Audio Device Dynamic Name Transmission for Group Playback Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of audio systems with multiple devices connected over a network face difficulties in determining whether playback is occurring on a single device or across a group of devices, as current systems do not clearly differentiate between device names for group settings and individual device names.
Innovation Solution
The audio system includes a mechanism where devices can transmit distinct device names depending on their group settings, with a 'group name' being used when acting as a master device and a 'non-group name' when not, allowing clear identification of group membership and playback status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single device name is used for audio devices, then the device name structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to distinguish whether playback is occurring on a single device or across a group of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device name is segmented into two distinct parts: a base device name and a group name. When an audio device belongs to a group, both names are transmitted and displayed, allowing users to distinguish group playback from individual device playback. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple individual device identification while adding group context when relevant.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a new dimension to the device name by incorporating group name information. Instead of using only a single-dimensional device name, the system transmits and displays device names that include group affiliation information, enabling users to understand the playback context (individual vs. group) without complicating the underlying device identification structure.
2Loss of information
If group information is added to device names, then group membership can be identified, but the device name transmission and management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The audio device's name transmission function is made multi-functional. The same transmission mechanism handles both simple device name transmission (when not in a group) and compound device name transmission (when in a group). This universal approach manages complexity by using a single, flexible transmission protocol rather than separate mechanisms for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The device name transmission is dynamic rather than static. The audio device adapts its name transmission behavior based on its group membership status, transmitting only the base device name when independent and transmitting both base and group names when part of a group. This dynamic adaptation manages complexity by transmitting only the necessary information in each context.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio device includes: at least one processor, and at least one memory configured to store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the audio device to: transmit a first device name relating a group to which the audio device belongs to in a case where the audio device is set as a master device, wherein the master device serves as a content supply source for another device that belongs to the group, and transmit a second device name relating to the audio device in a case where the audio device is not set as the master device.