Dynamic Forward Error Correction for Audio Playback Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing playback systems with large numbers of devices face challenges in efficiently managing network bandwidth and processing load due to the need for unicasting audio content and playback timing to each device, which can lead to network congestion and processing overload, especially in scenarios with hundreds of playback devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing combinations of multicasting, broadcasting, and Forward Error Correction (FEC) data to reduce network capacity and processing requirements, including multicasting audio content and playback timing, generating FEC data for error correction, and selectively streaming FEC data only to devices that need it, using multiple FEC algorithms based on error rates, and transmitting FEC data through different channels to minimize error impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If unicasting audio content and playback timing to each device is used, then reliable audio playback is ensured, but network bandwidth consumption and processing load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast streams into a single multicast stream for audio content and playback timing. Instead of sending separate data streams to each playback device, the system transmits one consolidated stream that all devices can receive, thereby reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining playback reliability through alternative error correction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Forward Error Correction (FEC) data as an intermediary mechanism to ensure reliable playback without requiring retransmissions. The FEC data acts as a mediator that allows playback devices to correct errors in the received audio content locally, eliminating the need for interactive error correction protocols that would increase network load.
2Reliability
If unicasting audio content and playback timing to each device is used, then reliable audio playback is ensured, but processing load on audio sourcing device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the error correction functionality into the initial multicast transmission through FEC data. Instead of managing individual error correction for each device through separate communication channels, the system processes error correction data once and embeds it in the multicast stream, significantly reducing the processing load on the audio sourcing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs error correction preparation in advance by generating and embedding FEC data in the original audio content stream before distribution. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time error correction processing for each device, as playback devices can independently correct errors using the pre-prepared FEC data already included in the stream.
3Reliability
If FEC data is transmitted to all devices, then error correction capability is maximized, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively transmitting FEC data only to playback devices that require it, rather than uniformly to all devices. The system assesses individual device needs and delivers error correction data only where necessary, optimizing network bandwidth usage while maintaining error correction capability for devices that operate in less optimal network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed examples include playback systems comprising several playback devices that are configured for selectively using Forward Error Correction (FEC) to distribute audio content to playback devices within the playback group. Some examples include a first playback transmitting FEC data based on data for use by at least a second playback device after determining that the second playback device has failed to successfully receive more than a threshold amount of the data previously transmitted by the first playback device.