Multi-Device Audio Channel Allocation for Group Simultaneous Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not provide a specialized or optimized method for group simultaneous playback of audio content among portable terminals, limiting the audio listening experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for portable terminals that allow group simultaneous playback by checking supportable channels and allocating them based on device position or user input, enabling selective channel allocation and synchronized audio content playback across devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If basic content sharing function is implemented using short-range communication, then device connectivity is achieved, but specialized group simultaneous playback optimization is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio content transmission by allocating different channels (e.g., left/right stereo channels, or different audio streams) to different devices in the group. Each device receives and plays back a specific channel independently, enabling simultaneous playback across multiple devices with specialized audio distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary channel allocation before actual audio playback begins. The system checks which channels are supportable by the audio content and pre-allocates them to devices based on position information or user input, so that when playback starts, each device is already configured to receive and play its designated channel without delay or complexity during the playback process.
2Ease of operation
If channel allocation is performed automatically based on position information, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically determine their own position information and self-allocate channels without manual intervention. Each device in the group can report its position (e.g., spatial coordinates or relative position to the audio source), and the system automatically maps this position to appropriate audio channels (e.g., left/right/rear speakers), making the operation seamless and user-friendly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices share audio content simultaneously, then audio listening experience is enhanced, but synchronization control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization control function into the existing short-range communication infrastructure. By using the same communication channel that establishes device connectivity and transmits audio content, the system simultaneously transmits synchronization signals and audio data, eliminating the need for separate synchronization control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio content playback method for a portable terminal. The audio content playback method includes checking a channel that is supportable by audio content that is currently engaged in group's simultaneous playback, in group's simultaneous playback of the audio content. The method includes allocating a channel to each of devices included in a group based on position information of each device included in the group or based on an input state in a user interface environment that is preset for channel allocation for each device included in the group, and transmitting the allocated channel information to each device included in the group to allow the device to select its allocated channel and play the audio content.