Multi-Room Audio Playback Synchronization Across PAN and WLAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional media playback systems face challenges in synchronizing audio playback across multiple devices due to range limitations of Bluetooth networks, especially in larger spaces, and unreliable wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth, leading to out-of-sync playback and lip sync delays.
Innovation Solution
A playback device acts as a group coordinator, bridging audio from a Personal Area Network (PAN) to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and re-packages metadata and audio content, using intelligent packet handling and resynchronization techniques to maintain synchronized playback across devices on different networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth network is used for audio transmission, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but range limitations and reliability issues cause out-of-sync playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a group coordinator device as an intermediary that receives audio data from the PAN network and redistributes it via WLAN to multiple playback devices. This mediator bridges the unreliable PAN connection and the reliable WLAN network, ensuring synchronized playback across all devices without direct dependence on the unstable Bluetooth connection for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-network architecture to a dual-network architecture by bridging PAN and WLAN networks. This dimensional change allows the system to leverage the strengths of both networks: PAN for initial audio source connectivity and WLAN for reliable multi-device distribution, thereby resolving the synchronization reliability issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio is streamed to multiple playback devices, then multi-room playback capability is achieved, but network range limitations prevent synchronization in larger spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The group coordinator acts as a central intermediary that receives audio data once from the PAN network and then distributes it via WLAN to multiple playback devices across different rooms. This approach eliminates the need for each device to maintain a direct connection to the audio source, thereby extending the effective range beyond PAN limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the audio distribution function: the group coordinator handles receiving and initial processing of audio data from PAN, while individual playback devices handle local reproduction and WLAN communication. This segmentation allows devices to operate effectively within WLAN range while the coordinator manages the broader multi-room coordination.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication protocols are used for audio transmission, then ease of operation is improved, but packet losses and delays cause lip sync issues
Solution Approach 1:
The group coordinator performs preliminary actions by receiving, buffering, and pre-processing audio data from the PAN network before distributing it to playback devices via WLAN. This advance preparation ensures that all devices receive audio data at the same time with consistent timing information, preventing lip sync issues without requiring complex real-time synchronization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where playback devices report their playback status and timing information back to the group coordinator, which adjusts distribution timing accordingly. This feedback loop compensates for network variations and maintains synchronization despite wireless communication uncertainties.
4Reliability
If direct connection to audio source is maintained by each device, then playback reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the audio reception function into a single group coordinator device, eliminating the need for each playback device to maintain its own connection to the audio source. This consolidation reduces individual device complexity while maintaining system-wide reliability through the coordinator's centralized management of audio distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are playback devices, groups of playback devices, and methods of operating playback devices and groupings thereof to cause the playback devices in a group of playback devices communicating over a first network to play audio content received via second network.