Dynamic Control Allocation in Synchronized Playback Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronized playback systems are inflexible in adapting to changes in network configuration, as the control function is fixed to a specific device, making it difficult to manage changes in network setup, especially when devices are moved or new devices are added.
Innovation Solution
A synchronized playback system where any connected device can dynamically function as a control device, allowing for flexible allocation of control functions among playback devices, enabling seamless integration of new devices and reconfiguration of playback groups without requiring a dedicated control device on every apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a specific device is designated as the control device in a synchronized playback system, then the system can maintain stable control operations, but the system becomes inflexible when network configuration changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The control device role is made dynamic rather than static. Any playback device can become the control device by having its playback timing advance or lag relative to others. This dynamic role assignment allows the system to adapt to network changes while maintaining stable synchronized playback through the established timing relationship.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated control device is used to manage synchronized playback, then control functions can be centralized, but the system complexity increases when devices are moved or added to the network
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service reconfiguration. When a new device joins or an existing device moves, the playback timing automatically adjusts to establish new control relationships without manual intervention. The device whose timing naturally advances or lags becomes the new control device, eliminating the need for complex manual reconfiguration.
3Device complexity
If the control function is fixed to one device, then the system structure remains simple, but the system cannot accommodate new devices or reconfigurations seamlessly
Solution Approach 1:
Every playback device is designed with universal capability to function as a control device. By using playback timing relationships (advance or lag) that any device can exhibit, the system allows any device to take on control functions when needed, providing multi-functionality while maintaining simple synchronized playback operations.
Data Source
AI summary
In a synchronized playback system, a plurality of synchronized playback apparatuses are connected and perform synchronized playback. Each of the plurality of synchronized playback apparatuses includes a playback device that reproduces a content file which is delivered through a network from a delivery server, in which the content file is stored, and a control device that controls the synchronized playback. One of the plurality of synchronized playback apparatuses causes the control device to operate in a case in which the synchronized playback is performed and control the synchronized playback of a plurality of synchronized playback devices, which participate in a synchronized playback group, of the playback devices which are included in the plurality of respective synchronized playback apparatuses.