Playback Surface Contact Control for Multi-Device Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems require users to access a user interface or locate specific buttons on playback devices for control commands, which can be burdensome, especially when controlling multiple devices or groups of devices synchronously.
Innovation Solution
A playback device equipped with an array of proximity sensors on its external surface allows users to control media playback actions through physical contacts on specific regions, eliminating the need for interface access or button identification, with the processor determining actions based on contact location and type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users access a user interface or locate specific buttons on playback devices for control commands, then control functionality is provided, but user convenience deteriorates and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from the traditional user interface and button interface, implementing control through proximity sensors that detect user presence and gestures in the spatial environment around the playback device. This eliminates the need for users to access physical buttons or navigate software interfaces, directly resolving the contradiction by removing the complex interface while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces proximity sensors as an intermediary between the user and the playback device control system. These sensors detect user presence, gestures, and movements in the surrounding space, translating physical actions into control commands without requiring direct interaction with buttons or interface elements. This intermediary layer simplifies user interaction while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If traditional control interfaces are used, then control functionality is provided, but user burden increases when controlling multiple devices synchronously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple playback devices into a unified proximity-based control system. When multiple devices are present in the detected space, the system automatically coordinates control actions across all devices through the single proximity sensor interface, eliminating the need to separately control each device and significantly reducing the time and effort required for synchronous control.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor system serves multiple control functions simultaneously - detecting presence, interpreting gestures, determining device grouping, and coordinating synchronous playback across multiple devices. This universal control mechanism replaces multiple specialized controls, reducing user burden when managing complex multi-device scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and intuitive control of playback devices and groups without the need for interface access, enhancing user experience by simplifying commands and streamlining interactions with multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
A playback device is provided including an array of proximity sensors on an external surface of the playback device
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein involve a playback device performing one or more playback device actions based on locations of one or more physical contacts on an external surface of the playback device. A processor of the playback device may receive from an array of proximity sensors underlying an external surface of the playback device, location data indicating a physical contact at a location on the external surface. Based on at least the location, the processor may identify a playback device action from a plurality of playback device actions, and cause at least the playback device to perform the identified playback device action. The playback device may further include at least one orientation sensor from which the processor may also receive orientation data indicating an orientation of the playback device. The processor may identify the playback device action also based on the orientation of the playback device.