A method, apparatus and system for testing audio delay in a broadcast system.

Abstract

This invention discloses a method, apparatus, and system for audio delay testing of a broadcasting system. Based on a response delay test start signal, a delay test signal is generated and sent to a networked broadcasting system, allowing the networked broadcasting system to provide a feedback broadcast test signal. The system receives the broadcast test signal and converts both the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into broadcast level signals and test level signals, respectively. The delay test result is calculated and output based on the broadcast level signals and test level signals. This invention uses the generated delay test signal as a reference signal for delay testing of the broadcast signal output by the broadcasting system, avoiding delay test errors caused by data transmission of externally acquired reference signals, thus improving the accuracy of delay testing. Directly acquiring the broadcast test signal fed back by the broadcasting system saves data transmission time for audio signal acquisition from the broadcasting system's power amplifier equipment, improving testing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of broadcast testing technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and system for testing audio delay in a broadcast system. Background Technology

[0002] Audio latency and audio synchronization between different output devices are crucial indicators for evaluating the quality of a broadcasting system. Audio latency refers to the time difference between the input signal from the system's input device, the signal processed by the system's transmission equipment, and the signal output from the system's output device. Audio synchronization between different output devices refers to the discrepancy in timing between the audio signals output from different audio output devices when the same audio signal source is played on different audio output devices. Existing broadcasting systems are generally IP-based network systems, and to ensure network compatibility, they commonly employ the 7-layer OSI model protocol. However, the 7-layer protocol data packets are lengthy, containing much protocol data beyond audio data. Furthermore, because current communication technologies prioritize reliability over real-time performance, latency issues in existing broadcasting systems are quite severe.

[0003] Currently, delay testing typically uses a combination of instruments such as signal generators and oscilloscopes. However, analog oscilloscopes offer a less user-friendly experience than digital oscilloscopes, and digital oscilloscope waveforms are not easily locked. Therefore, using oscilloscopes for delay testing has certain drawbacks, namely, high instrument operation difficulty and low testing accuracy and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method, apparatus, and system for testing audio delay in broadcasting systems, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of delay test results.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide an audio delay testing method for a broadcast system, comprising the following steps:

[0006] In response to a delay test start signal, a delay test signal is generated and sent to a networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back a broadcast test signal.

[0007] Receive the broadcast test signal, and convert the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into broadcast level signal and test level signal, respectively;

[0008] The delay test result is calculated and output based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal.

[0009] The audio delay testing method provided by this invention generates a delay test signal based on a response delay test start signal and sends it to the networked broadcasting system under test. The broadcasting system receives the delay test signal and feeds back a corresponding broadcast test signal. Upon receiving the broadcast test signal from the broadcasting system, both the broadcast test signal and the generated delay test signal undergo signal conversion processing, converting the received audio signal into a level pulse signal to facilitate subsequent delay test result calculation. This invention uses the generated delay test signal as a reference signal for delay testing of the broadcast signal output by the broadcasting system, avoiding delay test errors caused by data transmission of externally acquired reference signals, thus improving the accuracy of delay testing. Directly acquiring the broadcast test signal fed back by the broadcasting system saves data transmission time generated by audio signal acquisition from the broadcasting system's power amplifier equipment, improving the efficiency of delay testing.

[0010] As a preferred example, the step of converting the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into a broadcast level signal and a test level signal, respectively, includes:

[0011] The broadcast test signal and the delay test signal are converted into the broadcast level signal and the test level signal by a preset peak detection algorithm.

[0012] The delay testing method provided by this invention uses a peak detection algorithm to convert broadcast test signals and delay test signals. Specifically, the peak detection algorithm converts the two audio signals into level pulse signals for calculating the delay test results. The algorithm's strong adaptability converts the two audio signals into high and low level pulse signals, providing a data basis for subsequent calculation of the time difference between the delay test signal and the broadcast test signal. Furthermore, because the peak detection algorithm also has anti-interference capabilities, converting the two test signals using this algorithm further improves the accuracy and reliability of delay detection.

[0013] As a preferred example, the step of calculating and outputting the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal includes:

[0014] Acquire the rising edge of the broadcast pulse of the broadcast level signal and the rising edge of the test pulse of the test level signal;

[0015] The rising edge of the test pulse is taken as the test start time, and the rising edge of the broadcast pulse is taken as the test end time.

[0016] The delay test result is calculated based on the test start time and the test end time.

[0017] The delay test method provided by this invention determines the corresponding rising edge of the pulse from the converted broadcast level signal and test level signal. Specifically, it acquires the rising edges of the pulses corresponding to the two level signals, including the broadcast pulse rising edge and the test pulse rising edge, and uses the test pulse rising edge as the test start time and the corresponding broadcast pulse rising edge as the test end time. The delay time of the broadcast system, i.e., the delay test result, can then be calculated based on these two determined times. This audio delay test method, when calculating the delay test result, only uses the rising edge of the pulse of the level signal as the delay test time for that level signal, further improving the accuracy of the calculated delay test result.

[0018] As a preferred example, the audio delay testing method further includes:

[0019] In response to the synchronization test start signal, a synchronization test signal is generated and sent to the networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back several synchronization broadcast signals.

[0020] Receive a plurality of the synchronous broadcast signals, and convert the plurality of the synchronous broadcast signals and the synchronous test signals into a plurality of synchronous broadcast level signals and synchronous test level signals respectively;

[0021] The synchronization test result is calculated based on several of the aforementioned synchronization broadcast level signals and the aforementioned synchronization test level signals.

[0022] To test the output synchronization of different audio output devices in a networked broadcasting system, the audio delay testing method provided by this invention can also send a synchronization test signal to the networked broadcasting system under test. Upon receiving the synchronization test signal, the broadcasting system can then output it back through several audio output devices that require synchronization testing. Synchronous acquisition of the synchronized broadcast signals output by several different output devices avoids interference between multiple synchronized broadcast signals, which could lead to errors in subsequent synchronization test results and affect their accuracy. This broadcasting system synchronization testing method reduces the difficulty of synchronization testing operations and simplifies the testing process; simultaneously, by processing several synchronized broadcast signals for synchronization testing, it improves the testing efficiency for synchronization index testing of multiple audio output devices.

[0023] In addition, when testing the synchronization index of several broadcast synchronization signals using the synchronization test signal, the delay test of each broadcast synchronization signal can also be performed simultaneously.

[0024] As a preferred example, the step of calculating and outputting the synchronization test result based on the plurality of synchronization broadcast level signals and the synchronization test level signal includes:

[0025] The rising edges of several synchronous broadcast pulses of several synchronous broadcast level signals and the rising edges of synchronous test pulses of several synchronous test level signals are respectively acquired;

[0026] The time deviation between the rising edge of the synchronization test pulse and the rising edges of several synchronization broadcast pulses are calculated respectively to obtain several synchronization test sub-results;

[0027] The synchronization test results are obtained and output by integrating several of the synchronization test sub-results.

[0028] After acquiring several synchronous broadcast level signals and synchronous test level signals, the synchronous test results of several synchronous broadcast level signals can be calculated using a method similar to that used for calculating delay test results. Since the synchronization comparison is based on the audio output devices of two broadcast systems, when calculating the synchronization test results, several synchronous test sub-results corresponding one-to-one with the synchronous broadcast level signals will be calculated first, and then any two of the sub-results will be compared to obtain the delay synchronization test results between each output device. This enables the testing of delay synchronization indicators between audio output devices of multiple broadcast systems.

[0029] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an audio delay testing method and apparatus for a broadcast system, the audio delay testing apparatus comprising a test signal response module, a test signal conversion module, and a test result output module; wherein:

[0030] The test signal response module is used to generate a delay test signal in response to the delay test start signal, and send the delay test signal to the networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back a broadcast test signal;

[0031] The test signal conversion module is used to receive the broadcast test signal and convert the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into broadcast level signal and test level signal, respectively.

[0032] The test result output module is used to calculate and output the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal.

[0033] As a preferred example, the test signal conversion module converts the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into a broadcast level signal and a test level signal, respectively, including:

[0034] The broadcast test signal and the delay test signal are converted into the broadcast level signal and the test level signal by a preset peak detection algorithm.

[0035] As a preferred example, the test result output module calculates the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal, including:

[0036] Acquire the rising edge of the broadcast pulse of the broadcast level signal and the rising edge of the test pulse of the test level signal;

[0037] The rising edge of the test pulse is taken as the test start time, and the rising edge of the broadcast pulse is taken as the test end time.

[0038] The delay test result is calculated based on the test start time and the test end time.

[0039] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an audio delay testing system for a broadcast system, the audio delay testing system comprising an audio delay testing device for a broadcast system as described in any one of the above embodiments and a networked broadcast system; wherein:

[0040] The audio input device of the networked broadcasting system is electrically connected to the test signal output terminal of the audio delay testing device;

[0041] The audio output device of the networked broadcasting system is electrically connected to the test signal input terminal of the audio delay testing device;

[0042] The networked broadcasting system is used to receive the delay test signal or synchronization test signal output by the audio delay test device, and encapsulate the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal and feed it back to the audio delay test device.

[0043] The networked broadcasting system in the audio delay test system provided by the present invention receives the delay test signal or synchronization test signal output by the audio delay test device through the audio input device, and feeds back the delay test signal or synchronization test signal to the audio delay test device through the audio output device.

[0044] As a preferred example, the audio latency testing system includes an audio input device, an audio output device, and a network switch; wherein:

[0045] The signal input terminal of the network switch is electrically connected to the audio input device;

[0046] The signal output terminal of the network switch is electrically connected to the audio output device;

[0047] The network switch is used to encapsulate the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal input by the audio input device and transmit it to the audio output device;

[0048] The audio input device is used to receive the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal, and transmit the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal to the network switch;

[0049] The audio output device is used to receive the encapsulated broadcast test signal and the synchronous broadcast signal, and to transmit the broadcast test signal and the synchronous broadcast signal to the audio delay test device.

[0050] The network switch provided in this invention does not have specific definitions for input and output ports. Since all ports of a basic network switch have the same function, only network switches with management functions may have cascaded ports or some ports may have restrictions on connected devices. Therefore, the aforementioned signal input port refers to the port in the network switch that is electrically connected to an audio input device, while the signal output port refers to the port that is electrically connected to an audio output device. That is, the above two types of ports are not specifically limited to a certain type of port.

[0051] Furthermore, upon receiving a delay test signal or a synchronization test signal, the audio input device first performs analog-to-digital conversion on these two types of analog signals, converting them into digital form. It then encapsulates the converted digital signals to obtain corresponding network data packets, which are sent to the network switch for processing to obtain the corresponding broadcast test signal and synchronization broadcast signal. When the audio output device receives the data packets transmitted by the network switch, it decodes and performs digital-to-analog conversion on them, outputting the corresponding analog signal to the audio delay test device. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 : A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the audio delay testing method for a broadcast system provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 : A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the synchronous testing method of the audio delay testing device provided by the present invention;

[0054] Figure 3 : A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the audio delay testing device for a broadcast system provided by the present invention;

[0055] Figure 4 : A structural diagram of an embodiment of the audio delay testing system for a broadcast system provided by the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5 : A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the audio delay testing device provided by the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the delay test signal provided by the present invention;

[0058] Figure 7 : A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the test broadcast signal provided by the present invention;

[0059] Figure 8 : A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the synchronous test broadcast signal provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] Please refer to Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the audio delay testing method for a broadcast system provided by the present invention, including steps 101 to 103, each step of which is as follows:

[0063] Step 101: In response to the delay test start signal, generate a delay test signal and send the delay test signal to the networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back a broadcast test signal.

[0064] The delay test method provided in this embodiment of the invention will respond to a delay test start signal triggered by a user, generate a delay test signal according to the user-triggered delay test start signal, and send the generated delay test signal to the networked broadcast system to which the user has determined to perform a delay test. This allows the networked broadcast system under test to transmit and feedback the received delay test signal, so that the networked broadcast system under test can be subsequently tested for delay based on the feedback broadcast test signal.

[0065] In this embodiment, see details. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of one embodiment of the audio delay testing system for a broadcast system provided by the present invention. Figure 4As shown, the audio delay testing system provided in this embodiment generates and outputs a delay test signal or a synchronization test signal to a networked broadcasting system through an audio delay testing device. The networked broadcasting system then plays the delay test signal or synchronization test signal. The audio delay testing device then acquires the broadcast test signal or broadcast synchronization signal played by the broadcasting system. By comparing the time difference between the delay test signal or synchronization test signal generated by the audio delay testing device and the acquired broadcast test signal or broadcast synchronization signal, the delay index or synchronization index of the networked broadcasting system can be tested.

[0066] The device uses the delay test signal generated by the audio delay test apparatus as the reference signal for delay testing of the broadcast signal output by the broadcast system, thus improving the accuracy of the delay test. Furthermore, by directly acquiring the broadcast signal output by the broadcast system through the test signal input terminal of the audio delay test apparatus, the testing efficiency of the delay test is improved. The audio delay test apparatus provided by this invention is simple and straightforward to operate. Users can adjust the parameters of the networked broadcast system and the audio delay test apparatus as needed, improving the user experience and reducing the operational difficulty of the audio delay test apparatus.

[0067] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 The area within the dashed line represents a networked broadcasting system, while the area outside the dashed line represents an audio delay testing device. Figure 4 It is known that the delay test signal T1 output by the audio delay test device is input to the broadcast system through the audio input device of the networked broadcast system. After the network switch transmits the test signal T1, it is output through the audio output device of the broadcast system. The audio delay test device also collects and processes the test signal T2 output by the audio output device to obtain the delay test result of the broadcast system. The audio delay test device provided in this embodiment allows the broadcast system requiring delay testing to be connected to the audio signal loop of the delay test device, thereby realizing the delay test of the broadcast system under test. Furthermore, the broadcast system can be replaced to achieve delay testing of different broadcast systems.

[0068] Step 102: Receive the broadcast test signal, and convert the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into broadcast level signal and test level signal respectively.

[0069] Upon receiving the broadcast test signal from the networked broadcast system, it is converted together with the generated delay test signal into high and low pulse level signals in pulse-level mode, i.e., broadcast level signal and test level signal, for subsequent delay test result calculation. Furthermore, directly inputting the generated delay test signal as the test reference signal into the audio delay test device for delay result calculation avoids delay test errors caused by data transmission of externally acquired test reference signals, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of the delay test results.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, converting the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into a broadcast level signal and a test level signal respectively includes:

[0071] The broadcast test signal and the delay test signal are converted into the broadcast level signal and the test level signal by a preset peak detection algorithm.

[0072] The delay test method provided in this invention uses a peak detection algorithm to convert the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal. Specifically, the peak detection algorithm converts the two audio signals into level pulse signals for calculating the delay test results. The algorithm's strong adaptability converts the two audio signals into high and low level pulse signals, providing a data basis for subsequent calculation of the time difference between the delay test signal and the broadcast test signal. Furthermore, because the peak detection algorithm also has anti-interference capabilities, converting the two test signals using this algorithm further improves the accuracy and reliability of delay detection.

[0073] Step 103: Calculate and output the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal.

[0074] After completing the signal mode conversion of the generated delay test signal and the received broadcast test signal, the delay test results can be calculated based on the converted broadcast level signal and test level signal. That is, the time deviation value between the two signals can be calculated, and the delay index of the networked broadcast system under test can be determined accordingly. This enables the accurate testing and evaluation of the delay index of the networked broadcast system.

[0075] In this embodiment, see details. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the audio delay testing device provided by the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the audio delay testing device includes a central processing unit, a signal memory, a touch screen display, and a host computer; wherein:

[0076] The central processing unit (CPU) is used to calculate the delay test result based on the delay test signal and the acquired test broadcast signal. The delay test device provided in this embodiment of the invention uses the CPU to calculate the delay test result from the acquired test broadcast signal and the delay test signal, thereby improving the accuracy of the delay test result and the efficiency of the delay test result calculation. Furthermore, the CPU provided in this embodiment is preferably an ARM processor, and the device uses the CPU as the control core of the delay test device.

[0077] The signal memory is used to store the delay test signal, the test broadcast signal, and the delay test results. The signal memory provided in this embodiment can save the results of each test for subsequent viewing, comparison, and analysis by the system. In this embodiment, the signal memory is preferably a FLASH memory.

[0078] The touchscreen display is used to show the delay test results and for data input. To reduce the difficulty of operating the audio delay test device, users can... Figure 5 The touchscreen display shows the latency test results of the networked broadcasting system, and can also retrieve and view historical test data of the broadcasting system. Simultaneously, the touchscreen display can receive various parameter data input by the user and transmit the received parameter data to the central processing unit for processing.

[0079] The host computer is used to acquire the delay test results, and to perform statistics, display, analysis and storage of the delay test results. The host computer software connected to the audio delay test device manages and analyzes the delay test result data stored in the audio delay test device, thereby improving the statistical efficiency of the delay test results.

[0080] Will Figure 5 The central processing unit of the audio delay test device shown serves as the control core of the device, and the touch screen serves as the data display and operation interaction module of the device. The analog signal generates the DA output test signal T1, and at the same time, the analog signal acquisition AD1 of the device will synchronously acquire the output test signal T1 as the test reference signal.

[0081] Figure 5 The analog signal acquisition circuit AD1 shown is an audio signal input acquisition circuit mainly composed of an audio AD conversion chip. This audio signal input acquisition circuit AD1 will acquire the audio signal from the audio media player, i.e. Figure 5 The analog signal shown generates the T1 audio signal played by the DA converter, and this signal is used as a reference for delay comparison calculation. Figure 5The AD2-ADn circuit shown is an audio signal input acquisition circuit mainly composed of a multi-route audio AD conversion chip, used to acquire the audio signals T2-Tn played by the broadcast playback device, which is the test broadcast signal in this embodiment. To facilitate statistical analysis of the test data, the user can optionally connect to a PC via USB and then manage the test data through host computer software, i.e., the host computer in this embodiment.

[0082] Specifically, this embodiment calculates and outputs the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal, including:

[0083] Acquire the rising edge of the broadcast pulse of the broadcast level signal and the rising edge of the test pulse of the test level signal;

[0084] The rising edge of the test pulse is taken as the test start time, and the rising edge of the broadcast pulse is taken as the test end time.

[0085] The delay test result is calculated based on the test start time and the test end time.

[0086] The delay test method provided by this invention determines the corresponding rising edge of the pulse from the converted broadcast level signal and test level signal. Specifically, it acquires the rising edges of the pulses corresponding to the two level signals, including the broadcast pulse rising edge and the test pulse rising edge, and uses the test pulse rising edge as the test start time and the corresponding broadcast pulse rising edge as the test end time. The delay time of the broadcast system, i.e., the delay test result, can then be calculated based on these two determined times. This audio delay test method, when calculating the delay test result, only uses the rising edge of the pulse of the level signal as the delay test time for that level signal, further improving the accuracy of the calculated delay test result.

[0087] See details Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the delay test signal provided by the present invention. Figure 5 The test signal shown is the test signal T1 used in this embodiment. The total length of the test signal T1 is 5S, of which there is an audio signal for 1S and no signal for the other 4S. The audio signal frequency is 1K and the amplitude is -10dB.

[0088] In this embodiment, based on such Figure 4Before starting the test, the audio delay test system shown requires connecting the test signal output terminal of the audio delay test device to the audio input device of the networked broadcasting system, and connecting the audio signal output device 1 of the networked broadcasting system to the test signal input terminal of the audio delay test device. At the same time, the user can choose whether to connect the audio delay test device to the audio output devices 2-n of the networked broadcasting system. That is, T1 and T2 are mandatory connections, while T3-Tn are optional connections.

[0089] After completing the connection of the above devices, the user can start the test. Once started, the audio delay test device will output... Figure 5 The test signal T1 is sent to the audio input device of the networked broadcasting system, and the audio delay testing device will also simultaneously acquire the test signal T1 as the reference signal for the delay test through the analog signal acquisition AD1 in the device. After the networked broadcasting system processes the test signal T1 and outputs it through the audio output devices 1-n, the audio delay testing device will then... Figure 2 The analog signal acquisition AD2-ADn is shown to obtain the corresponding test input T2-Tn.

[0090] After acquiring the aforementioned test signal, the audio delay testing device will process it, specifically by converting the audio envelope into high and low level pulses using a peak detection algorithm, taking the start time as the rising edge of the pulse, and using the rising edge of the pulse as the delay test result. Figure 7 The calculation reference data for the delay length ΔT is shown. Therefore, the time when the signal envelope of T1 is captured, i.e., the reference signal, is determined as time 0, and the corresponding delay length ΔT = T2 - T1 or ΔT = Tn - T1. In this embodiment, the falling edge of the signal envelope is not used for testing; see details below. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the test broadcast signal provided by the present invention.

[0091] To further improve the accuracy and reliability of the test, either a single test or multiple tests can be performed. A single test involves the audio player on the audio delay testing device playing the audio once, with the corresponding AD1-ADn data being acquired once. The delay duration is then calculated by the central processing unit or PC software and used as the test result. Multiple tests involve the audio player repeatedly playing the audio... Figure 6 The audio signal T1 is shown, and AD1-ADn are collected multiple times, preferably 5 times. After calculating the test results, the average data of the multiple tests is used as the test result.

[0092] In addition, see Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the synchronous testing method for the audio delay testing device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the synchronous testing method includes steps 201 to 203, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0093] Step 201: In response to the synchronization test start signal, generate a synchronization test signal and send the synchronization test signal to the networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back several synchronization broadcast signals;

[0094] Step 202: Receive several synchronous broadcast signals, and convert the several synchronous broadcast signals and the synchronous test signals into several synchronous broadcast level signals and synchronous test level signals respectively;

[0095] Step 203: Calculate the synchronization test result based on several of the synchronization broadcast level signals and the synchronization test level signals.

[0096] To test the output synchronization of different audio output devices in a networked broadcasting system, the audio delay testing method provided by this invention can also send a synchronization test signal to the networked broadcasting system under test. Upon receiving the synchronization test signal, the broadcasting system can then output it back through several audio output devices that require synchronization testing. Synchronous acquisition of the synchronized broadcast signals output by several different output devices avoids interference between multiple synchronized broadcast signals, which could lead to errors in subsequent synchronization test results and affect their accuracy. This broadcasting system synchronization testing method reduces the difficulty of synchronization testing operations and simplifies the testing process; simultaneously, by processing several synchronized broadcast signals for synchronization testing, it improves the testing efficiency for synchronization index testing of multiple audio output devices.

[0097] In addition, when testing the synchronization index of several broadcast synchronization signals using the synchronization test signal, the delay test of each broadcast synchronization signal can also be performed simultaneously.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the synchronization test result is calculated and output based on the plurality of synchronous broadcast level signals and the synchronous test level signals, including:

[0099] The rising edges of several synchronous broadcast pulses of several synchronous broadcast level signals and the rising edges of synchronous test pulses of several synchronous test level signals are respectively acquired;

[0100] The time deviation between the rising edge of the synchronization test pulse and the rising edges of several synchronization broadcast pulses are calculated respectively to obtain several synchronization test sub-results;

[0101] The synchronization test results are obtained and output by integrating several of the synchronization test sub-results.

[0102] After acquiring several synchronous broadcast level signals and synchronous test level signals, the synchronous test results of several synchronous broadcast level signals can be calculated using a method similar to that used for calculating delay test results. Since the synchronization comparison is based on the audio output devices of two broadcast systems, when calculating the synchronization test results, several synchronous test sub-results corresponding one-to-one with the synchronous broadcast level signals will be calculated first, and then any two of the sub-results will be compared to obtain the delay synchronization test results between each output device. This enables the testing of delay synchronization indicators between audio output devices of multiple broadcast systems.

[0103] To test the output synchronization of different audio output devices in a networked broadcasting system, the audio delay testing device provided by this invention can also send a synchronization test signal to the broadcasting system. After receiving the synchronization test signal, the broadcasting system will process it accordingly and play it through different audio output devices. The audio delay testing device will obtain the synchronization test broadcast signals output by different output devices through the test signal input terminals connected to different audio output devices, and calculate and test the synchronization index of the broadcasting system's output devices on the obtained synchronization test broadcast signals.

[0104] The aforementioned synchronous testing method for broadcast systems reduces the operational complexity of the testing equipment and simplifies the testing process. Synchronizing audio input to multiple different audio output devices also improves the accuracy and efficiency of the synchronous test results. Furthermore, using the same device to test both the delay and synchronization metrics of the broadcast system enhances testing convenience and the cost-effectiveness of the testing equipment.

[0105] In this embodiment, based on such Figure 4 The audio delay testing system shown requires the device to undergo the following procedures before testing begins: Figure 4 The connection is shown. When the device needs to perform synchronous testing, T2-Tn needs to be connected to two or more test signals, that is, at this time... Figure 2 As shown, AD3-ADn has a mandatory connection.

[0106] After completing the above connection, the test process is the same as the delay test. Since the synchronization test of the device is a synchronization test between different audio output devices of the broadcast system, the difference between the synchronization test and the delay test is that when the delay test device obtains the corresponding test signal from AD1-ADn to calculate the synchronization test result, the reference signal it refers to is not the T1 signal obtained by AD1.

[0107] In synchronization testing, the device will no longer set a reference signal, but will instead calculate the synchronization time deviation ΔT between all received signals; that is, a synchronization time deviation ΔT calculation is required between every two signals. Therefore, if the delay test equipment acquires n synchronization test broadcast signals, the equipment needs to perform... The calculation of the secondary synchronization time deviation ΔT is detailed in the following document. Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the synchronous test broadcast signal provided by the present invention. The above calculation process is implemented by the central processing unit of the device, and in order to improve the accuracy and reliability of the synchronization test results, the above test process can also be performed as a single test or multiple tests.

[0108] The test data obtained from the above two tests, including delay testing and synchronization testing, can be classified, labeled, and stored in the device's database, or transmitted to a PC (the host computer described in this embodiment) via USB connection for statistical analysis, thereby enabling data traceability of the testing device.

[0109] In addition, the networked broadcasting system provided in this embodiment includes a power amplifier and a networked broadcasting server; wherein:

[0110] The power amplifier device is used to receive the test broadcast signal output by the audio output device, and to perform power amplification and output processing on the test broadcast signal. The power amplifier device enables the power amplification and output processing of the test broadcast signal output by the audio output device.

[0111] The networked broadcast server is used to manage the broadcast system itself, as well as all input devices, output devices, and control devices that are connected to the broadcast system via a network.

[0112] Users can monitor and obtain the broadcast system's operational data in real time through the broadcast server. They can also store and manage the acquired operational data for subsequent tracing of abnormal signals.

[0113] Meanwhile, the real-time monitoring of the broadcast system's operating status can be achieved through the broadcast server's stored broadcast system operation data. When abnormal problems occur in the system, the stored operation data can be used to troubleshoot the broadcast system, thus improving the troubleshooting efficiency of the broadcast system.

[0114] To better illustrate the working principle and steps of the audio delay testing method, apparatus and system for a broadcast system of the present invention, please refer to the relevant description above, but not limited to.

[0115] Accordingly, see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the audio delay testing device for a broadcast system provided by the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the audio delay testing device includes a test signal response module 301, a test signal conversion module 302, and a test result output module 303; wherein:

[0116] The test signal response module 301 is used to generate a delay test signal in response to the delay test start signal, and send the delay test signal to the networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back a broadcast test signal.

[0117] Furthermore, the test signal response module 301 is also used to generate a synchronous test signal in response to the synchronous test start signal, and send the synchronous test signal to the networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back several synchronous broadcast signals.

[0118] The test signal conversion module 302 is used to receive the broadcast test signal and convert the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into broadcast level signal and test level signal, respectively.

[0119] Furthermore, the test signal conversion module 302 is also used to receive several synchronous broadcast signals and convert the several synchronous broadcast signals and the synchronous test signals into several synchronous broadcast level signals and synchronous test level signals, respectively.

[0120] Furthermore, the test signal conversion module 302 converts the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into broadcast level signals and test level signals, respectively, including:

[0121] The broadcast test signal and the delay test signal are converted into the broadcast level signal and the test level signal by a preset peak detection algorithm.

[0122] The test result output module 303 is used to calculate and output the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal.

[0123] Furthermore, the test result output module 303 is also used to calculate the synchronization test result based on a plurality of the synchronization broadcast level signals and the synchronization test level signals.

[0124] Furthermore, the test result output module 303 calculates the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal, including:

[0125] The rising edge of the broadcast pulse of the broadcast level signal and the rising edge of the test pulse of the test level signal are obtained; the rising edge of the test pulse is used as the test start time and the rising edge of the broadcast pulse is used as the test end time; the delay test result is calculated based on the test start time and the test end time.

[0126] Furthermore, the test result output module 303 calculates and outputs the synchronization test result based on the plurality of synchronous broadcast level signals and the synchronous test level signal, including:

[0127] The rising edges of several synchronous broadcast pulses of several synchronous broadcast level signals and the rising edges of synchronous test pulses of several synchronous test level signals are obtained respectively; the time deviation between the rising edge of the synchronous test pulse and the rising edges of several synchronous broadcast pulses is calculated respectively to obtain several synchronous test sub-results; the several synchronous test sub-results are integrated to obtain and output the synchronous test result.

[0128] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an audio delay testing system for a broadcast system, the audio delay testing system comprising an audio delay testing device for a broadcast system as described in any one of the above embodiments and a networked broadcast system; wherein:

[0129] The audio input device of the networked broadcasting system is electrically connected to the test signal output terminal of the audio delay testing device;

[0130] The audio output device of the networked broadcasting system is electrically connected to the test signal input terminal of the audio delay testing device;

[0131] The networked broadcasting system is used to receive the delay test signal or synchronization test signal output by the audio delay test device, and encapsulate the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal and feed it back to the audio delay test device.

[0132] The networked broadcasting system in the audio delay test system provided in this embodiment of the invention receives the delay test signal or synchronization test signal output by the audio delay test device through the audio input device, and feeds back the delay test signal or synchronization test signal to the audio delay test device through the audio output device.

[0133] As a preferred example, the audio latency testing system includes an audio input device, an audio output device, and a network switch; wherein:

[0134] The signal input terminal of the network switch is electrically connected to the audio input device;

[0135] The signal output terminal of the network switch is electrically connected to the audio output device;

[0136] The network switch is used to encapsulate the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal input by the audio input device and transmit it to the audio output device;

[0137] The audio input device is used to receive the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal, and transmit the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal to the network switch;

[0138] The audio output device is used to receive the encapsulated broadcast test signal and the synchronous broadcast signal, and to transmit the broadcast test signal and the synchronous broadcast signal to the audio delay test device.

[0139] The network switch provided in this embodiment of the invention does not have specific definitions for input and output ports. Since all ports of a basic network switch have the same function, only network switches with management functions may have cascaded ports or some ports may have restrictions on connected devices. Therefore, the aforementioned signal input port refers to the port in the network switch that is electrically connected to an audio input device, while the signal output port refers to the port that is electrically connected to an audio output device. That is, the above two types of ports are not specifically limited to a certain type of port.

[0140] Furthermore, upon receiving a delay test signal or a synchronization test signal, the audio input device first performs analog-to-digital conversion on these two types of analog signals, converting them into digital form. It then encapsulates the converted digital signals to obtain corresponding network data packets, which are sent to the network switch for processing to obtain the corresponding broadcast test signal and synchronization broadcast signal. When the audio output device receives the data packets transmitted by the network switch, it decodes and performs digital-to-analog conversion on them, outputting the corresponding analog signal to the audio delay test device.

[0141] In summary, this invention provides an audio delay testing method and apparatus for a broadcast system. Based on a response delay test start signal, a delay test signal is generated and sent to a networked broadcast system to receive a broadcast test signal. The method receives the broadcast test signal and converts both the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into broadcast level signals and test level signals, respectively. The delay test result is calculated and output based on the broadcast level signals and test level signals. This invention uses the generated delay test signal as a reference signal for delay testing of the broadcast signal output by the broadcast system.

[0142] It avoids delay test errors caused by the data transmission process of obtaining test reference signals from external sources, thus improving the accuracy of delay tests; it directly obtains broadcast test signals fed back from the broadcast system, saving data transmission time for audio signal acquisition from the broadcast system's power amplifier equipment, thus improving test efficiency.

[0143] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In particular, it should be noted that any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention for those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for testing audio delay in a broadcast system, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: In response to a delay test start signal, a delay test signal is generated and sent to a networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back a broadcast test signal. Receive the broadcast test signal and convert the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into a broadcast level signal and a test level signal, respectively; The delay test result is calculated and output based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal; The step of converting the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into a broadcast level signal and a test level signal includes: The broadcast test signal and the delay test signal are converted into the broadcast level signal and the test level signal by a preset peak detection algorithm; The step of calculating and outputting the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal includes: Acquire the rising edge of the broadcast pulse of the broadcast level signal and the rising edge of the test pulse of the test level signal; The rising edge of the test pulse is taken as the test start time, and the rising edge of the broadcast pulse is taken as the test end time. The delay test result is calculated based on the test start time and the test end time.

2. The audio delay testing method for a broadcast system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: In response to the synchronization test start signal, a synchronization test signal is generated and sent to the networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back several synchronization broadcast signals. Receive a plurality of the aforementioned synchronous broadcast signals, and convert the plurality of the aforementioned synchronous broadcast signals and the aforementioned synchronous test signals into a plurality of synchronous broadcast level signals and synchronous test level signals; The synchronization test result is calculated and output based on several of the aforementioned synchronous broadcast level signals and the aforementioned synchronous test level signals.

3. The audio delay testing method for a broadcast system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The step of calculating and outputting the synchronization test result based on the plurality of synchronous broadcast level signals and the synchronous test level signals includes: The rising edges of several synchronous broadcast pulses of several synchronous broadcast level signals and the rising edges of synchronous test pulses of several synchronous test level signals are respectively acquired; The time deviation between the rising edge of the synchronization test pulse and the rising edges of several synchronization broadcast pulses are calculated respectively to obtain several synchronization test sub-results; The synchronization test result is obtained by integrating several of the synchronization test sub-results.

4. An audio delay testing device for a broadcast system, characterized in that, The audio delay testing device includes a test signal response module, a test signal conversion module, and a test result output module; wherein: The test signal response module is used to generate a delay test signal in response to the delay test start signal, and send the delay test signal to the networked broadcast system so that the networked broadcast system can feed back a broadcast test signal; The test signal conversion module is used to receive the broadcast test signal and convert the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into a broadcast level signal and a test level signal, respectively. The test result output module is used to calculate and output the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal; The test signal conversion module converts the broadcast test signal and the delay test signal into broadcast level signals and test level signals, including: The broadcast test signal and the delay test signal are converted into the broadcast level signal and the test level signal using a preset peak detection algorithm. The test result output module calculates and outputs the delay test result based on the broadcast level signal and the test level signal, including: Acquire the rising edge of the broadcast pulse of the broadcast level signal and the rising edge of the test pulse of the test level signal; The rising edge of the test pulse is taken as the test start time, and the rising edge of the broadcast pulse is taken as the test end time. The delay test result is calculated and output based on the test start time and the test end time.

5. An audio delay testing system for a broadcasting system, characterized in that, The audio delay testing system includes an audio delay testing device for a broadcast system as described in claim 4 and a networked broadcast system; wherein: The audio input device of the networked broadcasting system is electrically connected to the test signal output terminal of the audio delay testing device; The audio output device of the networked broadcasting system is electrically connected to the test signal input terminal of the audio delay testing device; The networked broadcasting system is used to receive the delay test signal or synchronization test signal output by the audio delay test device, and encapsulate the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal and feed it back to the audio delay test device.

6. The audio delay testing system for a broadcast system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The audio latency testing system includes audio input devices, audio output devices, and a network switch; wherein: The signal input terminal of the network switch is electrically connected to the audio input device; The signal output terminal of the network switch is electrically connected to the audio output device; The network switch is used to encapsulate the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal input by the audio input device and transmit it to the audio output device; The audio input device is used to receive the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal, and transmit the delay test signal or the synchronization test signal to the network switch; The audio output device is used to receive the encapsulated broadcast test signal and the synchronous broadcast signal, and to transmit the broadcast test signal and the synchronous broadcast signal to the audio delay test device.

Images