Controlling the order of output of multiple devices
First Claim
1. An output method for a plurality of devices in which each device produces, in turn, a human-discernible output, the method involving the steps of:
- a) in response to an indication that the devices are to produce their respective outputs, determining an ordering in which these outputs are to be produced, this determination being effected taking account of the relative locations of the devices and an assumed or sensed user position, and such that the device output ordering progresses from device to device, between a first-to-output device and last-to-output device, in the same sense, clockwise or anticlockwise, with respect to said user position; and
b) causing the devices to produce their outputs in said ordering.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An announcement method and system is provided for a collection of devices located in proximity to each other. Upon a user generating an announcement prompt, such as a hand clap, the devices knowing their relative locations, and knowing or determining the position of the user, take respective turns to make sound announcements about themselves in an order that proceeds clockwise or anticlockwise with respect to the user. Preferably, the first-to-announce device is selected such that the angle subtended at the user between the first and last-to-announce devices is minimised. In this manner, the user can more easily locate each device as it announces. The output method can be applied to any form of human-discernible output.
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Citations
39 Claims
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1. An output method for a plurality of devices in which each device produces, in turn, a human-discernible output, the method involving the steps of:
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a) in response to an indication that the devices are to produce their respective outputs, determining an ordering in which these outputs are to be produced, this determination being effected taking account of the relative locations of the devices and an assumed or sensed user position, and such that the device output ordering progresses from device to device, between a first-to-output device and last-to-output device, in the same sense, clockwise or anticlockwise, with respect to said user position; and
b) causing the devices to produce their outputs in said ordering. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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17. An announcement method for a plurality of devices, wherein the devices knowing their relative locations, and knowing or determining the position of a user when the latter produces an announcement prompt, take respective turns to make sound announcements about themselves in an order that proceeds clockwise or anticlockwise with respect to the user.
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18. A system comprising a plurality of devices each provided with an output arrangement for producing a human-discernible output, the system having a control subsystem for causing the devices to produce their respective outputs in sequence, the control subsystem comprising:
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a detector for determining when a device output sequence is to be produced;
a determination arrangement for determining an ordering in which these outputs are to be produced, this determination being effected taking account of the relative locations of the devices and an assumed or sensed user position, and such that the device output ordering progresses from device to device, between a first-to-output device and last-to-output device, in the same sense, clockwise or anticlockwise, with respect to said user position; and
an output controller for causing the devices to produce their outputs in said ordering.
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32. A device for producing a human-discernible output in sequence with outputs produced by other devices, the device comprising
an output arrangement for producing a human-discernible output; -
a detector for determining when a sequence of device outputs is to be produced;
a determination arrangement for determining an ordering in which said devices are to produce their outputs, this determination being effected taking account of the relative locations of the devices and an assumed or sensed user position, and such that the device output ordering progresses from device to device, between a first-to-output device and last-to-output device, in the same sense, clockwise or anticlockwise, with respect to said user position; and
an output controller discerning outputs produced by other of said devices and for causing the device to produce its output in the appropriate position in said ordering. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification