Portable Audio Channel Allocation for Synchronized Group Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sharing and playing audio content among portable devices lack optimization for group simultaneous playback, leading to inefficiencies in channel allocation and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for portable terminals that enable group simultaneous playback by automatically allocating audio channels based on device position and user selection, using a controller to manage channel allocation and ensure synchronized playback across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If basic group formation and audio content sharing is implemented using NFC, then device connectivity and content sharing capability are improved, but playback synchronization and channel allocation optimization for audio content are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the group into a master device and slave devices, with each having specific roles in the playback process. The master device handles content selection and initialization, while slave devices execute playback based on commands from the master, dividing the complex group playback function into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device acts as an intermediary between the audio content source and the slave devices. It receives and processes playback commands, manages the playback state, and coordinates the slave devices to ensure synchronized playback, serving as a mediator that simplifies the overall system coordination.
2Ease of operation
If multiple portable terminals share and play audio content simultaneously, then user experience and music sharing capability are improved, but channel allocation accuracy and playback synchronization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where slave devices report their playback state and channel reception status to the master device. The master device uses this feedback to adjust and optimize channel allocation, ensuring accurate distribution of audio channels to appropriate slave devices based on their capabilities and current state.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel allocation is made dynamic rather than static. The master device continuously monitors the playback state and adjusts channel allocation in real-time based on current conditions, such as which slave devices are actively playing and their audio output capabilities, ensuring optimal channel distribution throughout the playback session.
Data Source
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AI summary
An audio content playback method for a portable terminal. The audio content playback method includes checking a channel that is supportable by audio content that is currently engaged in group's simultaneous playback, in group's simultaneous playback of the audio content. The method includes allocating a channel to each of devices included in a group based on position information of each device included in the group or based on an input state in a user interface environment that is preset for channel allocation for each device included in the group, and transmitting the allocated channel information to each device included in the group to allow the device to select its allocated channel and play the audio content.