Virtual Line-In Playback Bridging for Cross-System Audio Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Different media playback systems are not compatible with each other, preventing interoperability and synchronized playback across devices from various manufacturers, due to differences in control and timing signal protocols and domains.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual line-in (VLI) interface that adapts to the timing and control domains of third-party systems, allowing playback devices to synchronize and communicate across different media playback systems by converting native domain signals to VLI domain signals and vice versa, enabling the creation of VLI groups for synchronized playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different media playback systems use their own proprietary control and timing signal protocols, then each system can be optimized for its own performance and reliability, but interoperability between systems from various manufacturers is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtual line-in (VLI) interface that acts as an intermediary between third-party media playback systems and the host system. The VLI receiver translates incoming timing and control signals from the third-party system into the host system's native domain signals, enabling interoperability without compromising either system's internal optimization. This mediator approach allows synchronized playback across different manufacturers while maintaining each system's proprietary protocol integrity.
2Ease of operation
If media playback systems implement synchronized playback across multiple zones, then the listening experience is enhanced, but complexity in managing control and timing signals across different domains increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VLI interface implements a copying mechanism where timing and control signals from the third-party system are received and translated into corresponding native domain signals. The host system creates a copy of the playback state and distributes it to all zones through its existing synchronized playback infrastructure. This copying approach enables multi-zone synchronization without requiring complex cross-domain signal management, as the host system leverages its proven synchronization mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual line-in interface translates between different timing and control domains, then interoperability is enabled, but potential loss or distortion of timing information may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The VLI receiver implements feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the translation process between third-party domain signals and native domain signals. By continuously comparing the translated signals against expected timing parameters and making real-time adjustments, the system minimizes timing information loss or distortion during domain translation. This feedback loop ensures that synchronized playback maintains accurate timing relationships across different systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and techniques disclosed herein facilitate interoperability between different media playback systems referred to herein as a virtual line-in (VLI) media playback system and a native playback system. When a VLI session is created by a VLI sender, a first native playback device can join a VLI group as a VLI receiver. As a VLI receiver, the first native playback device receives audio content and playback commands from the VLI sender to facilitate synchronous playback with other VLI receivers. At the same time, this native playback device can concurrently operate as a native domain group coordinator of a native domain synchrony group. As the native domain group coordinator, the native playback device translates VLI domain audio, control, and timing signals into the native domain and distributes such signals to native domain group members. In this way, the native domain group members can synchronize their playback with the VLI group.