Synchronized Audio Master Selection With Ranked Throughput Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for selecting a master device for synchronized audio playback in multiple devices are inefficient, particularly in large groups, due to lengthy throughput testing of each device, and result in increased bandwidth consumption and latency.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting a master device involves ranking audio playback devices based on signal strength and conducting a throughput test on the highest-ranked devices first, with the first to meet a threshold being chosen, and dynamically switching between soft and traditional wireless access points to reduce bandwidth consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If throughput testing is conducted on each device in the group to select a master device, then the reliability of master device selection is improved, but the time required for selection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by ranking devices based on signal strength measurements before conducting throughput testing. This pre-ranking allows the system to test devices in order of likelihood to succeed, stopping as soon as a suitable master device is found, thereby reducing the average time required while maintaining reliable selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of conducting exhaustive throughput testing on all devices in the group, the system performs partial testing by evaluating devices in ranked order and stopping when the first suitable candidate is found. This partial action approach significantly reduces selection time while still ensuring reliable master device selection.
2Reliability
If throughput testing is conducted on each device in the group to select a master device, then the reliability of master device selection is improved, but the bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary signal strength measurements and ranking before conducting throughput testing. This pre-assessment allows the system to identify and test only the most promising candidates in order, reducing the total bandwidth consumption required for the selection process while maintaining reliable master device selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial throughput testing by evaluating devices in ranked order and stopping when a suitable master device is found. This approach consumes significantly less bandwidth compared to exhaustive testing of all devices, while still ensuring reliable selection through the ranking-based prioritization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional wireless access point is used for device communication, then the stability of connection is improved, but the bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between traditional wireless access point mode and soft access point mode based on operational requirements. When selecting a master device, it uses soft access point mode for efficient one-to-many communication. When stable connection is paramount, it uses traditional access point mode, optimizing the balance between bandwidth consumption and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The audio playback device is designed with multi-functionality to operate both as a traditional wireless access point and as a soft access point. This universality allows the system to select the most appropriate communication mode based on the specific task, reducing bandwidth consumption during master device selection while maintaining connection stability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Synchronized output of audio on a group of devices can comprise sending audio data from an audio distribution master device to one or more slave devices in the group. Scores can be assigned to respective audio playback devices, the scores being indicative of a performance level of the respective audio playback devices acting as a master device. The device with the highest score is designated as a candidate master device and one or more remaining devices are designated as a candidate slave(s). A throughput test is conducted with the highest scoring device acting as the candidate master device. The results of the throughput test are used to determine a master device for a group of devices. Latency of the throughput test can be reduced by using a prescribed time period for completion of the throughput test, and/or by selecting a first group configuration to pass the throughput test.