the system's adaptability and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent source management capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smart hub system is divided into distinct functional modules including content source interface modules, processing modules, and output modules. Each module handles specific tasks independently, allowing the system to manage multiple content sources without proportionally increasing overall complexity. The segmentation enables modular integration of new content sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The smart hub employs universal interface modules and standardized processing mechanisms that can handle various types of content sources (audio, video, data streams) through common protocols. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different content sources without requiring entirely separate processing paths for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If advanced software and firmware architectures are integrated for seamless switching and personalized experiences, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent switching smoothnessVSAvoidsoftware architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smart hub pre-loads and buffers content from multiple sources before switching is required, and pre-establishes processing pipelines for anticipated content types. This preliminary preparation enables seamless transitions without real-time processing delays, maintaining ease of operation despite complex switching logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor content source status, processing load, and output device state to dynamically adjust switching decisions and processing parameters. This closed-loop control automates complex decision-making, providing smooth user experience without requiring manual intervention in the complex underlying systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If machine learning algorithms and acoustic processing are added for personalized user experiences, then the adaptability is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser preference adaptationVSAvoidprocessing energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The machine learning algorithms and acoustic processing functions operate periodically rather than continuously, analyzing user behavior patterns and environmental acoustic characteristics at scheduled intervals. This periodic operation provides personalized adaptation capabilities while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies machine learning and acoustic processing selectively based on operational context - intensifying processing when user presence is detected or content switching is anticipated, and reducing or suspending processing during stable operating conditions. This partial application maintains adaptability benefits while minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250126422A1Smart hub
Publication Date: 2025.04.17 PROCTOR CONSULTING LLC
  • US20250126422A1 patent drawing
  • US20250126422A1 patent drawing
  • US20250126422A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An intelligent hub for interfacing with other devices and performing smart audio or video source selection.