Unified Controller for Multi-Room Media Streaming Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless media streaming systems are limited in transmitting multimedia data from multiple types of storage devices to diverse destination devices, as they often require all destination devices to support a specific hardware type or proprietary streaming protocol, making it inconvenient and costly for users to implement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a unified controller using an SDK that supports major streaming technologies, enabling multi-session and multi-room streaming by allowing a single device to stream different media files to various destination devices simultaneously, regardless of their streaming technology, without relying on additional hardware for synchronization, and providing cross-platform support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wireless media streaming systems use proprietary streaming protocols or require specific hardware types for destination devices, then transmission reliability is improved, but device compatibility and user accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller that can manage multiple types of destination devices (audio devices, video devices, display devices) through a single interface. The controller is designed to work with diverse device types without requiring proprietary protocols or specific hardware, enabling one device to control playback across multiple different device types simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the media source and various destination devices. It receives media data and distributes it to multiple destination devices, translating and managing the data flow between different device types. This intermediary role allows the system to bridge compatibility gaps between different devices without requiring each device to support all protocols.
2Ease of operation
If a system streams different media files to multiple destination devices simultaneously, then user convenience and functionality are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single controller device. The controller integrates the ability to manage different media files, coordinate multiple destination devices, and synchronize playback across devices. By merging these functions into one central controller, the system reduces the need for multiple separate control devices and simplifies the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the playback status of multiple destination devices simultaneously. This allows the controller to automatically adjust and coordinate playback across devices, managing complexity through automated feedback loops rather than requiring manual coordination of each device.
3Speed
If playback is started immediately at multiple destination devices, then response time is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller prepares playback by first establishing connections with all destination devices and pre-loading media data before initiating actual playback. This preliminary setup ensures that when playback starts, all devices are ready and synchronized, eliminating delays and coordination issues during the actual playback initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors playback status across all destination devices and uses feedback to maintain synchronization. By tracking the playback position and status of each device in real-time, the controller can make adjustments to ensure all devices remain synchronized, balancing immediate response with accurate timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured to enable multi-room streaming is described. The device may be configured to enable multi-room streaming at diverse destination devices. The device may be configured to receive a user selection of a media item for playback at a plurality of diverse destination devices using a unified graphical user interface. The device may be configured to transmit respective commands such that the media item is paused at a start position without audible playback occurring at each of the destination devices.