Eavesdropping Sink Audio Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scenarios where multiple sink devices are connected to a source device via short-range wireless communication, there is a risk that not all sink devices will receive audio data due to variations in received signal strength, antenna performance, and other factors, leading to poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a first sink device connected to a source device via a primary communication link and a second sink device via a secondary communication link, where the second sink device eavesdrops on communications between the first sink device and the source device. This allows for the determination of trigger events and modification of the first sink device's operation based on these events, ensuring that both sink devices receive the audio data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single communication link is used between source device and sink device, then the communication structure is simple, but the reliability of audio data transmission to multiple sink devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication role into primary sink device (directly connected to source) and secondary sink device (eavesdropping on the link). This segmentation allows the source device to transmit audio data through a single communication link while ensuring both sink devices receive the data, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable transmission.
2Device complexity
If the source device is unaware of the second sink device, then the communication management is simple, but the ability to ensure all sink devices receive audio data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The primary sink device acts as an intermediary between the source device and the secondary sink device. The primary sink device receives audio data directly from the source and also receives it via eavesdropping, then can relay or coordinate to ensure the secondary sink device receives the data, maintaining simple source device management while ensuring reliable delivery to all sinks.
3Device complexity
If only one sink device is capable of outputting audio, then the communication protocol is simple, but the user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allows either the primary or secondary sink device to output audio based on which device successfully receives the audio data through the eavesdropping mechanism. This dynamic adaptability ensures that at least one device outputs audio correctly, improving user experience while maintaining relatively simple communication protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods performed by a first sink device, a source device, or a second sink device. The first sink device is connected to a source device via a first communication link and a second sink device via a second communication link, wherein the second sink device is configured to eavesdrop on communications between the first sink device and the source device on the first communication link. The methods include determining an occurrence of a trigger event and modifying an operation of at least one of the first sink device, the second sink device or the source device based at least on the trigger event occurring.