Playback Auditioning for Multi-Zone Audio Queue Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio playback systems struggle to allow synchronized audio playback across multiple zones without audible echoes or glitches, while also enabling seamless previewing of new content without disrupting the existing playback queue.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for audio content auditioning that allows audio content to be played in multiple synchronized listening zones and includes an 'audition mode' where users can preview tracks or streams temporarily without altering the existing playback queue, using zone players and controllers to manage audio content distribution and suspension/resumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio content is played in multiple synchronized zones, then the audio experience is enhanced, but audible echoes or glitches may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the audio playback function into separate zone players, each capable of independent operation. When audition mode is activated in one zone, only that specific zone player suspends and resumes playback, while other zone players continue uninterrupted. This segmentation isolates the potential source of echoes and glitches to individual zones rather than affecting the entire multi-zone system.
2Ease of operation
If new audio content is previewed in audition mode, then users can evaluate content before adding to queue, but the existing playback queue may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary suspension of playback in the audition zone before playing the preview content. This preliminary action allows the system to restore the original playback state after the audition period expires, ensuring the playback queue's integrity is maintained. The queue composition remains stable because the suspension and resumption are designed to seamlessly reconnect with the original queue state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If audition mode suspends and resumes playback, then content preview is enabled, but playback continuity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts playback state based on the audition mode status. When audition mode is activated, playback is suspended; when it expires or is manually stopped, playback automatically resumes. This dynamic state management allows the system to flexibly switch between audition and normal playback modes while maintaining the ability to restore continuity, balancing versatility with playback duration.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for auditioning audio content by a playback device involve (1) receiving, via at least one communication interface of the playback device, first audio content to be played back by the playback device, (2) playing back the first audio content, (3) while playing back the first audio content, receiving, via at least one microphone of the playback device, second audio content to be played back by the playback device (4) after receiving the second audio content: (i) suspending playback of the first audio content; and (ii) playing back the second audio content, and (5) after playing back the second audio content, resuming playing back the first audio content.