Remote Playback Queue for Synchronized Multi-Zone Audio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing music playback systems lack the ability to seamlessly add and synchronize audio content discovered remotely, leading to lost opportunities for users to enjoy new music across multiple zones without interruptions or echoes.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to remotely identify and add audio content to a playback queue using mobile devices, which can then be transferred to a local playback network for synchronized playback across multiple zones, using a combination of wireless communication interfaces and processors to facilitate content identification and relay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually add audio content to playback queues in person at the playback system, then content can be added reliably, but users cannot discover and add content from remote locations, leading to lost discoveries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) as an intermediary between the user and the playback system. This remote device runs a control application that communicates with the playback system over a network, enabling users to add content to playback queues from distant locations without being physically present at the playback system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interaction required for manual content addition (being present at the device, using physical buttons or interfaces) with electronic/digital communication methods. Users interact with a graphical user interface on a remote device, and commands are transmitted electronically over a network to the playback system, eliminating the need for physical presence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio content is added to playback queues remotely over networks, then users can access content from any location, but synchronization issues and audible glitches may occur across multiple zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control application communicates with the playback system to verify content addition status and playback state. The system provides status information back to the user interface, allowing users to confirm that content has been successfully added to the queue and is playing correctly across zones, thereby ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and validating audio content before adding it to the playback queue. The system checks content availability, verifies format compatibility, and prepares playback parameters in advance, ensuring that when content is added remotely, it will play correctly without synchronization issues or audible glitches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system stores and manages remote playback queues in the cloud, then users can access their queues from any device, but network dependency and access issues may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by downloading and caching playback queue data to the local device before network connectivity is lost or before access is needed. The control application stores local copies of queue information, content metadata, and playback settings, enabling users to access and manage their queues offline without relying on continuous network connectivity to cloud servers.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to facilitate discovery and remote configuration of content for playback via a multimedia playback network are disclosed. An example method includes facilitating identification of multimedia content being played, the identification including at least one of a content identifier associated with the content and the content itself. An example method includes relaying at least one of the content identifier and the content to a playback system located remotely from a location of the multimedia content playback, at least one of the content identifier and the content remotely added for playback at the playback system.