Grouped Playback Volume Control for Synchronized Audio Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for digital audio playback in multiple zones lack the ability to synchronize volume changes across all devices in a bonded zone, leading to audible delays or hiccups when adjusting volume from a secondary playback device.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where volume change requests are propagated throughout a bonded zone, ensuring synchronized volume adjustments across all playback devices without delays, with a primary playback device controlling volume changes for all devices in the group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If volume changes are adjusted locally at each playback device in a bonded zone, then each device can independently control its own volume, but audible delays or hiccups occur when adjusting volume from a secondary playback device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a primary playback device as an intermediary that receives volume change requests from secondary devices and propagates them throughout the bonded zone. This mediator ensures all devices receive synchronized volume adjustment commands, eliminating the audible delays and hiccups that occur when devices adjust volume independently.
2Reliability
If a primary playback device is designated to control volume for all devices in the group, then synchronized volume adjustments are achieved across all playback devices, but the system complexity increases with role designation and message propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The primary playback device performs multiple functions: it acts as a volume control intermediary, propagates volume change requests to secondary devices, and maintains synchronization across the bonded zone. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic in a single device, achieving synchronization without requiring complex coordination between all devices.
3Reliability
If volume control is centralized through message propagation from a primary device, then synchronized playback is achieved, but network communication overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic volume adjustment commands propagated through the network rather than continuous communication. When volume changes are needed, the primary device sends discrete update messages to secondary devices, minimizing network overhead while maintaining synchronization. This periodic action approach is more efficient than continuous polling or real-time stream synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are provided for satellite volume control. An example method includes receiving an input at a playback device to adjust a volume for a plurality of playback devices that are grouped for synchronous playback of audio content, wherein the plurality of playback devices includes the playback device. The method also includes sending a first message over a network from the playback device to a device associated with the plurality of playback devices, the first message including information based on the input, wherein the information is used to adjust the volume of the plurality of playback devices. The method also includes receiving a second message at the playback device over the network, the second message including information for the volume of the playback device, wherein the volume is based on the adjusted volume of the plurality of playback devices.