Master-Slave Audio Synchronization via Timestamped Stream Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio distribution systems struggle to synchronize multiple audio playback devices connected to a network, as digital audio sources typically provide a single stream that cannot be simultaneously sent to multiple devices associated with a single user account, limiting seamless music playback across different rooms.
Innovation Solution
A method where one audio playback device is designated as a master to control the distribution of audio data to other slave devices, ensuring synchronized playback by determining when multiple devices are directed to play the same audio data, establishing data connections, and formatting audio streams with timestamps for synchronized rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single audio stream is provided by a digital audio source, then the source can deliver audio content efficiently, but the stream cannot be simultaneously sent to multiple audio playback devices associated with a single user account
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audio distribution function by designating one device as master and others as slaves. The master device receives the single audio stream from the source and segments it into separate streams for distribution to multiple slave devices, enabling multi-device playback while maintaining efficient single-source streaming.
Solution Approach 2:
The master audio playback device acts as an intermediary between the digital audio source and the slave devices. It receives the audio stream from the source, processes it by adding timestamps, and distributes it to slave devices, thereby enabling multi-device playback without requiring the source to provide multiple separate streams.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio playback devices are connected to a network for multi-room playback, then users can enjoy music in different rooms, but synchronizing playback across all devices becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the synchronization control function into a single master device that all slave devices reference. Instead of each device independently managing synchronization, the master device centralizes timestamp generation and distribution, simplifying the overall system complexity while enabling multi-room synchronized playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The master device performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and embedding timestamps into audio packets before distribution. Slave devices receive pre-synchronized audio data with embedded timing information, eliminating the need for complex real-time synchronization protocols and reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If a master device is designated to control audio distribution to slave devices, then synchronized playback can be achieved, but the system requires establishing and maintaining master-slave relationships and data connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system designates one device as master that performs multiple functions: receiving audio from the source, generating timestamps, distributing audio to slaves, and maintaining synchronization. This multi-functional approach consolidates connection management complexity into a single device while ensuring reliable synchronized playback across all devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and device for synchronously playing audio data over a number of audio playback devices that are connected to a network. The distribution of particular audio data to a plurality of audio playback devices that are adapted to play audio, where the audio playback devices are all connected to a network over which audio data is delivered from a digital audio source to the audio playback devices, can be accomplished by determining when more than one of the audio playback devices has been directed to play the particular audio data, and in response to the determination directing that two or more of the audio playback devices synchronously play the particular audio data.