Multicast Audio Distribution Master-Slave Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio distribution systems over networks are limited by bandwidth, leading to inefficient use of network resources and a restricted number of devices that can simultaneously receive audio data, particularly in home Wi-Fi networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a master-slave device architecture where a master device receives audio data from a remote source and distributes it to multiple slave devices using multicast transmissions, reducing duplicate data copies and optimizing network resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple copies of audio data are provided to each audio device using individual communication links, then each device can receive audio data independently, but network resources are inefficiently utilized and the number of supported devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual unicast transmissions into a single multicast transmission. The audio data is transmitted once to a group address that multiple slave devices can subscribe to, eliminating the need for separate transmission copies for each device. This merging approach maintains reliable delivery to all devices while dramatically improving network resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating multiple physical copies of audio data through separate transmission streams, the patent uses a single logical copy that is shared across multiple devices via multicast. The network infrastructure handles the distribution of this single copy to multiple subscribers, avoiding the exponential growth of data copies that would occur with individual unicast transmissions to each device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of audio devices are supported simultaneously, then the system provides comprehensive audio coverage, but network bandwidth is exceeded and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple device subscriptions into a single multicast stream, allowing unlimited devices to join the audio distribution group without proportionally increasing network bandwidth consumption. Each additional device simply subscribes to the existing multicast group rather than requiring a dedicated transmission stream, enabling the system to scale to large numbers of devices while maintaining efficient bandwidth utilization.
3Reliability
If individual unicast transmissions are used for each audio device, then transmission reliability is maintained, but network resource utilization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple unicast transmission operations into a single multicast transmission operation. The master device sends one audio data packet to a multicast group address, and the network infrastructure delivers this single transmission to all subscribed slave devices simultaneously. This approach maintains transmission reliability through standardized multicast protocols while achieving excellent network resource utilization by eliminating redundant data transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for distributing audio data to multiple audio devices for generation of a synchronized audio output. A master device may receive audio data from a content server or other remote data source and store the audio data in a local cache. The master device may provide the audio data to multiple slave devices using a single multicast transmission. In some cases, the master device may also provide the audio data to individual slave devices unable to receive the multicast transmission using a network connection. Each slave device may store the audio data in a local cache. To generate the audio output, each audio device may retrieve the audio data from the associated local cache, which may enable the audio data to be distributed without modifying the commands used by audio applications to generate the audio output.