Wireless Audio Sink Device Intent-Based Source Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless audio output devices require cumbersome user input and multiple steps to switch between multiple audio source devices, and may inadvertently switch to other sources when a connected device becomes unavailable.

Innovation Solution

A wireless audio sink device with dedicated user interface controls that allow users to easily switch between multiple audio source devices using intent-based switching, where user input is mapped to specific source devices, and the device maintains a switching table to associate user interface controls with source device addresses, ensuring seamless transitions without additional user input or unintended source switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional Bluetooth switching is used, then multiple audio source devices can be connected, but the switching process requires cumbersome user input and multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input requirementVSAvoidswitching process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sink device automatically manages audio source switching by monitoring connection status and autonomously selecting alternative sources when the current source becomes unavailable, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual user input and complex switching procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes multiple audio source connections and prepares backup sources in advance, so when switching is needed, the transition can occur automatically without requiring users to go through multiple configuration steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If automatic source switching is implemented, then seamless transitions can occur, but the device may inadvertently switch to other sources when a connected device becomes unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidunintended switching

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sink device implements feedback mechanisms to monitor connection status and user intent, using this information to determine whether switching is appropriate - only switching when truly necessary while maintaining stability during normal operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary measures to prevent unintended switching by establishing clear connection protocols and confirmation mechanisms before initiating source changes, ensuring that switching only occurs when genuinely required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11350200B2Wireless audio source switching

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORP

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for wireless audio source switching. One of the methods includes receiving user input selecting a user interface control corresponding to one of a plurality of paired audio source devices with a wireless audio sink device that is a slave device of a first master/slave connection with a first paired audio source device of the plurality of paired audio source devices. The wireless audio sink device initiates a request to become a master device of a second master/slave connection with a second paired audio source device corresponding to the selected user interface control. The wireless audio sink device sends to the second paired audio source device a request to become a slave device of the second master/slave connection. The wireless audio sink device receives audio input from the second paired audio source device and outputs the received audio input.