Voice-Controlled Set-Top Box for Unified Audio Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in accessing and managing various forms of audio content, such as recorded music and live radio broadcasts, due to the need for multiple separate entertainment devices, which can be distracting and inconvenient, especially when trying to multitask or supervise children during multimedia entertainment.

Innovation Solution

A set-top box device equipped with an audio input device for voice commands, media control logic to retrieve and transmit audio content, and a display for data related to the content, integrated with an IPTV system that allows for seamless access and control of audio content using voice commands, enabling users to listen to audio without the need for multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate entertainment devices are used to access different forms of audio content, then the variety of audio content available is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of audio contentVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate entertainment devices (television, stereo receiver, set-top box, DVD player) into a single integrated set-top box device that can access and output various forms of audio content including recorded music, live radio broadcasts, and audio from television programs or movies through a unified system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The set-top box device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various audio content access and playback functions that previously required separate specialized devices, including receiving audio signals from multiple sources and outputting to different audio output devices

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate entertainment devices are used to access different forms of audio content, then the variety of audio content available is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of audio contentVSAvoidconvenience of access
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate entertainment devices (television, stereo receiver, set-top box, DVD player) into a single integrated set-top box device that can access and output various forms of audio content including recorded music, live radio broadcasts, and audio from television programs or movies through a unified system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The set-top box acts as an intermediary device that centralizes control over multiple audio content sources and output devices, allowing users to access and manage diverse audio content through a single interface rather than manipulating multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If displays are made bright and content is made available on demand, then the entertainment value is improved, but the harmful distraction effect worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent availabilityVSAvoiddistraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the visual display component from the audio content playback system, allowing users to enjoy audio content without the distracting visual elements of bright displays and on-demand content presentations that compete for attention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8014542B2System and method of providing audio content
Publication Date: 2011.09.06 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P
  • US8014542B2 patent drawing
  • US8014542B2 patent drawing
  • US8014542B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, set-top box, and method of providing audio content are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the set-top box device includes an audio input device that is configured to receive a voice command. The set-top box device also includes a display disposed on a visible side of a set-top box housing. Additionally, the set-top box device includes a media control logic module to retrieve audio content identified by the voice command and data related to the audio content. The media control logic module transmits an audio signal corresponding to the audio content to an audio output device. The data related to the audio content is displayable on the display.