Dynamic Master Audio Playback Device Role Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-room audio systems, users face challenges in dynamically changing the master audio playback device while maintaining synchronization among devices, as selecting a slave device to receive a new audio source often causes it to break away from the group, disrupting the synchronized playback.
Innovation Solution
A method where the selected slave device is designated as both the new set master and group master, allowing it to control audio distribution to all other devices, while the original master device becomes a slave, ensuring seamless switching of audio sources without reconfiguring the group or zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a slave device is selected to receive a new audio source, then the user can switch audio sources, but the slave device breaks away from the group, disrupting synchronized playback
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the master device role from a fixed position to a flexible role that can be assigned to any device in the set. When a slave device receives a new audio source, it transitions from slave to master role, while the original master becomes a slave, maintaining the master-slave relationship dynamics without breaking the group synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of devices by reassigning role identifiers (master/slave) based on audio source reception status. The slave device that receives a new audio source changes its role parameter to master, and the original master changes to slave, allowing continuous adaptation while preserving group integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the master device is changed while devices are playing audio, then the user can select different audio sources, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-reconfiguration when a slave device receives a new audio source. The device automatically transitions roles without requiring external reconfiguration commands, and the original master device automatically becomes a slave, reducing the complexity of manual master device changes while maintaining audio source flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A method for dynamically changing the master audio playback device of a set that includes at least two audio playback devices, wherein one audio playback device of the set is a set master audio playback device that controls the play of audio data by at least one other slave audio playback device of the set. A first slave audio playback device receives its selection as a new recipient of audio data and, in response, the first slave audio playback device is designated as a new set master audio playback device and the set master audio playback device is designated as a new slave audio playback device. The new set master audio playback device controls the play of audio by the new slave audio playback device.