Audio apparatus and audio apparatus operation method

Abstract

An audio apparatus is provided, including a first device and a second device, each of the first device and the second device receiving the same audio data transmitted from a source device, a device having a worse reception environment among the first device and the second device acting as a primary device requesting the source device to retransmit the audio data, and a device having a better reception environment acting as a secondary device requesting the primary device to retransmit the audio data.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an audio apparatus and an audio apparatus operation method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, wireless earphones that connect to a device (hereinafter, can be referred to as a "source device") that functions as a transmission source of audio data using near field communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) have attracted attention. One of the wireless earphones is an earphone (hereinafter, can be referred to as a "completely wireless earphone") of a system in which an earphone for a right ear (hereinafter, can be referred to as an "R earphone") and an earphone for a left ear (hereinafter, can be referred to as an "L earphone") are wirelessly connected. In the completely wireless earphone, one of the R earphone and the L earphone functions as a primary device, and the other earphone functions as a secondary device.

[0003] Further, one of the completely wireless systems is a system (hereinafter, can be referred to as an "intercept system") in which the secondary device intercepts audio data transmitted from the source device to the primary device. In the intercept system, each of the primary device and the secondary device receives and reproduces the same audio data transmitted from the source device. Further, the R earphone of the intercept system extracts and reproduces right channel data (hereinafter, can be referred to as "R data") from the audio data received from the source device, and the L earphone of the intercept system extracts and reproduces left channel data (hereinafter, can be referred to as "L data") from the audio data received from the source device.

[0004] LIST OF CITATIONS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: US 2012 / 0058727 A SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] When the primary device of the intercept system fails to receive the audio data, the primary device implements a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device. On the other hand, when the secondary device of the intercept system fails to receive the audio data, the secondary device does not implement a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device, but implements a retransmission request to the primary device. Therefore, when the secondary device fails to receive the audio data, communication (hereinafter, can be referred to as "P-S communication") occurs between the primary device and the secondary device. Further, while the P-S communication is implemented, the primary device cannot receive the audio data transmitted from the source device, and therefore, an ACK from the primary device to the source device is not transmitted. For this reason, when the secondary device fails to receive the audio data and the P-S communication is implemented, the audio data is frequently retransmitted from the source device to the primary device, as a result of which sound reproduced by the primary device can be interrupted.

[0009] The present disclosure proposes a technology capable of suppressing interruption of reproduced sound.

[0010] Solution to the problem

[0011] According to the present disclosure, an audio apparatus includes first and second devices. The first and second devices respectively receive the same audio data transmitted from a source device. The device with a worse audio data reception environment among the first and second devices functions as a primary device that makes a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device, and the device with a better reception environment among the first and second devices functions as a secondary device that makes a retransmission request to the primary device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an audio system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of grouping according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of a primary device and a secondary device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an audio system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 11is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the following embodiments, the same components or processes can be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetitive description can be omitted.

[0024] Further, the technology of the present disclosure will be described in accordance with the following item order.

[0025] [First Embodiment]

[0026] [Configuration of Audio System]

[0027] [Operation of Primary Device and Secondary Device]

[0028] [Processing Procedure in Audio System]

[0029] [First Processing Example]

[0030] [Second Processing Example]

[0031] [Third Processing Example]

[0032] [Fourth Processing Example]

[0033] [Fifth Processing Example]

[0034] [Second Embodiment]

[0035] [Configuration of Audio System]

[0036] [Processing Procedure in Audio System]

[0037] [Sixth Processing Example]

[0038] [Seventh Processing Example]

[0039] [Effects of Disclosed Technology]

[0040] [First Embodiment]

[0041] [Configuration of Audio System]

[0042] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an audio system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following description, the same components or processes can be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetitive description can be omitted. Figure 1In the present embodiment, the audio system 1 includes an audio apparatus 10 and a source device 20. The audio apparatus 10 includes a sink device 10R and a sink device 10L as a pair of sound reproduction devices. Examples of the source device 20 include a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Further, for example, when the audio apparatus 10 is a completely wireless earphone, the sink device 10R is an R earphone, and the sink device 10L is an L earphone. The audio apparatus 10 receives audio data using an interception system.

[0043] The source device 20 includes a memory 21, a processor 22, a wireless communication unit 23, and an antenna 24, and transmits audio data. The processor 22 performs cyclic redundancy check (CRC) encoding and packetization on audio data stored in the memory 21 and audio data streamed, and outputs a packet including the audio data to the wireless communication unit 23. The wireless communication unit 23 transmits the packet through the antenna 24. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a packet according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 The packet illustrated in the present embodiment includes a header and N frames of audio frames #1 to #N, each of the audio frames #1 to #N including R data and L data as audio data. The processor 22 can perform CRC encoding and packetization on audio data received by the source device 20 as necessary using a communication line.

[0044] The sink device 10R includes an antenna 11R, a wireless communication unit 12R, a processor 13R, a memory 14R, an audio amplifier 15R, and a speaker 16R. The wireless communication unit 12R receives the packet transmitted from the source device 20 through the antenna 11R, and outputs the received packet to the processor 13R. The processor 13R extracts the audio data from the packet, and performs CRC on the audio data before decoding. When no error is detected in the audio data as a result of the CRC, the processor 13R stores the audio data in the memory 14R for a certain period of time before decoding, extracts the R data from the audio data and decodes the R data, performs D / A conversion on the R data after decoding, and outputs the R data to the audio amplifier 15R. On the other hand, when an error is detected in the audio data as a result of the CRC, the processor 13R discards the packet. Furthermore, when the sink device 10R operates as a primary device and an error is detected in the audio data, the processor 13R can transmit a NACK to the source device 20 through the antenna 11R using the wireless communication unit 12R. Furthermore, when the sink device 10R operates as a secondary device and an error is detected in the audio data, the processor 13R can transmit a NACK to the sink device 10L operating as a primary device through the antenna 11R using the wireless communication unit 12R. The audio amplifier 15R converts the R data into a right channel sound (hereinafter, can be referred to as "R sound"), amplifies the converted R sound, and outputs the amplified R sound through the speaker 16R. As a result, the R sound is reproduced by the sink device 10R.

[0045] The sink device 10L includes an antenna 11L, a wireless communication unit 12L, a processor 13L, a memory 14L, an audio amplifier 15L, and a speaker 16L. The wireless communication unit 12L receives the packet transmitted from the source device 20 through the antenna 11L, and outputs the received packet to the processor 13L. The processor 13L extracts the audio data from the packet, and performs CRC on the audio data before decoding. When no error is detected in the audio data as a result of the CRC, the processor 13L stores the audio data in the memory 14L for a certain period of time before decoding, extracts the L data from the audio data and decodes the L data, performs D / A conversion on the L data after decoding, and outputs the L data to the audio amplifier 15L. On the other hand, when an error is detected in the audio data as a result of the CRC, the processor 13L discards the packet. Furthermore, when the sink device 10L operates as a primary device and an error is detected in the audio data, the processor 13L can transmit a NACK to the source device 20 through the antenna 11L using the wireless communication unit 12L. Furthermore, when the sink device 10L operates as a secondary device and an error is detected in the audio data, the processor 13L can transmit a NACK to the sink device 10R operating as a primary device through the antenna 11L using the wireless communication unit 12L. The audio amplifier 15L converts the L data into a left channel sound (hereinafter, can be referred to as "L sound"), amplifies the converted L sound, and outputs the amplified L sound through the speaker 16L. As a result, the L sound is reproduced by the sink device 10L.

[0046] Examples of the processors 22, 13R, and 13L include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Furthermore, examples of the memories 21, 14R, and 14L include a random access memory (RAM) such as a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a flash memory.

[0047] Hereinafter, the sink devices 10R and 10L can be collectively referred to as "sink devices 10RL".

[0048] <Operation of primary device and secondary device>

[0049] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the primary device and the secondary device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] In the sink devices 10R and 10L, the sink device 10L operates as a secondary device when the sink device 10R operates as a primary device, and the sink device 10R operates as a secondary device when the sink device 10L operates as a primary device.

[0051] When the primary device of the interception system fails to receive the audio data, the primary device implements a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device 20. Examples of the retransmission request include a case where the retransmission is requested by returning a NACK from the primary device to the source device 20, and a case where the retransmission is requested due to a timeout and nothing is returned from the primary device to the source device 20. On the other hand, when the secondary device of the interception system fails to receive the audio data, the secondary device can implement a retransmission request for the audio data not to the source device 20 but to the primary device. That is, the primary device and the secondary device operate, for example, as shown in Figure 3 Hereinafter, the antenna 11 of the primary device can be referred to as "antenna 11P", the wireless communication unit 12 of the primary device can be referred to as "wireless communication unit 12P", the processor 13 of the primary device can be referred to as "processor 13P", the memory 14 of the primary device can be referred to as "memory 14P", the audio amplifier 15 of the primary device can be referred to as "audio amplifier 15P", and the speaker 16 of the primary device can be referred to as "speaker 16P". Furthermore, hereinafter, the antenna 11 of the secondary device can be referred to as "antenna 11S", the wireless communication unit 12 of the secondary device can be referred to as "wireless communication unit 12S", the processor 13 of the secondary device can be referred to as "processor 13S", the memory 14 of the secondary device can be referred to as "memory 14S", the audio amplifier 15 of the secondary device can be referred to as "audio amplifier 15S", and the speaker 16 of the secondary device can be referred to as "speaker 16S".

[0052] In Figure 3 In step S101, the source device 20 transmits the packet P1, and the primary device and the secondary device receive the packet P1. In the primary device, the processor 13P implements a CRC on the audio data of the packet P1, and since no error is detected in the audio data, it is determined that the primary device successfully receives the audio data of the packet P1. In step S102, the processor 13P which determines that the audio data of the packet P1 is successfully received transmits an ACK to the source device 20 through the wireless communication unit 12P and the antenna 11P. In the secondary device, the processor 13S implements a CRC on the audio data of the packet P1, and since no error is detected in the audio data, it is determined that the secondary device successfully receives the audio data of the packet P1.

[0053] Next, in step S103, the source device 20 transmits the packet P2, and the main device and the sub device receive the packet P2. In the main device, the processor 13P performs CRC on the audio data of the packet P2, and since an error is detected in the audio data, it is determined that the main device has failed to receive the audio data of the packet P2. In step S105, the processor 13P that has failed to receive the audio data of the packet P2 transmits a NACK to the source device 20 through the wireless communication unit 12P and the antenna 11P, thereby requesting the source device 20 to retransmit the packet P2. Meanwhile, in the sub device, the processor 13S performs CRC on the audio data of the packet P2, and since no error is detected in the audio data, it is determined that the sub device has successfully received the audio data of the packet P2.

[0054] In step S107, the source device 20 that has received the retransmission request of the packet P2 in step S105 retransmits the packet P2, and the main device receives the packet P2. In the main device, the processor 13P performs CRC on the audio data of the packet P2, and since no error is detected in the audio data, it is determined that the main device has successfully received the audio data of the packet P2. In step S108, the processor 13P that has successfully received the audio data of the packet P2 transmits an ACK to the source device 20 through the wireless communication unit 12P and the antenna 11P.

[0055] Next, in step S109, the source device 20 transmits the packet P3, and the main device and the sub device receive the packet P3. In the main device, the processor 13P performs CRC on the audio data of the packet P3, and since no error is detected in the audio data, it is determined that the main device has successfully received the audio data of the packet P3. In step S110, the processor 13P that has successfully received the audio data of the packet P3 transmits an ACK to the source device 20 through the wireless communication unit 12P and the antenna 11P. Meanwhile, in the sub device, the processor 13S performs CRC on the audio data of the packet P3, and since an error is detected in the audio data, it is determined that the sub device has failed to receive the audio data of the packet P3. In step S111, the processor 13S that has failed to receive the audio data of the packet P3 transmits a NACK to the main device through the wireless communication unit 12S and the antenna 11S, thereby requesting the main device to retransmit the packet P3.

[0056] In the main device that has received the retransmission request of the packet P3 in step S111, the processor 13P transmits the packet P3 stored in the memory 14P to the sub device in step S113. In the sub device, the processor 13S performs CRC on the audio data of the packet P3, and since no error is detected in the audio data, it is determined that the sub device has successfully received the audio data of the packet P3.

[0057] <Processing procedure in an audio system>

[0058] Figures 4 to 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the first embodiment, a first to fifth processing example will be described hereinafter.

[0059] <First processing example: Figure 4 >

[0060] In the first processing example, the sink device 10R functioning as a primary device determines which one of the sink device 10R and the sink device 10L operates as a primary device.

[0061] In Figure 4 , first when the audio apparatus 10 is powered on, as an initial state, for example, the processor 13R sets the sink device 10R as a primary device, and the processor 13L sets the sink device 10L as a secondary device.

[0062] In step S151, the processor 13R measures a reception quality (hereinafter can be referred to as "reception quality QR") of audio data in the sink device 10R, and in step S153, the processor 13L measures a reception quality (hereinafter can be referred to as "reception quality QL") of audio data in the sink device 10L.

[0063] In step S155, the processor 13L notifies the sink device 10R of the reception quality QL measured in step S153.

[0064] Here, generally, the reception quality of audio data changes according to a reception environment of audio data, the better the reception environment, the higher the reception quality, and the worse the reception environment, the lower the reception quality. That is, the reception environment of audio data is indicated by the reception quality of audio data.

[0065] Subsequently, in step S157, the processor 13R determines whether or not it is necessary to switch the primary and secondary devices (hereinafter, can be referred to as "role switching") between the sink device 10R and the sink device 10L by comparing the reception quality QR measured in step S151 with the reception quality QL notified in step S155. When the reception quality QL is lower than the reception quality QR, the processor 13R determines that the role switching is necessary, and when the reception quality QR is lower than the reception quality QL, determines that the role switching is unnecessary. That is, when the reception environment (hereinafter, can be referred to as "reception environment ENL") of the sink device 10L is worse than the reception environment (hereinafter, can be referred to as "reception environment ENR") of the sink device 10R, the processor 13R determines that the role switching is necessary, and when the reception environment ENR is worse than the reception environment ENL, determines that the role switching is unnecessary. As a result, in the sink devices 10R and 10L, the role of the device whose reception environment is worse becomes primary, and the role of the device whose reception environment is better becomes secondary. That is, in the sink devices 10R and 10L, the device whose reception environment is worse operates as the primary device, and the device whose reception environment is better operates as the secondary device. Here, for example, assume that the processor 13R determines that the role switching is necessary because the reception quality QL is lower than the reception quality QR.

[0066] Subsequently, in step S159, the processor 13R transmits a switching request to the sink device 10L. Further, in step S161, the processor 13R switches the role of the sink device 10R from primary to secondary.

[0067] Meanwhile, in step S163, in response to the switching request from the sink device 10R in step S159, the processor 13L switches the role of the sink device 10L from secondary to primary.

[0068] Therefore, until step S159, the sink device 10R operates as the primary device and the sink device 10L operates as the secondary device, and from steps S161 and S163, the sink device 10R operates as the secondary device and the sink device 10L operates as the primary device.

[0069] In step S157, for example, when it is determined that the role switching is unnecessary because the reception quality QR is lower than the reception quality QL, the switching request in step S159 is not transmitted, the sink device 10R continues to operate as the primary device, and the sink device 10L continues to operate as the secondary device.

[0070] Here, the reception quality of the audio data is indicated by, for example, the reception strength of the audio data or the error rate of the audio data. Examples of the reception strength of the audio data include a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), and examples of the error rate of the audio data include a packet error rate (PER). In general, it can be said that the higher the reception strength of the audio data, the higher the reception quality of the audio data, and the lower the reception strength of the audio data, the lower the reception quality of the audio data. Further, in general, it can be said that the smaller the error rate of the audio data, the higher the reception quality of the audio data, and the larger the error rate of the audio data, the lower the reception quality of the audio data. Further, as described above, the better the reception environment, the higher the reception quality, and the worse the reception environment, the lower the reception quality. Therefore, the reception environment of the audio data is indicated by the reception strength of the audio data or the error rate of the audio data. That is, the better the reception environment, the larger the reception strength, and the worse the reception environment, the smaller the reception strength. Further, the better the reception environment, the smaller the error rate, and the worse the reception environment, the larger the error rate.

[0071] Subsequently, for example, in step S151, the processor 13R measures the reception strength of the audio data received by the sink device 10R (hereinafter, can be referred to as "reception strength RR"), and in step S153, the processor 13L measures the reception strength of the audio data received by the sink device 10L (hereinafter, can be referred to as "reception strength RL"). In step S155, the processor 13L notifies the sink device 10R of the reception strength RL. In step S157, the processor 13R determines whether or not the role switching is necessary by comparing the reception strength RR with the reception strength RL. When the reception strength RL is lower than the reception strength RR, the processor 13R determines that the role switching is necessary, and when the reception strength RR is lower than the reception strength RL, determines that the role switching is unnecessary.

[0072] Further, for example, in step S151, the processor 13R measures the error rate of the audio data received by the sink device 10R (hereinafter, can be referred to as "error rate ER"), and in step S153, the processor 13L measures the error rate of the audio data received by the sink device 10L (hereinafter, can be referred to as "error rate EL"). In step S155, the processor 13L notifies the sink device 10R of the error rate EL. In step S157, the processor 13R determines whether or not the role switching is necessary by comparing the error rate ER with the error rate EL. When the error rate EL is larger than the error rate ER, the processor 13R determines that the role switching is necessary, and when the error rate ER is larger than the error rate EL, determines that the role switching is unnecessary.

[0073] As in the first processing example, in the following second to fifth processing examples, the reception quality of the audio data is indicated by, for example, the reception strength of the audio data or the error rate of the audio data.

[0074] <Second processing example> Figure 5 >

[0075] In the second processing example, the sink device 10L serving as the secondary device determines which of the sink device 10R and the sink device 10L operates as the primary device.

[0076] In Figure 5 In the second processing example, as in the first processing example, first when the audio apparatus 10 is powered on, as an initial state, for example, the processor 13R sets the sink device 10R as the primary device, and the processor 13L sets the sink device 10L as the secondary device.

[0077] The processes of steps S151 and S153 are the same as in the first processing example.

[0078] In step S171, the processor 13R notifies the sink device 10L of the reception quality QR measured in step S151.

[0079] In step S173, the processor 13L determines whether or not role switching is necessary by comparing the reception quality QL measured in step S153 with the reception quality QR measured in step S171. When the reception quality QL is lower than the reception quality QR, the processor 13L determines that role switching is necessary, and when the reception quality QR is lower than the reception quality QL, determines that role switching is unnecessary. Here, for example, it is assumed that the processor 13L determines that role switching is necessary because the reception quality QL is lower than the reception quality QR.

[0080] Subsequently, in step S175, the processor 13L transmits a switching request to the sink device 10R. Further, in step S177, the processor 13L switches the role of the sink device 10L from secondary to primary.

[0081] Meanwhile, in step S179, in response to the switching request from the sink device 10L in step S175, the processor 13R switches the role of the sink device 10R from primary to secondary.

[0082] Thus, until step S175, the sink device 10R operates as the primary device and the sink device 10L operates as the secondary device, from steps S177 and S179, the sink device 10R operates as the secondary device and the sink device 10L operates as the primary device.

[0083] In step S173, for example, when it is determined that role switching is unnecessary because the reception quality QR is lower than the reception quality QL, the switching request in step S175 is not transmitted, the sink device 10R continues to operate as the primary device, and the sink device 10L continues to operate as the secondary device.

[0084] <Third processing example: Figure 6 >

[0085] In the third processing example, in response to a request from the sink device 10L serving as a secondary device, the sink device 10R serving as a primary device determines which of the sink device 10R and the sink device 10L operates as a primary device.

[0086] In Figure 6 In the third processing example, in response to a request from the sink device 10L serving as a secondary device, the sink device 10R serving as a primary device determines which of the sink device 10R and the sink device 10L operates as a primary device.

[0087] The processes of steps S151 and S153 are the same as those of the first processing example.

[0088] In step S181, the processor 13L determines whether the reception quality QL is lower than the threshold value THL. That is, the processor 13L determines whether the reception environment ENL is deteriorated more than a predetermined reception environment. When the reception quality QL is lower than the threshold value THL (that is, when the reception environment ENL is deteriorated more than the predetermined reception environment), the processor 13L sends a determination request to the sink device 10R in step S183, and notifies the sink device 10R of the reception quality QL measured in step S153. On the other hand, when the reception quality QL is equal to or greater than the threshold value THL, the processor 13L does not implement the process of step S183. Here, for example, it is assumed that the process of step S183 is implemented by the processor 13L because the reception quality QL is lower than the threshold value THL.

[0089] In step S185, in response to the determination request received in step S183, the processor 13R determines whether role switching is necessary by comparing the reception quality QR measured in step S151 with the reception quality QL notified in step S183. When the reception quality QL is lower than the reception quality QR, the processor 13R determines that role switching is necessary, and when the reception quality QR is lower than the reception quality QL, determines that role switching is unnecessary. Here, for example, it is assumed that the processor 13R determines that role switching is necessary because the reception quality QL is lower than the reception quality QR.

[0090] Subsequently, in step S187, the processor 13L sends a switching request to the sink device 10L. Further, in step S189, the processor 13R switches the role of the sink device 10R from primary to secondary.

[0091] Meanwhile, in step S191, in response to the switching request from sink device 10R in step S187, processor 13L switches the role of sink device 10L from secondary to primary.

[0092] Therefore, until step S187, sink device 10R operates as the primary device and sink device 10L operates as the secondary device, from steps S189 and S191, sink device 10R operates as the secondary device and sink device 10L operates as the primary device.

[0093] In step S185, for example, when it is determined that the role switching is unnecessary because the reception quality QR is lower than the reception quality QL, the switching request in step S187 is not transmitted, sink device 10R continues to operate as the primary device, and sink device 10L continues to operate as the secondary device.

[0094] <Fourth processing example: Figure 7 >

[0095] In the fourth processing example, source device 20 determines which of sink device 10R and sink device 10L operates as the primary device.

[0096] In Figure 7 In the fourth processing example, source device 20 determines which of sink device 10R and sink device 10L operates as the primary device.

[0097] The processes of steps S151 and S153 are the same as in the first processing example.

[0098] In step S201, processor 13L notifies sink device 10R of the reception quality QL measured in step S153.

[0099] In step S203, processor 13R notifies source device 20 of the reception quality QR measured in step S151 and the reception quality QL notified in step S201.

[0100] In step S205, processor 22 determines whether the role switching is necessary by comparing the reception quality QR with the reception quality QL. When the reception quality QL is lower than the reception quality QR, processor 22 determines that the role switching is necessary, and when the reception quality QR is lower than the reception quality QL, determines that the role switching is unnecessary. Here, for example, it is assumed that processor 22 determines that the role switching is necessary because the reception quality QL is lower than the reception quality QR.

[0101] Subsequently, in step S207, processor 22 transmits a switching request, and the switching request is received by sink devices 10R and 10L.

[0102] In step S209, in response to the switching request from source device 20 in step S207, processor 13R switches the role of destination device 10R from primary to secondary.

[0103] Meanwhile, in step S211, in response to the switching request from source device 20 in step S207, processor 13L switches the role of sink device 10L from secondary to primary.

[0104] Therefore, until step S207, the sink device 10R operates as the primary device and the sink device 10L operates as the secondary device. From steps S209 and S211, the sink device 10R operates as the secondary device and the sink device 10L operates as the primary device.

[0105] In step S205, for example, if it is determined that role switching is unnecessary due to the reception quality QR being lower than the reception quality QL, the switching request in step S207 is not sent, and the sink device 10R continues to operate as the primary device, while the sink device 10L continues to operate as the secondary device.

[0106] Fifth processing example: Figure 8 >

[0107] Similar to the fourth processing example, in the fifth processing example, source device 20 determines which of sink devices 10R and 10L operates as the primary device. However, in the fifth processing example, in response to a notification request from source device 20, sink devices 10R and 10L notify source device 20 of the reception quality.

[0108] exist Figure 8 In the same way as in the first processing example, when the audio device 10 is powered on, as an initial state, for example, processor 13R sets the sink device 10R as the primary device and processor 13L sets the sink device 10L as the secondary device.

[0109] In step S221, the processor 22 sends a notification request regarding the reception quality, and the notification request is received by the sink devices 10R and 10L.

[0110] In step S223, in response to the notification request from source device 20 in step S221, processor 13R measures the reception quality QR. In step S225, processor 13R notifies source device 20 of the reception quality QR measured in step S223.

[0111] Meanwhile, in step S227, in response to the notification request from the source device 20 in step S221, the processor 13L measures the reception quality QL. In step S229, the processor 13L notifies the source device 20 of the reception quality QL measured in step S227.

[0112] Since the subsequent processes are the same as the fourth processing example, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] The first embodiment has been described above.

[0114] [Second Embodiment]

[0115] [Configuration of Audio System]

[0116] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an audio system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 9 , the sink device 10R further includes a distance sensor 17R, and the sink device 10L further includes a distance sensor 17L. The distance sensor 17R detects a distance between the sink device 10R and the source device 20 (hereinafter, can be referred to as "distance DR"), and the distance sensor 17L detects a distance between the sink device 10L and the source device 20 (hereinafter, can be referred to as "distance DL").

[0117] [Processing Procedure in Audio System]

[0118] Figures 10 to 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As an example of a processing procedure in an audio system according to the second embodiment, a sixth and a seventh processing example will be described hereinafter.

[0119] [Sixth Processing Example] Figure 10 >

[0120] As the distance between the sink device 10RL and the source device 20 (hereinafter, can be referred to as "S-S distance") increases, the propagation loss of the audio data in the wireless space between the sink device 10RL and the source device 20 also increases. Therefore, the reception quality of the audio data is indicated by the S-S distance. Generally, it can be said that the smaller the S-S distance, the higher the reception quality of the audio data, and the larger the S-S distance, the lower the reception quality of the audio data. Further, as described above, the better the reception environment, the higher the reception quality, and the worse the reception environment, the lower the reception quality. Therefore, the reception environment of the audio data is indicated by the S-S distance. That is, the smaller the S-S distance, the better the reception environment, and the larger the S-S distance, the worse the reception environment.

[0121] Subsequently, in Figure 10In the middle, in step S301, when the audio apparatus 10 is powered on, the distance sensor 17R detects the distance DR, and outputs the detected distance DR to the processor 13R.

[0122] Meanwhile, in step S303, when the audio apparatus 10 is powered on, the distance sensor 17L detects the distance DL, and outputs the detected distance DL to the processor 13L.

[0123] In step S305, the processor 13L notifies the sink apparatus 10R of the distance DL detected in step S303.

[0124] In step S307, the processor 13R notifies the source apparatus 20 of the distance DR detected in step S301 and the distance DL notified in step S305.

[0125] In step S309, the processor 22 determines the sink apparatus 10RL to operate as a primary apparatus and the sink apparatus 10RL to operate as a secondary apparatus by comparing the distance DR with the distance DL. That is, in step S309, the processor 22 determines the role of each of the sink apparatuses 10R and 10L by comparing the distance DR with the distance DL. When the distance DR is greater than the distance DL, the processor 22 determines the sink apparatus 10R as a primary apparatus and the sink apparatus 10L as a secondary apparatus. On the other hand, when the distance DL is greater than the distance DR, the processor 22 determines the sink apparatus 10L as a primary apparatus and the sink apparatus 10R as a secondary apparatus. That is, when the reception environment ENR is worse than the reception environment ENL, the processor 22 determines the sink apparatus 10R as a primary apparatus, and when the reception environment ENL is worse than the reception environment ENR, the sink apparatus 10L is determined as a primary apparatus. When the distance DR is equal to the distance DL, either of the sink apparatuses 10R or 10L can be set as a primary apparatus.

[0126] In step S311, the processor 22 transmits the determination result in step S309, and the determination result is received by the sink apparatuses 10R and 10L.

[0127] In step S313, in response to the determination result transmitted from the source apparatus 20 in step S311, the processor 13R sets the role of the sink apparatus 10R as a primary or a secondary.

[0128] Further, in step S315, in response to the determination result transmitted from the source apparatus 20 in step S311, the processor 13L sets the role of the sink apparatus 10L as a primary or a secondary.

[0129] <Seventh processing example: Figure 11 >

[0130] In Figure 11 In the first processing example, as in the first processing example, first when the audio apparatus 10 is powered on, as an initial state, the processor 13R sets the sink device 10R as the primary device and the processor 13L sets the sink device 10L as the secondary device, for example.

[0131] The processes of steps S301, S303, S305, and S307 are the same as in the sixth processing example.

[0132] In step S321, the processor 22 determines whether or not the role switching is necessary by comparing the distance DR with the distance DL. When the distance DL is greater than the distance DR, the processor 22 determines that the role switching is necessary, and when the distance DR is greater than the distance DL, determines that the role switching is unnecessary. That is, the processor 22 determines that the role switching is necessary when the reception environment ENL is worse than the reception environment ENR, and determines that the role switching is unnecessary when the reception environment ENR is worse than the reception environment ENL. Thus, in the sink devices 10R and 10L, the device whose reception environment is worse operates as the primary device, and the device whose reception environment is better operates as the secondary device. Here, for example, assume that the processor 22 determines that the role switching is necessary because the distance DL is greater than the distance DR.

[0133] Subsequently, in step S323, the processor 22 transmits the switching request, and the switching request is received by the sink devices 10R and 10L.

[0134] In step S325, in response to the switching request from the source device 20 in step S323, the processor 13R switches the role of the sink device 10R from the primary to the secondary.

[0135] Meanwhile, in step S327, in response to the switching request from the source device 20 in step S323, the processor 13L switches the role of the sink device 10L from the secondary to the primary.

[0136] Thus, until step S323, the sink device 10R operates as the primary device and the sink device 10L operates as the secondary device, and from steps S325 and S327, the sink device 10R operates as the secondary device and the sink device 10L operates as the primary device.

[0137] In step S321, when it is determined that the role switching is unnecessary because the distance DR is greater than the distance DL, for example, the switching request in step S323 is not transmitted, the sink device 10R continues to operate as the primary device, and the sink device 10L continues to operate as the secondary device.

[0138] The second embodiment has been described above.

[0139] It should be noted that the sixth processing example can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to fifth processing examples or the seventh processing example. That is, in the first to fifth processing examples and the seventh processing example, the role of the sink device 10RL in the initial state can be determined in accordance with the sixth processing example.

[0140] In the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the sink device 10R reproduces R sound and the sink device 10L reproduces L sound is described as an example. However, the audio apparatus 10 can also be an audio apparatus in which both the sink devices 10R and 10L reproduce both R sound and L sound.

[0141] Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the audio apparatus 10 is a completely wireless earphone is described as an example. However, the audio apparatus 10 is not limited to a completely wireless earphone. For example, the audio apparatus 10 can be a speaker device of a hands-free system.

[0142] [Effects of the disclosed technology]

[0143] As described above, the audio apparatus according to the present disclosure (the audio apparatus 10 according to the first and second embodiments) includes a first device and a second device (the sink devices 10R and 10L according to the first and second embodiments). The first device and the second device respectively receive the same audio data transmitted from a source device (the source device 20 according to the first and second embodiments). The device whose audio data reception environment is worse among the first device and the second device operates as a primary device that makes a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device, and the device whose audio data reception environment is better operates as a secondary device that makes a retransmission request for the audio data to the primary device.

[0144] For example, a first reception strength as a reception strength of the first device indicates the reception environment of the first device, and a second reception strength as a reception strength of the second device indicates the reception environment of the second device. Subsequently, when the first reception strength is lower than the second reception strength, the first device operates as the primary device and the second device operates as the secondary device. Further, when the second reception strength is lower than the first reception strength, the second device operates as the primary device and the first device operates as the secondary device.

[0145] Further, for example, a first error rate as an error rate of the audio data received by the first device indicates the reception environment of the first device, and a second error rate as an error rate of the audio data received by the second device indicates the reception environment of the second device. Subsequently, when the first error rate is greater than the second error rate, the first device operates as the primary device and the second device operates as the secondary device. Further, when the second error rate is greater than the first error rate, the second device operates as the primary device and the first device operates as the secondary device.

[0146] Further, for example, a first distance as a distance between the first device and the source device indicates a reception environment of the first device, and a second distance as a distance between the second device and the source device indicates a reception environment of the second device. Subsequently, when the first distance is greater than the second distance, the first device operates as a primary device and the second device operates as a secondary device, and when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the second device operates as a primary device and the first device operates as a secondary device.

[0147] Further, for example, the first device or the second device determines which of the first device and the second device operates as a primary device.

[0148] Further, for example, the primary device determines which of the first device and the second device operates as a primary device when a reception environment of the secondary device deteriorates more than a predetermined reception environment.

[0149] Further, for example, the first device or the second device operates as a primary device in response to a request from the source device.

[0150] With the foregoing configuration, retransmission requests from the secondary device to the primary device are suppressed, and thus the frequency of occurrence of P-S communication is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of audio data retransmission due to a timeout between the source device and the primary device. Thus, it is possible to suppress interruption of sound reproduced by the audio apparatus.

[0151] Note that the effects described herein are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects can be provided.

[0152] The disclosed technology can also have the following configuration.

[0153] (1) An audio apparatus comprising:

[0154] a first device and a second device that respectively receive the same audio data transmitted from a source device,

[0155] wherein a device with a worse audio data reception environment among the first device and the second device operates as a primary device that makes a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device, and

[0156] a device with a better reception environment among the first device and the second device operates as a secondary device that makes a retransmission request to the primary device.

[0157] (2) The audio apparatus according to (1),

[0158] wherein a first reception strength as a reception strength of the first device indicates a reception environment of the first device,

[0159] the second reception strength indicates a reception environment of the second device,

[0160] when the first reception strength is lower than the second reception strength, the first device operates as a primary device and the second device operates as a secondary device, and

[0161] when the second reception strength is lower than the first reception strength, the second device operates as a primary device and the first device operates as a secondary device.

[0162] (3) The audio apparatus according to (1),

[0163] wherein a first error rate as an error rate of audio data received by the first device indicates a reception environment of the first device,

[0164] a second error rate as an error rate of audio data received by the second device indicates a reception environment of the second device,

[0165] when the first error rate is greater than the second error rate, the first device operates as a primary device and the second device operates as a secondary device, and

[0166] when the second error rate is greater than the first error rate, the second device operates as a primary device and the first device operates as a secondary device.

[0167] (4) The audio apparatus according to (1),

[0168] wherein a first distance as a distance between the first device and a source device indicates a reception environment of the first device,

[0169] a second distance as a distance between the second device and the source device indicates a reception environment of the second device,

[0170] when the first distance is greater than the second distance, the first device operates as a primary device and the second device operates as a secondary device, and

[0171] when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the second device operates as a primary device and the first device operates as a secondary device.

[0172] (5) The audio apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4),

[0173] wherein the first device or the second device determines which one of the first device and the second device operates as a primary device.

[0174] (6) The audio apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4),

[0175] wherein, when a reception environment of the secondary device is deteriorated more than a predetermined reception environment, the primary device determines which of the first device and the second device operates as the primary device.

[0176] (7) The audio apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4),

[0177] wherein the first device or the second device operates as the primary device in response to a request from the source device.

[0178] (8) An audio apparatus operation method for an audio apparatus including a first device and a second device that respectively receive the same audio data transmitted from a source device, the method comprising:

[0179] operating, at a device of which an audio data reception environment is worse among the first device and the second device, as a primary device that makes a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device; and

[0180] operating, at a device of which a reception environment is better among the first device and the second device, as a secondary device that makes a retransmission request to the primary device.

[0181] List of Reference Numerals

[0182] 1 audio system

[0183] 10 audio apparatus

[0184] 10R, 10L sink device

[0185] 20 source device

Claims

1.An audio apparatus comprising: a first device and a second device that respectively receive identical audio data transmitted from a source device, wherein a device with a worse audio data reception environment among the first device and the second device operates as a primary device that makes a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device, and a device with a better reception environment among the first device and the second device operates as a secondary device that makes the retransmission request to the primary device, wherein one of the first and second devices operating as the secondary device is configured to inform one of the first and second devices operating as the primary device of reception quality of the audio data at the secondary device, one of the first and second devices operating as the primary device is configured to inform the source device of the reception quality of the audio data at the secondary device and the reception quality of the audio data at the primary device, and wherein the first or second device operates as the primary device in response to a switch request transmitted from the source device when the source device determines that the reception quality of the audio data at the secondary device is lower than the reception quality of the audio data at the primary device. 2.The audio apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first reception strength indicating reception environment of the first device as a reception strength of the first device, a second reception strength indicating reception environment of the second device as a reception strength of the second device, when the first reception strength is lower than the second reception strength, the first device operates as the primary device and the second device operates as the secondary device, and when the second reception strength is lower than the first reception strength, the second device operates as the primary device and the first device operates as the secondary device. 3.The audio apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first error rate indicating reception environment of the first device as an error rate of the audio data received by the first device, a second error rate indicating reception environment of the second device as an error rate of the audio data received by the second device, when the first error rate is greater than the second error rate, the first device operates as the primary device and the second device operates as the secondary device, and when the second error rate is greater than the first error rate, the second device operates as the primary device and the first device operates as the secondary device. 4.The audio apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first distance indicating reception environment of the first device as a distance between the first device and the source device, a second distance indicating reception environment of the second device as a distance between the second device and the source device, when the first distance is greater than the second distance, the first device operates as the primary device and the second device operates as the secondary device, and when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the second device operates as the primary device and the first device operates as the secondary device. 5.An audio apparatus operation method for an audio apparatus comprising a first device and a second device that respectively receive identical audio data transmitted from a source device, the method comprising: operating, at a device with a worse audio data reception environment among the first device and the second device, as a primary device that makes a retransmission request for the audio data to the source device; and ​ operating as a secondary device to the primary device implementing the retransmission request, wherein the method further comprises: one of the first and second devices operating as a secondary device informing one of the first and second devices operating as a primary device of the reception quality of the audio data at the secondary device, one of the first and second devices operating as a primary device informing the source device of the reception quality of the audio data at the secondary device and the reception quality of the audio data at the primary device, and wherein the first or second device operates as the primary device in response to a handover request sent from the source device when the source device determines that the reception quality of the audio data at the secondary device is lower than the reception quality of the audio data at the primary device.

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