Playback device

• US 10,747,496 B2
• Filed: 08/20/2019
• Issued: 08/18/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
• Inventors: Millington, Nicholas A. J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Survillo, Oleg
• Application Number:
  US16/544,900
• Publication Number:
  US 20200004497A1
• Time in Patent Office: 364 Days
• Field of Search: 709219, 709220, 709231
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/00 Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00 architectures of general purpose stored program computers G06F15/76
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/12 Synchronisation of different clock signals provided by a plurality of clock generators
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2322 using timestamps
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/60 of audio data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/63 Querying
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/635 Filtering based on additional data, e.g. user or group profiles
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/638 Presentation of query results
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/639 using playlists
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/68 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 17/00 Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions information retrieval, database structures or file system structures therefor G06F16/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/048 Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0484 for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04847 Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/16 Sound input; Sound output speech processing G10L
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/162 Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/10527 : Audio or video recording; Data buffering arrangements G11B20/12 - G11B20/18 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2020/10592 : specifically adapted for recording or reproducing multichannel signals
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 3/00 : Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 3/20 : Automatic control H03G3/005 takes precedence; combined with volume compression or expansion H03G7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/103 : Transmitter-side switching
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/26 : Arrangements for switching distribution systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 2201/20 : digital audio broadcasting [DAB]
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/0644 : External master-clock
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 3/0664 : unidirectional timestamps
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2854 : Wide area networks, e.g. public data networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 : Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1094 : Inter-user-equipment sessions transfer or sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/60 : Network streaming of media packets
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/61 : for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 : for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/612 : for unicast
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/613 : for the control of the source by the destination control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components specially adapted for selective content distribution H04N21/637
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/75 : Media network packet handling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1095 : Replication or mirroring of data, e.g. scheduling or transport for data synchronisation between network nodes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 : specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/55 : Push-based network services
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/28 : Timers or timing mechanisms used in protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4307 : Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43076 : of the same content streams on multiple devices, e.g. when family members are watching the same movie on different devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 : Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/04 : Synchronising for television systems using pulse code modulation H04N7/56
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/7904 : using intermediate digital signal processing
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2227/003 : Digital PA systems using, e.g. LAN or internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2227/005 : Audio distribution systems for home, i.e. multi-room use
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 27/00 : Public address systems circuits for preventing acoustic reaction H04R3/02; circuits for distributing signals to loudspeakers H04R3/12; monitoring or testing arrangements for public address systems H04R29/007; amplifiers H03F
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 3/12 : for distributing signals to two or more loudspeakers specially adapted for hearing aids H04R25/407
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 56/0015 : one node acting as a reference for the others
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/20 : Master-slave selection or change arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 999/99 : dummy group

Abstract

A system is described for maintaining synchrony of operations among a plurality of devices that have independent clocking arrangements. The system includes a task distribution device that distributes tasks to a synchrony group comprising a plurality of devices that are to perform the tasks distributed by the task distribution device in synchrony. The task distribution device distributes each task to the members of the synchrony group over a network. Each task is associated with a time stamp that indicates a time, relative to a clock maintained by the task distribution device, at which the members of the synchrony group are to execute the task. Each member of the synchrony group periodically obtains from the task distribution device an indication of the current time indicated by its clock, determines a time differential between the task distribution device'"'"'s clock and its respective clock and determines therefrom a time at which, according to its respective clock, the time stamp indicates that it is to execute the task.

Claims

1. A method performed by a first zone player, the method comprising:

receiving, via a network interface, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via at least one data network;

after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of the audio content as part of the synchrony group;

exchanging, via the network interface with a third zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group, and wherein as part of the time synchronization, the first zone player maintains an adjusted clock time that (i) is different from its local clock time and (ii) tracks a clock time of the third zone player;

receiving, via the network interface from the second zone player, (i) audio information that is representative of the audio content and (ii) playback timing information associated with the audio information that comprises an indicator of at least a first future time at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information; and

engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time and the adjusted clock time.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusted clock time is based on exchanging timing information with the third zone player.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time comprises:

engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player when the adjusted clock time maintained by the first zone player reaches at least the first future time.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the third zone player is configured to exchange, via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between the second zone player and the third zone player.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least the first future time is relative to a clock time of the third zone player.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the playback timing information associated with the audio information comprises a plurality of indicators of a plurality of future times at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information, and wherein at least one future time of the plurality of future times is relative to a clock time of the second zone player.

7. Tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause a first zone player to perform functions comprising:

receiving, via a network interface, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via at least one data network;

after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of the audio content as part of the synchrony group;

exchanging, via the network interface with a third zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group, and wherein as part of the time synchronization, the first zone player maintains an adjusted clock time that (i) is different from its local clock time and (ii) tracks a clock time of the third zone player;

receiving, via the network interface from the second zone player, (i) audio information that is representative of the audio content and (ii) playback timing information associated with the audio information that comprises an indicator of at least a first future time at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information; and

engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time and the adjusted clock time.

8. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7, wherein the adjusted clock time is based on the exchange of timing information with the third zone player.

9. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 8, wherein engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time comprises:

engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player when the adjusted clock time maintained by the first zone player reaches at least the first future time.

10. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7, wherein the third zone player is configured to exchange, via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between the second zone player and the third zone player.

11. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7, wherein at least the first future time is relative to a clock time of the third zone player.

12. The tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 7, wherein the playback timing information associated with the audio information comprises a plurality of indicators of a plurality of future times at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information, and wherein at least one future time of the plurality of future times is relative to a clock time of the second zone player.

13. A first zone player comprising:

a network interface that is configured to communicatively couple the first zone player to at least one data network;

a local clock that is configured to provide a clock time of the first zone player;

at least one processor;

a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium; and

program instructions stored on the tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium that are executable by the at least one processor such that the first zone player is configured to;

receive, via the network interface, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least a second zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network;

after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of the audio content as part of the synchrony group;

exchange, via the network interface with a third zone player that is communicatively coupled to the first zone player via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group, and wherein as part of the time synchronization, the first zone player maintains an adjusted clock time that (i) is different from its local clock time and (ii) tracks a clock time of the third zone player;

receive, via the network interface from the second zone player, (i) audio information that is representative of the audio content and (ii) playback timing information associated with the audio information that comprises an indicator of at least a first future time at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information; and

engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time and the adjusted clock time.

14. The first zone player of claim 13, wherein the adjusted clock time is based on the exchange of timing information with the third zone player.

15. The first zone player of claim 14, wherein the program instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the first zone player is configured to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player comprise program instructions that are executable by the at least one processor such that the first zone player is configured to:

after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of given audio content as part of the synchrony group, engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player when the adjusted clock time maintained by the first zone player reaches at least the first future time.

16. The first zone player of claim 13, wherein the third zone player is configured to exchange, via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between the second zone player and the third zone player.

17. The first zone player of claim 13, wherein at least the first future time is relative to a clock time of the third zone player.

18. The first zone player of claim 13, wherein the playback timing information associated with the audio information comprises a plurality of indicators of a plurality of future times at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information, and wherein at least one future time of the plurality of future times is relative to a clock time of the second zone player.

19. A system comprising a first zone player, a second zone player, and a third zone player, wherein the first, second, and third zone players are communicatively coupled via at least one data network, wherein the first zone player is configured to perform functions comprising:

(1) receiving, via a network interface at the first zone player, a request to engage in synchronous playback of audio content as part of a synchrony group comprising at least the second zone player, (2) after receiving the request to engage in synchronous playback of the audio content as part of the synchrony group;

(A) exchanging, via the network interface with the third zone player, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between at least the first zone player and the third zone player, wherein the third zone player is not a member of the synchrony group, and wherein as part of the time synchronization, the first zone player maintains an adjusted clock time that (A-i) is different from its local clock time and (A-ii) tracks a clock time of the third zone player;

(B) receiving, via the network interface from the second zone player, (B-i) audio information that is representative of the audio content and (B-ii) playback timing information associated with the audio information that comprises an indicator of at least a first future time at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information; and

(C) engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time and the adjusted clock time.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the adjusted clock time is based on the exchange of timing information with the third zone player.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first zone player engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player using at least the first future time comprises the first zone player engaging in synchronous playback of the received audio information with the second zone player when the adjusted clock time maintained by the first zone player reaches at least the first future time.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the third zone player is configured to exchange, via the at least one data network, timing information that facilitates time synchronization between the second zone player and the third zone player.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein at least the first future time is relative to a clock time of the third zone player.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the playback timing information associated with the audio information comprises a plurality of indicators of a plurality of future times at which the first and second zone players are to engage in synchronous playback of the received audio information, and wherein at least one future time of the plurality of future times is relative to a clock time of the second zone player.