Unified Volume Control for Coupled Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In interconnected electronic devices, such as TVs, amplifiers, and gaming consoles, independent volume control can lead to inconsistent overall volume levels and confusion with multiple remote controllers, necessitating a unified solution for efficient volume management.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system that allows a volume change command from one electronic device's remote controller to be broadcasted to all connected devices, enabling synchronized volume adjustments based on internal settings, using various interfaces like HDMI, wireless communication, and a central server for optimized volume control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent volume control is provided for each electronic device, then each device can be controlled individually, but the overall volume level becomes inconsistent and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the volume control functionality of multiple independent electronic devices into a unified control system. When a volume change command is received by any device in the system, this command is broadcast to all other devices, which then synchronize their internal volume settings accordingly. This combining approach maintains individual device controllability while ensuring consistent overall volume levels across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal volume control mechanism that functions across all electronic devices in the system regardless of their individual types or capabilities. The volume change command generated by any device serves as a universal control signal that all other devices can interpret and execute, making the control system multi-functional and device-agnostic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote controllers are provided for different devices, then each device can be controlled independently, but it becomes confusing and difficult to find the correct remote controller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functionality of multiple device-specific remote controllers into a single unified remote controller. This unified controller can issue volume change commands that are broadcast to all electronic devices in the system, eliminating the need for users to distinguish between multiple remote controllers while maintaining the ability to control different devices.
3Ease of operation
If volume settings are adjusted independently on each device, then fine control is possible, but the overall volume changes slowly or abruptly when switching between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-synchronizing volume settings across all devices before actual volume changes are needed. When any device receives a volume change command, it immediately broadcasts this command to all other devices, which proactively adjust their internal volume settings in advance. This ensures that when users switch between devices, the volume is already optimized, eliminating abrupt changes and improving response speed.
4Device complexity
If a unified remote controller is provided to control all devices, then the number of remote controllers is reduced, but the user must manually switch between different devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling electronic devices to automatically receive and process volume change commands from any device in the system without requiring manual device switching. When a volume change command is issued, all devices autonomously interpret and execute the command by adjusting their internal volume settings, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between devices while maintaining unified control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a control method for controlling an output volume of coupled electronic devices (101, 102, 201, 202, 212, 213), the method comprising receiving (S1) a volume change command (105, 205) for one of the electronic devices (101, 102, 201, 202, 212, 213) that is generated by a remote controller (106, 206) of the respective electronic device (101, 102, 201, 202, 212, 213), broadcasting (S2) the received volume change command (105, 205) to the other electronic devices (101, 102, 201, 202, 212, 213), and adapting (S3) the volume of all electronic devices (101, 102, 201, 202, 212, 213) according to the volume change command (105, 205). Further, the present invention provides a respective control system (100, 200).