Voice-Controlled Multimedia Device for Seamless Multi-System Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voice-controlled multimedia devices struggle to reliably control multiple electronic devices, such as televisions and audio systems, in complex home environments without physical manipulation or pointing, especially when it comes to playing content on multiple systems in response to voice commands.
Innovation Solution
A voice-controlled multimedia device (VCMD) that uses infrared light sources and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) ports to wirelessly communicate and control external devices, detecting voice commands and determining the state of AV systems to route content to either internal or external speakers, including the ability to turn on/off devices and switch inputs, enabling dual-mode functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice-controlled devices are used to request content on audio-video systems, then user interaction is simplified, but reliability of playing content on multiple systems decreases due to topological complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the voice-controlled device receives status information from multiple audio-video systems, processes this information, and sends control commands back to the appropriate system. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable content playback by continuously monitoring system states and adjusting control actions accordingly, resolving the unreliability issue while maintaining voice control simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The voice-controlled device acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple audio-video systems. It receives voice commands, determines the appropriate target system based on current state information, and relays control commands to the selected system. This intermediary role simplifies user interaction while ensuring reliable playback by intelligently routing commands through the complex system topology.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device controls multiple electronic devices in complex environments, then versatility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface that can operate with multiple different audio-video systems using standard communication protocols. The device performs multiple functions including voice recognition, system state monitoring, command routing, and playback control within a single integrated platform, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity through standardized multi-functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts its operational parameters based on the detected system topology and current state. It changes communication protocols, control modes, and target selection criteria according to the specific configuration of electronic devices in the environment, enabling versatile adaptation to different scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through context-aware parameter adjustment.
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 seamless voice-controlled playback of audio and video content on multiple devices within an ambient environment, reducing user interaction and enhancing user experience by automatically determining the best output device based on device state and user intent.
Implementation Method 1
A voice-controlled multimedia device (VCMD) that uses infrared light sources and high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) ports to wirelessly communicate and control external devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a microphone of a voice-controlled device, a speech input from a user and determining, by the voice-controlled device, that a power state of an AV display device that is coupled to the voice-controlled device is an ON or OFF state. Based on the user intent determined from the speech input and the power state of the AV display, the voice-controlled device sends data to the AV display device to switch the AV display device ON or OFF. The method can further include receiving, by the voice-controlled device, content from a content source location and sending the content to the AV display device via an AV port.