Stationary Device Centralizes Audio Control and Screen Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dense environments like classrooms or offices, networked systems face challenges in efficiently integrating and controlling multiple devices, leading to connectivity issues and interference, especially when legacy assistive listening systems are present.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a stationary device communicatively coupled with multimedia devices, an assistive listening system, and an audio output device, using different wireless communication technologies to manage audio content distribution and volume control, ensuring low-latency integration and centralized control of audio/visual endpoints, screens, and microphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple devices are integrated in dense environments to improve control and cooperation, then device integration and control are improved, but connectivity complexity and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary device serves as a central intermediary that coordinates communications between multiple audio/visual devices. It receives audio content from content sources and distributes it to both the assistive listening system and audio output devices, managing connectivity and reducing direct device-to-device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments audio content distribution into separate communication paths: one path for the assistive listening system (transmitter to receivers) and another path for audio output devices. This segmentation allows independent management of each device type, reducing overall connectivity complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If different wireless communication technologies are used for audio content distribution, then interference is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different wireless communication technologies are assigned to different functional components: the assistive listening system uses one radio access technology for hearing-impaired users, while audio output devices use another technology for general audio output. This local differentiation reduces interference between systems while maintaining manageable complexity through the stationary device's coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy assistive listening systems are integrated without replacement, then system compatibility is improved, but latency and integration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary device acts as a mediator that receives audio content and simultaneously distributes it to both legacy assistive listening receivers and modern audio output devices. This centralized mediation enables legacy systems to be integrated without replacement while the stationary device coordinates timing to minimize latency across different system components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods that utilize assistive listening systems, central control of endpoint devices, and a screen are described herein. Some environments, such as a classroom, may include legacy assistive listening systems. Systems may be configured to coordinate assistive listening functions between the legacy assistive listening system and other audio output devices. In such cases, the audio output devices and/or a stationary device may be used in conjunction with a legacy assistive listening system. The audio output devices and/or the stationary device may be configured to communicate one or more settings for one or more control parameters of the audio output devices. The stationary device may provide centralized control of at least some control parameters of the audio output devices. The stationary device may include a screen or display to output visual data in addition to audio data.