Method and apparatus for updating zone configurations in a multi-zone system

摘要

In general, techniques of controlling a plurality of multimedia players in groups are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a mechanism is provided to allow a user to group some of the players according to a theme or scene, where each of the players is located in a zone. When the scene is activated, the players in the scene react in a synchronized manner. For example, the players in the scene are all caused to play a multimedia source or music in a playlist, wherein the multimedia source may be located anywhere on a network.

主权项

1. In a network comprising a plurality of independent playback devices, a method comprising:
receiving via the network by a controller device, a zone configuration from one of the plurality of independent playback devices, wherein the zone configuration is maintained at one or more of the plurality of independent playback devices, and wherein the zone configuration characterizes one or more zone scenes, each zone scene identifying a group configuration associated with two or more of the plurality of independent playback devices; receiving, by the controller device, an input to invoke a zone scene of the one or more zone scenes; and based on the input, instructing, by the controller device, two or more of the plurality of independent playback devices to be grouped in accordance with the invoked zone scene.