Automatic input selection
View Patent ↗Disclosed are techniques for minimizing user effort when controlling complex media systems such as home theater systems. When multiple devices are connected within such systems, it is necessary to ensure that content from the intended device is presented. In accordance with the disclosed principles, source selection is automatically performed by analyzing command signals and cross-referencing these signals with those expected for devices known to be within the system.
1. An input selection device for connecting signal source devices to one or more output devices, the input selection device comprising:
a receiver configured to listen for and identify a first command signal for controlling a first source device;
in response to the first command signal, the receiver configured to generate a first control signal pertaining to a first identity of the first source device; and
a switch configured in response to the first control signal to provide a first signal connection path through the switch configured to couple a first data signal from the first source device to an output device configured to output content contained in the first data signal;
wherein the listening for and identifying the first command signal further comprises:
receiving the first command signal;
listening to the first data signal in search of a discontinuity; and
assigning the first source device to a command signal list if the discontinuity is detected.
2. The input selection device of claim 1 , further comprising a memory device configured to store a local table that associates the first source device with the first command signal.
3. The input selection device of claim 2 , wherein the local table stores the first source device using at least one of a device model identifier, a device manufacturer, and a device type.
4. The input selection device of claim 1 , further comprising:
wherein the receiver is further configured to listen for an identify a second command signal employed to control a second source device,
in response to the second command signals, the receiver configured to generate a second control signal pertaining to a second identity of the second source device; and
wherein the second control signal is configured to operate the switch to select a second connection path through the switch configured to connect the second source device to the output device.
5. The input selection device of claim 1 , further comprising a memory device configured to store a plurality of command signals for controlling the first source device, the plurality of command signals including the first command signal.
6. The input selection device of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of command signals is a subset of all signals for controlling the first source device.
7. The input selection device of claim 1 , wherein the receiver is further configured to detect a discontinuity pertaining to a change in the first data signal of the first source device after the receiver detects the first command signal.
8. The input selection device of claim 7 , wherein the receiver is configured to detect the first command signal on a communication medium that uses at least one of infrared transmission, radio transmission, internet protocol, optical cabling, electrical cabling, and an audio transmission line.
9. A connected media system for connecting signal source devices to output devices; the connected media system comprising:
a receiver configured to listen for and identify a first command signal for controlling a first source device;
in response to the first command signal, the receiver configured to generate a first control signal pertaining to a first identity of the first source device; and
a switch configured in response to the first control signal to provide a first signal connection path through the switch configured to couple a first data signal from the first source device to an output device configured to output content contained in the first data signal;
wherein the listening for and identifying the first command signal further comprises:
receiving the first command signal;
listening to the first data signal in search of a discontinuity; and
assigning the first source device to a command signal list if the discontinuity is detected.
10. The connected media system of claim 9 , wherein the first command signal comprises identification signals or action signals associated with source devices coupled to the receiver.
11. The connected media system of claim 9 , wherein a memory device is configured to store a plurality of command signals for controlling the first source device, the plurality of command signals including the first command signal.
12. The connected media system of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of command signals is a subset of all signals for controlling the first source device.
13. The connected media system of claim 9 , wherein the receiver associates the first command signal with the first source device by detecting a discontinuity in the first data signal of the first source device after detecting the first command signal.
14. The connected media system of claim 9 , wherein the receiver determines an operating state of the first source device and sends a wake up signal to the first source device if the first source device is determined to be powered off or in a sleep mode.
15. A method for selecting signal paths between source devices and output devices, the method comprising:
listening for and identifying a first command signal employed for controlling a first source device;
in response to the first command signal, generating a first control signal pertaining to a first identity of the first source device; and
in response to the first control signal, providing a first signal connection path through a switch configured to couple a first data signal from the first source device to an output device configured to output content contained in the first data signal;
wherein the listening for and identifying the first command signal further comprises:
receiving the first command signal;
listening to the first data signal in search of a discontinuity; and
assigning the first source device to a command signal list if the discontinuity is detected.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the listening for and identifying the first command signal further comprises:
receiving source identifying information for the first source device from the first data signal; and
associating the first source device with the first signal connection path in a command signal list.
17. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
querying an operating state of the first source device; and
sending a wake up signal to the first source device if the first source device is determined to be powered off or in a sleep mode.
18. The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
storing a plurality of command signals for controlling the first source device in a command signal list, the plurality of command signals including the first command signal.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the plurality of command signals is a subset of all signals for controlling the first source device.