Audio Device Subsets for Multicast Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for providing synchronized audio output using networked devices are inefficient due to the constraints of network bandwidth, leading to limited scalability and resource utilization, as multiple devices often receive duplicate audio data, which can overwhelm network resources.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves configuring audio devices into subsets, where a master device distributes a single copy of audio data to slave devices via multicast transmission, optimizing network resource usage by determining suitable master and slave devices based on signal quality and communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple devices receive duplicate audio data via unicast transmission, then each device can independently process audio data, but network bandwidth is overwhelmed and resource utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple unicast transmissions into a single multicast transmission. Instead of sending separate audio data copies to each device individually, the system uses a single multicast packet that can be received by multiple devices simultaneously, thereby reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable audio data delivery to all participating devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a single copy of audio data in the network for distribution to multiple devices. Rather than each device receiving its own dedicated copy through unicast, one multicast copy is transmitted that can be cloned and processed by multiple receiving devices, optimizing network resource usage while ensuring each device has the necessary audio data.
2Ease of operation
If all audio devices receive audio data directly from the network, then network resource usage is high, but device autonomy is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces audio devices as intermediary nodes in the data distribution hierarchy. Selected audio devices receive audio data via multicast and then distribute it to other devices in their vicinity. This intermediary approach reduces overall network bandwidth consumption by localizing data distribution, while maintaining a degree of device autonomy through the peer-to-peer distribution model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the audio device population into different roles (receivers and distributors) and organizes them into groups. By dividing devices into subsets with designated distributors, the system reduces network bandwidth requirements as each distributor handles local distribution rather than all devices receiving from the central network source.
3Reliability
If duplicate audio data is transmitted to ensure reliable delivery, then data delivery reliability improves, but network capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple redundant data transmission paths into a single efficient multicast path. Instead of transmitting duplicate audio data through multiple unicast channels which consumes excessive network capacity, the system combines these into one multicast transmission that achieves the same reliability goal without exceeding network capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for configuring a group of devices to distribute and receive data in a manner that reduces consumption of network resources. A larger group of devices may be divided into subsets of devices, each subset including a master device that provides data to multiple slave devices via a multicast transmission. A master device may be determined based on the respective signal quality between the audio devices and an access point, and the number of other audio devices to which each respective audio device may provide data. Other devices having respective signal quality for communication with the master device that exceeds a threshold may be designated as slave devices. Once a first subset is formed, the remaining devices may be grouped into additional subsets. Remaining devices that are not a part of any subset may receive data via communication with an access point.