Media Playback Interoperability Using Capability-Based Frame Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in expanding interoperability between SONOS products and Internet-Of-Things (IoT) devices, particularly due to limited computing resources on many IoT products, which restrict their ability to perform sophisticated operations without significant hardware redesign and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple communication and operating schemes for different classes of devices, where a group coordinator distributes media content and timing information differently to devices with varying computational resources, reducing the burden on less capable devices and enabling interoperability with a wider range of IoT devices without compromising functionality on more capable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unified communication scheme is used for all devices, then functionality on more capable devices is optimized, but interoperability with resource-constrained IoT devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments devices into different classes (first class with abundant resources, second class with limited resources) and applies different communication schemes to each class. The group coordinator identifies device class and selects appropriate communication modes, enabling tailored interaction that matches each device's capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication scheme is made dynamic by allowing the group coordinator to adapt the communication mode based on the capabilities of participating devices. The system can switch between different communication approaches (e.g., centralized vs. distributed, different data formats, different synchronization methods) depending on which devices are present in the media playback group.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated operations are implemented on IoT devices, then functionality is enhanced, but hardware redesign and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a group coordinator as an intermediary device that performs sophisticated operations centrally. Resource-constrained IoT devices can participate in complex media playback scenarios without needing local processing power, as the coordinator handles tasks like format conversion, synchronization, and coordination, thereby maintaining functionality while avoiding hardware upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual representations or proxies for resource-constrained devices in the communication protocol. The group coordinator manages the actual complex operations while presenting a simplified interface to legacy devices, allowing them to participate in sophisticated media playback scenarios without requiring actual hardware enhancements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resource-constrained IoT devices are supported, then device compatibility increases, but system performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality levels of communication to different devices based on their capabilities. First-class devices receive and process full-featured communication protocols with all functionalities, while second-class devices receive simplified protocols tailored to their capabilities. This local differentiation maintains overall system performance while maximizing compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication parameters (data formats, transmission rates, synchronization intervals, buffer sizes) are dynamically adjusted based on the capabilities of participating devices. The group coordinator modifies these parameters to match the least capable device in the group, ensuring reliable operation across all devices while maintaining optimal performance where possible.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is configured to (i) receive media content from a media source, (ii) generate a first series of frames including first portions of the media content and first playback timing information, (iii) generate a second series of frames including second portions of the media content and second playback timing information, (iv) transmit the first series of frames to a first playback device in a synchrony group for playback of the first portions of the media content in accordance with the first playback timing information, and (v) transmit the second series of frames to a second playback device in the synchrony group for playback of the second portions of the media content in accordance with the second playback timing information such that the media content is played back in synchrony by the synchrony group.