Paper Session 2: Network Control and Distribution
Peter Otto (UC San Diego), session moderator
Friday, Nov. 18, 1:00pm, CalIT2 Auditorium
1:00. Andrew Eales and Richard Foss: Towards a Standard Model for Networked Audio Devices
Different control protocols for networked audio devices typically emphasize particular aspects of a device, such as the representation of parameter data, or a representation of the functional structure of a device. A sophisticated device model must represent parameter data, device structure and the visual presentation of controls. Parameter data should be related to the device structure, while also being represented within a flexible, logical hierarchy. The development of a standard device model is proposed and discussed with reference to the OSC, IEC62379, ACN and XFN control protocols. This abstract model is independent of any specific control protocol, and provides support for interoperability between control protocols. The proposed model is also discussed within the context of an object-based approach to service enumeration and control using an associative, shared memory model.
1:30. Nicolas Bouillot, Marcio Tomiyoshi, and Jeremy Cooperstock: Extended User Control over Multichannel Content Delivered over the Web
We describe a server architecture that allows for inclusion of multichannel content in a website, supporting delivery to the user's web browser. This is possible at present on a per-browser basis, specifying a specific plug-in for each, if available. However, our solution is not only general to any Flash-capable browser, but additionally supports per-channel volume control by the user while maintaining stream synchronization during playout. This capability is critical for end-user ``mixing' of streamed audio/video content, which, among other potential applications, is needed by our ``Open Orchestra' music rehearsal system.
2:00. Osedum Igumbor and Richard Foss: Control Protocol Command Translation for Device Interoperability on Ethernet AVB Networks
Ethernet AVB guarantees the necessary quality of service required to transmit real-time media, such as audio and video streams. The IEEE 1722 protocol defines the messaging format for transmission of real-time media on an AVB network. With the efforts of the IEEE 1722 and IEEE 1722.1 working groups, there is a drive towards interoperability amongst devices that implement these protocols. However, control of professional AVB compliant devices remains a challenge. This paper describes a design and implementation that will allow for common control and interoperability between devices that conform to different control protocols, namely XFN and OSC protocols.
2:30. Christoph Sladeczek, Thomas Reussner, Michael Rath, Karl Preidl, Sandra Brix, and Hermann Scheck: Audio Network Based Massive Multichannel Loudspeaker System for Flexible Use in Spatial Audio Research
One of the main research areas in the field of spatial audio is sound field synthesis. These techniques use arrays of loudspeakers to (re)create the sound field of a virtual source in a desired listening area. They are often termed as massive multichannel systems, because of the number of loudspeakers in practical applications is quite large. Such systems require an individual computed signal for each loudspeaker. In this paper we present a massive multichannel system consisting of 640 loudspeakers. The system is based on an audio network distributing the audio signals to a grid of amplifiers. It will be shown that the use of the audio network allows control of error-free operation for the entire system. The paper starts with a discussion about the concept and design-related decisions for such a system. After that, the realization will be described in detail. The features of the system are illustrated with an example application.
3:00. Richard Foss, Robby Gurdan, Brad Klinkradt, and Nyasha Chigwamba: The XFN Connection Management and Control Protocol
With the advent of digital networks that link audio devices, there is a need for a protocol that integrates control and connection management, enables the streaming of all media content such as audio and video between devices from different manufacturers, and that provides a common approach to the control of these devices. This paper describes such a protocol, named XFN, currently being standardized as part of the AES X170 project. XFN is an IP-based peer-to-peer network protocol, in which any device on the network may send or receive connection management, control, and monitoring messages. Essential to the XFN protocol is the fact that each parameter in a device can be addressed via a hierarchical structure that reflects the functional layout of the device.
