Wireless Audio Sharing via Motion Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Bluetooth technologies cannot stream audio simultaneously to multiple devices, and existing wireless audio sharing solutions are not user-friendly, often requiring complex initiation and termination processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing methods in media output devices to receive streaming media and initiate sharing via motion or voice commands, using technologies like NFC or IR to establish connections, allowing easy sharing and termination of audio streams between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth technology is used for wireless audio streaming, then audio can be streamed wirelessly, but it cannot stream audio to multiple devices simultaneously due to bandwidth limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio streaming path by introducing an intermediary device that receives the audio stream from the source device and then redistributes it to multiple target devices. This segmentation allows one device to stream to multiple devices simultaneously using the same Bluetooth connection, effectively multiplying the streaming capability without increasing the source device's bandwidth consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing wireless audio sharing technologies are implemented, then audio sharing between devices is enabled, but the initiation and termination processes are complex and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where devices automatically detect each other's presence and sharing state, and the system automatically manages connection establishment and termination. Users simply need to be in proximity for automatic connection, and sharing terminates automatically when devices move apart or the source device connection ends, eliminating complex manual initiation and termination processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through visual indicators (LED lights) that show the sharing state and device status. The beacon device displays visual feedback about its sharing state, and target devices provide feedback about their connection status, allowing users to understand the system state without complex interfaces or manual configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless audio sharing is enabled between devices, then audio can be shared, but bandwidth and power are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple audio streaming connections through an intermediary device. Instead of the source device maintaining separate Bluetooth connections to multiple target devices (which would consume excessive bandwidth and power), the source device maintains a single connection to the beacon device, which then handles distribution to multiple targets, significantly reducing overall bandwidth and power consumption.
4Ease of operation
If automatic connection mechanisms are implemented for easy sharing, then sharing initiation is simplified, but accidental sharing entries may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent requires preliminary user action through gesture recognition (such as bumping devices together or specific motion patterns) before automatic connection is activated. This preliminary gesture serves as intentional confirmation that the user wants to share, preventing accidental sharing while still maintaining ease of operation through automatic connection establishment after the gesture is recognized.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method comprising receiving, at a first media output device, streaming media from a media source device, receiving, at the first media output device, a command by motion or voice to share the streaming media with a second media output device, and initiating, by the first media output device, sharing of the streaming media between the first media output device and the second media output device.