Multichannel Media Synchronization Across Mixed Wireless Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless surround speaker systems and host device broadcasting technologies fail to synchronize and stream multichannel media across multiple devices of different types and manufacturers, typically working within a single protocol like Bluetooth or WiFi, and do not allow for seamless playback of different channels on various devices simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A wireless configuration interface system that uses Near Field Communication (NFC) or RSSI-based proximity configuration to establish connections between devices, enabling the transmission of different channels of multichannel media to multiple devices via various wireless protocols, allowing synchronized playback across a combination of devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If host device broadcasting streams the same audio channel for multiple capable devices, then multiple devices can play media simultaneously, but synchronization between host and client is not achieved and only single protocol works
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single host device to broadcast multichannel media to multiple client devices using different wireless protocols simultaneously. The host device functions as a universal broadcaster that can handle both Bluetooth and WiFi clients, assigning different audio channels to different clients based on their capabilities and connectivity, thereby achieving multi-protocol support without requiring separate systems for each protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel media stream is segmented into separate audio channels, with each channel being independently transmitted to different client devices. This segmentation allows the system to distribute different portions of the audio experience to different devices, enabling synchronized playback across multiple protocols while maintaining channel integrity and synchronization
2Ease of operation
If wireless surround speaker systems are used, then synchronized playback is achieved, but the system works only within a single protocol and lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The host device acts as an intermediary that receives the original media stream and redistributes segmented channels to multiple client devices through different wireless protocols. This intermediary function enables synchronized playback across Bluetooth and WiFi protocols simultaneously, as the host device coordinates the timing and distribution of each channel to maintain synchronization while adapting to different protocol requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multichannel media is streamed to multiple devices, then channel allocation flexibility is improved, but connection establishment between devices becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service connection establishment where client devices automatically discover and connect to the host device through their existing wireless capabilities. The host device automatically detects client devices, determines their protocol support and capabilities, and autonomously assigns appropriate audio channels without requiring manual configuration. This self-service approach simplifies connection establishment while maintaining flexible channel allocation based on automatic device detection and capability assessment
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a wireless configuration interface system configured to assist in establishing a wireless short range communication connection of the apparatus with at least one device; and a wireless short range communication system which, after the wireless communication connection has been established with the at least one device, is configured to separately transmit to each of the at least one device at least one channel of multichannel media for either at least two of the devices to each play a different one of the channels of the multichannel media, or at least two of the apparatus and the at least one device to each play a different one of the channels of the multichannel media.