Audio playing method, audio playing system and transmitting sound box

Abstract

The invention provides an audio playing method, an audio playing system and a transmitting sound box. The audio playing method comprises the following steps: (a) sequentially executing a plurality of beacon transmissions by a wireless communication chip, wherein the beacon transmissions are used for respectively transmitting a plurality of corresponding timestamps; (b) in response to the beacon transmissions, capturing, by the system-on-chip, a plurality of corresponding system times respectively corresponding to the beacon transmissions; and (c) generating a plurality of corresponding time differences in one-to-one correspondence with the beacon transmissions according to the corresponding timestamps and the corresponding system times. Step (b) comprises: when each of these beacon transmissions is executed, the wireless communication chip transmits the input / output signal and the corresponding timestamp currently transmitted to the system-on-chip via the input / output interface and the communication interface, respectively, to trigger system interruption; and in response to the interrupt signal, capturing, by the system-on-chip, a current system time as a corresponding system time to which the beacon should be transmitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described in this case relate to an audio technology, and more particularly to a playback method, an audio playback system, and a transmitting speaker. Background Technology

[0002] Previous methods required multiple speakers to simultaneously play the same audio file to create a surround sound effect. Current technology connects multiple wireless speakers to a transmitting speaker that acts as a wireless access point (AP). This transmitting speaker bridges the multiple wireless speakers, sending a wireless signal (which could be a beacon signal) containing shared playback time information to each speaker. The speakers then determine their playback times based on this shared playback time information. This unifies the playback times of all wireless speakers.

[0003] However, the transmitting speaker itself should also play audio synchronously with these wireless communication speakers. With the existing hardware configuration of the transmitting speaker, this requires first transmitting co-playtime information to the transmitting speaker's system-on-a-chip (SoC) via a bus (e.g., USB 2.0), after which the SoC determines the transmitting speaker's playback time based on the co-playtime information. The co-playtime information is a timestamp captured when transmitting the wireless signal. In other words, the co-playtime information uses the wireless signal's timestamp as the time standard, not the SoC's system time. Therefore, the transmitting speaker's system time needs to be aligned with the time marked by the timestamp, i.e., the difference between the system time and the time marked by the timestamp needs to be compensated, so that the transmitting speaker can play audio synchronously with other communication speakers based on the co-playtime information. The time required for the aforementioned bus transmission is often difficult to estimate and cannot be ignored, making it difficult to align the transmitting speaker's system time with the time marked by the timestamp.

[0004] Therefore, this invention aims to develop an audio playback method that aligns the system time of the transmitting speaker with the time marked by the timestamp, and accordingly provides an audio playback system and transmitting speaker for each speaker to play corresponding audio at a specified time. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Building upon the above, compared to the prior art, the embodiments of the present invention can provide accurate system time and beacon time pairing, enabling speakers to align their beacon time with the system time, allowing each speaker to play audio at a specified time. In various scenarios, the speakers can play the same audio synchronously, or they can each play different audio at a specified time.

[0006] Some embodiments of this invention relate to an audio playback method. The audio playback method includes the following steps: a wireless communication chip sequentially transmits a plurality of beacons, wherein these beacon transmissions are used to transmit a plurality of corresponding timestamps respectively; in response to these beacon transmissions, a system chip acquires a plurality of corresponding system times respectively corresponding to these beacon transmissions; based on these corresponding timestamps and these corresponding system times, generates a plurality of corresponding time differences corresponding one-to-one with these beacon transmissions; and the system chip determines a system playback time based on these corresponding time differences. In response to these beacon transmissions, the system chip acquires a plurality of corresponding system times respectively corresponding to these beacon transmissions, comprising: when each of these beacon transmissions is performed, the wireless communication chip transmits an input / output signal and the currently transmitted corresponding timestamp from among these corresponding timestamps to the system chip via an input / output interface and a communication interface to trigger a system interrupt, wherein the input / output interface and the communication interface are included in the wireless communication chip; and in response to an interrupt signal triggered by the input / output signal, the system chip acquires the current system time as the corresponding system time of the current beacon transmission among these beacon transmissions.

[0007] Some embodiments of this invention relate to a transmitting speaker. The transmitting speaker includes a wireless communication chip and a system-on-a-chip (SoC). The wireless communication chip includes a first interrupt service routine, a first input / output interface (I / O interface), and a first communication interface. The first interrupt service routine is used to notify the I / O interface to generate input / output signals. The first I / O interface generates input / output signals in response to the first interrupt service routine. The first communication interface is used to transmit a timestamp. The SoC includes a second I / O interface, a second communication interface, an interrupt handler, a wireless communication driver, and an audio playback program. The second I / O interface is electrically connected to the first I / O interface. The second communication interface is electrically connected to the first communication interface. The second I / O interface receives input / output signals and triggers an interrupt signal to notify the interrupt handler, which then initiates system time acquisition. The wireless communication driver receives the timestamp via the second communication interface. The audio playback program generates a time difference between the system time and the time marked by the timestamp, and plays audio at a system playback time estimated based on the time difference.

[0008] Some embodiments of this invention relate to an audio playback system. The audio playback system includes a transmitting speaker and a plurality of receiving speakers communicatively connected to the transmitting speaker, wherein the transmitting speaker transmits a first beacon containing a first timestamp, and the receiving speakers receive the first beacon. The transmitting speaker includes a wireless communication chip and a system-on-a-chip (SoC). The wireless communication chip includes a first interrupt service routine and a first input / output interface. In response to a beacon transmission notification input / output interface, the first input / output interface generates input / output signals. The SoC includes a second input / output interface, a second interrupt service routine, and the audio playback system. The second input / output interface is electrically connected to the first input / output interface to receive input / output signals to trigger an interrupt signal. In response to the interrupt signal, the second interrupt service routine retrieves the system time of the transmitting speaker. The audio playback system generates a time difference between the system time of the transmitting speaker and the time marked by the first timestamp. The transmitting speaker determines the system playback time at least partially based on the time difference and the first timestamp. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The following paragraphs describing the implementation methods and the diagrams below will provide a better understanding of the content of this case:

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an audio playback system according to some embodiments of this case is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a transmitting speaker according to some embodiments of this case is shown;

[0012] Figure 3A This is a flowchart of an audio playback method according to some embodiments of this case;

[0013] Figure 3B Based on some embodiments of this case Figure 3A A flowchart detailing the steps in the process;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the signal transmission method in the transmitting speaker according to some embodiments of this case; and

[0015] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating the signal transmission method in a transmitting speaker according to other embodiments of this invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The spirit of this case will be clearly explained below with diagrams and detailed description. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make changes and modifications based on the technology taught in this case after understanding the embodiments of this case, without departing from the spirit and scope of this case.

[0017] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this case. Singular forms such as “a,” “this,” “this,” “the,” and “the” as used herein also include plural forms.

[0018] The terms "include", "include", "have", "contain", etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning they include but are not limited to.

[0019] As used herein, “approximately,” “about,” “close to,” or “substantially” generally mean within 20%, 10%, or 5% of a given value or range. The numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that unless explicitly specified, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “close to,” or “substantially” may be used speculatively.

[0020] Unless otherwise specified, the terms used herein generally have their ordinary meaning in the context of this field, the subject matter, and the specific content of this case. Certain terms used to describe this case will be discussed below or elsewhere in this specification to provide additional guidance to those skilled in the art in describing this case.

[0021] Now for reference Figure 1 . Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an audio playback system 100 according to some embodiments of this case is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the audio playback system 100 includes a transmitting speaker AP and multiple receiving speakers RX1 to RX4. The transmitting speaker AP is communicatively connected to the receiving speakers RX1 to RX4. In operation, the receiving speakers RX1 to RX4 receive the beacon signal BC transmitted by the transmitting speaker AP, which includes a timestamp TSC related to the shared playback time to further synchronize the playback between the transmitting speaker AP and the receiving speakers RX1 to RX4. The receiving speakers RX1 to RX4 continuously monitor wireless signals and actively receive the beacon signal BC.

[0022] Now for reference Figure 2 . Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a transmitting speaker AP according to some embodiments of this case is shown. For example... Figure 2As shown, the transmitting speaker AP includes a wireless communication chip 210 and a system-on-chip (SoC) 220, wherein the wireless communication chip 210 may be, but is not limited to, a Wi-Fi chip. The wireless communication chip 210 includes an input / output interface 211 and a communication interface 212. The SoC 220 includes an input / output interface 221 and a communication interface 222. Input / output interfaces 211 and 221 are electrically connected. Communication interfaces 212 and 222 are electrically connected. In other words, the wireless communication chip 210 and the SoC 220 are electrically connected to each other via input / output interfaces 211 and 221 and communication interfaces 212 and 222.

[0023] In some embodiments, input / output interfaces 211 and 221 are general purpose input / output (GPIO) interfaces. In other words, input / output interface 211 and input / output interface 221 can be a general purpose input / output pin and a general purpose input / output port, respectively. In some embodiments, communication interfaces 212 and 222 are universal serial bus (USB) interfaces. In other words, communication interface 212 and communication interface 222 are a universal serial bus pin and a universal serial bus port, respectively.

[0024] In detail, the wireless communication chip 210 also includes an interrupt service routine (ISR) 213. The system-on-a-chip (SoC) 220 also includes a kernel space (KS) and a user space (US). Components in the kernel space (KS) can control parts of the hardware in the system-on-a-chip 220 via machine code, a low-level programming language, and can directly extract system information, such as the system time. Furthermore, the kernel space (KS) includes a wireless communication driver 223 and an interrupt handler 224. The wireless communication driver 223 includes an interrupt service routine (D_ISR).

[0025] Unlike the kernel space KS, components in the user space US cannot directly extract system information. They must send a system call to the kernel space KS to request system information. The user space US contains the audio playback program 226. The specific functions and combinations of the various components of the wireless communication chip 210 and the system-on-a-chip 220 will be described in detail in subsequent paragraphs along with the audio playback method 300 and the signal transmission methods 400 and 500.

[0026] Now, please refer to them together. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 . Figure 3A This is a flowchart of an audio playback method 300 according to some embodiments of this case. Figure 3B Based on some embodiments of this case Figure 3A A flowchart providing further details of step 320. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission method 400 in a transmitting speaker AP according to some embodiments of this case. It should be understood that... Figure 3A and Figure 3B Additional operations are provided before, during, and after the illustrated process, and some of the operations described below may be substituted or eliminated for additional embodiments of the method. The order of operations / processes may be interchangeable. In the various figures and illustrative embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements. Audio playback method 300 includes steps 310, 320, 330, and 340 of the following reference signal transmission mode 400, wherein step 320 includes substeps 321 and 322.

[0027] First, in step 310, the wireless communication chip 210 sequentially executes multiple beacon transmission BCTs, whereby these beacon transmission BCTs are used to transmit multiple corresponding timestamps TS1, and these corresponding timestamps TS1 respectively mark multiple transmission times t1, t2, ..., and tn. In other words, the wireless communication chip 210 executes multiple beacon transmission BCTs in chronological order; therefore, these beacon transmission BCTs are executed at different times. Furthermore, with... Figure 1 The same implementation is shown, and these beacon BCTs are received by the receiving speakers RX1~RX4.

[0028] For example, these beacon transmissions BCT include beacon transmissions BCT[1], BCT[2], ..., and BCT[n], which are transmitted at transmission times t1, t2, ..., and tn, respectively. Furthermore, these beacon transmissions BCT correspond one-to-one with their corresponding timestamps TS1. For example, these corresponding timestamps TS1 include corresponding timestamps TS1[1], TS1[2], ..., and TS1[n], where corresponding timestamp TS1[1] corresponds to beacon transmission BCT[1], corresponding timestamp TS1[2] corresponds to beacon transmission BCT[2], ..., and corresponding timestamp TS1[n] corresponds to beacon transmission BCT[n].

[0029] In detail, such as Figure 4As shown, in each of these beacon transmissions BCT, the wireless communication chip 210 transmits a beacon signal BC to the outside of the transmitting speaker AP. The beacon signal BC contains a corresponding timestamp TS1[k]. The corresponding timestamp TS1[k] is a timestamp captured from the wireless communication chip 210 at the time of transmitting the beacon signal BC, corresponding to the current transmission time tk. In other words, the corresponding timestamp TS1[k] corresponds to the current beacon transmission BCT[k], where the current beacon transmission BCT[k] is the beacon transmission performed at the current transmission time tk. Furthermore, based on the above, at transmission time t1, the captured corresponding timestamp TS1[k] is the corresponding timestamp TS1[1]; at transmission time t2, the captured corresponding timestamp TS1[k] is the corresponding timestamp TS1[2]; ...; at transmission time tn, the captured corresponding timestamp TS1[k] is the corresponding timestamp TS1[n]. In other words, the transmission times t1, t2, ..., tn are the times marked by the corresponding timestamps TS1[1], TS1[2], ..., TS1[n]. In addition, in some embodiments, the wireless communication chip 210 also includes a timer 214, and the corresponding timestamps TS1[1], TS1[2], ..., TS1[n] are captured from the timer 214.

[0030] In step 320, in response to the BCT transmissions of these beacons, the system chip 220 retrieves a plurality of corresponding system times SysTs corresponding to the BCT transmissions of these beacons. For example, the corresponding system times SysTs include corresponding system times SysT[1], SysT[2], ..., and SysT[n], where corresponding system time SysT[1] corresponds to beacon transmission BCT[1], corresponding system time SysT[2] corresponds to beacon transmission BCT[2], ..., and corresponding system time SysT[n] corresponds to beacon transmission BCT[n]. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the system chip 220 also includes a timer 225, and the corresponding system times SysT[1], SysT[2], ..., SysT[n] are retrieved from the timer 225. In addition, more specifically, step 320 includes sub-steps 321 and 322.

[0031] In step 321, as follows Figure 4 As shown, when each of these beacon transmission BCTs is executed, the wireless communication chip 210 transmits the input / output signal GPIOS and the corresponding timestamp TS1[k] of the current transmission from the corresponding timestamp TS1 to the system chip 220 via the input / output interface 211 and the communication interface 212, respectively. In some embodiments, the input / output signal GPIOS is generated by the input / output interface 221 when each of these beacon transmission BCTs is executed.

[0032] For interrupt signals, specifically, when each of these beacon transmission BCTs is executed, the interrupt service routine 213 of the wireless communication chip 210 first notifies the input / output interface 211, and in response, the input / output interface 211 generates input / output signals (e.g., ...). Figure 4 The input / output signal GPIOS is shown. For example, when input / output interface 211 is a general-purpose input / output pin, the interrupt service routine 213 notifies input / output interface 211 that input / output interface 211 generates a pulse to the general-purpose input / output pin. The pulse is then transmitted from input / output interface 211 to input / output interface 221 (see...). Figure 2 The input / output interface 221 receives pulses to trigger an interrupt signal, which then enters the interrupt handler 224 of the system single chip 220.

[0033] For the corresponding timestamp TS1[k], in detail, such as Figure 4 As shown, the corresponding timestamp TS1[k] is included in the client-to-host (C2H) packet, which is transmitted via communication interface 212 to communication interface 222 (see...). Figure 2 This allows the wireless communication driver 223 of the system chip 220 to access the C2H packet. The C2H packet has a different packet structure than a typical Wi-Fi packet. The C2H packet is transmitted unidirectionally from the wireless communication chip 210 to the system chip 220, while Wi-Fi packets are transmitted between the wireless communication chips 210. Upon transmission of the C2H packet, the corresponding timestamp TS1[k] is transmitted to the wireless communication driver 223.

[0034] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the transmission of the corresponding timestamp TS1[k] using C2H packets is performed when the pulse-driven general-purpose input / output interface 211, which serves as an input / output signal (IOS), is activated. In other words, the generation of input / output signals by the input / output interface 211 and the transmission of the corresponding timestamp TS1[k] to the system chip 220 via the communication interface 212 are performed simultaneously in response to an interrupt signal triggered by each of these beacon transmission BCTs.

[0035] In step 322, in response to the interrupt signal, the system chip 220 acquires the current system time SysT[k] as the corresponding system time of the current beacon transmission BCT[k] in these beacon transmission BCTs. In other words, the current system time is the system time of the system chip 220 acquired by the wireless communication chip 210 in response to the current beacon transmission BCT[k] performed at the current transmission time tk.

[0036] In detail, in some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, after receiving the interrupt signal, the interrupt handler 224 executes the interrupt service routine D_ISR registered by the wireless communication driver 223 of the system single chip 220. (See...) Figure 2 Next, the interrupt service routine D_ISR retrieves the current system time SysT[k] as the corresponding system time for transmitting the current beacon BCT[k]. In some embodiments, the wireless communication driver 223 registers the interrupt service routine D_ISR with the interrupt handler 224 before starting the time synchronization operation. Therefore, after receiving the interrupt signal, the interrupt handler 224 will directly execute the interrupt service routine D_ISR registered by the wireless communication driver 223.

[0037] Next, in step 330, based on these corresponding timestamps TS1 and these corresponding system times Sys_T, multiple corresponding time differences TD are generated that correspond one-to-one with the BCT transmissions of these beacons. For example, these corresponding time differences TD include corresponding time differences TD[1], TD[2], ..., and TD[n], where corresponding time difference TD[1] = corresponding system time Sys_T[1] - transmission time t1, corresponding time difference TD[2] = corresponding system time Sys_T[2] - transmission time t2, ..., and corresponding time difference TD[n] = corresponding system time Sys_T[n] - transmission time tn.

[0038] In detail, the wireless communication driver 223 further pairs these corresponding system times Sys_T with these corresponding timestamps TS1 to generate multiple time pairs TP. In other words, Sys_T[1] and TS1[1] form a time pair TP[1]; Sys_T[2] and TS1[2] form a time pair TP[1]; ...; Sys_T[n] and TS1[n] form a time pair TP[n].

[0039] Next, the audio playback program 226 extracts these time pairs TP via the wireless communication driver 223, wherein these time pairs TP include time pairs TP[1], TP[2], ..., and TP[n]. Specifically, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the audio playback program 226 sends a Time Pair Request (TPR) to the wireless communication driver 223, wherein the audio playback program 226 may send the TPR at any time. In response to the TPR, the wireless communication driver 223 provides the audio playback program 226 with the current time pair TP[k] corresponding to the current beacon transmission BCT[k]. For each of these beacon transmissions BCT, the current time pair TP[k] is provided to the audio playback program 226 in the same manner. In this way, the audio playback program 226 obtains time pairs TP[1], TP[2], ..., and TP[n].

[0040] In some embodiments, the audio playback program 226 issues time pair requests (TPRs) at multiple predetermined times to extract these time pairs (TPs). In some embodiments, there is a constant time interval delt_t1 between any two adjacent times among these predetermined times tp_1, tp_2, ..., tp_n. In other words, the time differences (tp_2-tp_1), (tp_3-tp_2), ..., and (tp_n-tp_n-1) are the same. In other words, the audio playback program 226 periodically performs extraction of the current time pair TP[k]. In some embodiments, there is a time interval delta_t2 between any two adjacent times among the transmission times t1, t2, ..., tn of the beacon transmission BCT. In other words, the beacon signal BC is transmitted periodically. In some embodiments, the time interval delta_t1 is equal to the time interval delta_t2.

[0041] Furthermore, in more detail, in some embodiments, the wireless communication driver 223 also includes an application programming interface (API) D_API (see... Figure 2 The time pair request TPR is sent to the application programming interface D_API, which in turn provides the current time pair TP[k] to the audio player 226.

[0042] In some embodiments, the wireless communication driver 223 does not include the application programming interface D_API but does include the file system D_FS (see...). Figure 2 For example, proc entry. The time pair request TPR is sent to the file system D_FS, which then provides the current time pair TP[k] to the audio player 226.

[0043] In some embodiments, the wireless communication driver 223 also includes an application programming interface (API) D_API. The kernel space KS contains a file system D_FS (see...). Figure 2 The time pair request (TPR) can optionally be sent to the application programming interface (API) D_API or the file system D_FS, which then provides the current time pair (TP[k]) to the audio player 226. The API D_API is provided by the wireless communication driver 223 itself, while the file system D_FS is registered by the wireless communication driver 223 from the operating system.

[0044] After the above operations, the audio playback program 226 generates multiple corresponding time differences TD based on these corresponding timestamps TS1 and the corresponding system time Sys_T, thus completing step 330.

[0045] In step 340, the system single-chip 220 determines the system playback time tp_sys based at least in part on these corresponding time differences TD. Specifically, based on these corresponding time differences TD, the audio playback program 226 can calculate the time difference TD_f between the correct system time and the transmission time marked by the timestamp. For example, if most of these corresponding time differences TD are approximately a single value, that value can be used as the time difference TD_f. In some embodiments, the number of beacon transmissions (BCTs) prior to performing the operation to generate the corresponding time differences is 20 or more to ensure that the time difference TD_f has sufficient accuracy.

[0046] Furthermore, after the audio playback program 226 generates a time difference TD_f using these corresponding time differences TD, audio playback begins. For a period of time after obtaining the time difference TD_f, the audio playback system 100 does not need to perform time synchronization with the beacon BC's timestamp TSC. The transmitting speaker AP actively sends the beacon BC at regular intervals (approximately 102.4 milliseconds). The beacon BC contains the timestamp TSC. In some embodiments, the transmitting speaker AP continuously sends the beacon BC regardless of whether time synchronization is performed, allowing the audio playback system 100 to perform time synchronization via this mechanism. When performing audio playback, such as Figure 1 As shown, the transmitting speaker AP transmits the audio AD (not shown) to be played to the receiving speakers RX1~RX4. The audio AD includes a common playback time t_tsc.

[0047] Next, the audio playback program 226 determines the system playback time tp_sys for playing the audio AD based on the common playback time t_tsc and the time difference TD_f. Specifically, the common playback time t_tsc is subtracted from the time difference TD_f to obtain the system playback time tp_sys. Finally, the transmitting speaker AP plays the audio AD at the system playback time tp_sys. Furthermore, the receiving speakers RX1~RX4 also determine their respective audio AD playback times based on the common playback time t_tsc.

[0048] Now for reference Figure 5 . Figure 5A flowchart illustrating the signal transmission method 500 in the transmitting speaker AP according to other embodiments of this invention is provided. The audio playback method 300 can also be implemented via the signal transmission method 500. The difference between the audio playback method 300 implemented via signal transmission method 400 and the audio playback method 300 implemented via signal transmission method 500 lies in that, instead of the wireless communication driver 223, the interrupt handler 224 performs the operation of retrieving the corresponding system time Sys_T in step 322, and the audio playback program 226 must obtain the corresponding timestamp TS1 from the wireless driver 223 and the system time Sys_T from the interrupt handler 224, respectively. Other operations of the audio playback method 300 implemented via signal transmission method 400 are no different from those implemented via signal transmission method 500, and will not be described further. The operation of retrieving the corresponding system time in step 322 implemented via signal transmission method 500 and the operation of pairing the time with TP in step 330 implemented via signal transmission method 500 are detailed below.

[0049] Regarding the operation of retrieving the corresponding system time in step 322 and the operation of pairing time with TP in step 330, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, after receiving the interrupt signal, the interrupt handler 224 retrieves the current system time SysT[k] as the corresponding system time for the current beacon transmission BCT[k]. Next, the audio playback program 226 sends a timestamp request TSR to the application programming interface D_API or file system D_FS of the wireless communication driver 223. In response to the timestamp request TSR, the application programming interface D_API or file system D_FS transmits the corresponding timestamps TS1 to the audio playback program 226. Then, the audio playback program 226 reads the system time Sys_T obtained by the interrupt handler 224 and pairs it with these corresponding timestamps TS1 to generate multiple time pairs TP. In some embodiments, the audio playback program 226 requests timestamps TS1 from the wireless driver 223 and separately accesses the system time SysT retrieved by the interrupt handler 224 and performs the pairing itself.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 2Based on the above operations, the specific functions and combinations of each component of the wireless communication chip 210 and each component of the system single chip 220 are listed below. The interrupt service routine 213 is used to notify the input / output interface 211. The input / output interface 211 is used to generate the input / output signal GPIOS. The communication interface 212 is used to transmit the timestamps TS1[1], TS1[2], ..., or TS1[n]. The interrupt handler 224 is used to receive the interrupt signal triggered by the input / output signal GPIOS received through the input / output interface 221 and start the acquisition of system time. The wireless communication driver 223 is used to receive the timestamps TS1[1], TS1[2], ..., or TS1[n] through the communication interface 212. The interrupt service routine D_ISR is used to retrieve the system time in response to a call from the interrupt handler 224, and to pair the system times SysT[1], SysT[2], ..., SysT[n] with the timestamps TS1[1], TS1[2], ..., TS1[n]. The application programming interface D_API and the file system D_FS are used to provide the paired system time and timestamps to the audio playback program 226. The audio playback program 226 is used to generate the time difference between the system times SysT[1], SysT[2], ..., SysT[n] and the timestamps TS1[1], TS1[2], ..., TS1[n] marked with the times t1, t2, ..., tn, and to play the audio AD at the system playback time tp_sys estimated based on the time difference.

[0051] In some embodiments, when each of the beacon transmission BCTs is performed, the wireless communication chip 210 transmits the input / output signal GPIOS and the current corresponding timestamp TS1 from the plurality of corresponding timestamps TS1 to the system chip 220 via the input / output interface 211 and the communication interface 212. When the system chip 220 receives the input / output signal GPIOS, it triggers a system interrupt.

[0052] In some embodiments, in response to an interrupt signal triggered by the input / output signal GPIOS, the system chip 220 extracts a current system time as the corresponding system time SysT of a current beacon transmission BCT[k] in the corresponding beacon transmission BCT.

[0053] In some embodiments, the interrupt service routine 213 of the wireless communication chip 210 notifies the input / output interface 211 to generate an input / output signal GPIOS to the input / output interface 221. In response to the input / output signal GPIOS, the system single chip 220 is triggered to generate an interrupt signal.

[0054] In some embodiments, interrupt service routine 213 is used to notify input / output interface 211.

[0055] In some embodiments, in response to an interrupt signal, the system chip 220 retrieves the current system time SysT[k] as the corresponding system time for transmitting BCT[k] for the current beacon. This includes: the interrupt handler 224 executing the interrupt service routine D_ISR registered by the wireless driver 223 of the system chip 220, and the interrupt service routine D_ISR retrieving the current system time SysT[k] as the corresponding system time for transmitting BCT[k] for the current beacon.

[0056] In some embodiments, the corresponding timestamp TS1 is transmitted to the audio playback program 226 of the system chip 210.

[0057] In some embodiments, the audio playback program 226 requests the corresponding timestamp TS1 from the wireless communication driver 223, retrieves the corresponding system time SysT from the interrupt handler 224, and pairs them to generate multiple time pairs TP.

[0058] In some embodiments, the audio playback program 226 extracts the corresponding timestamp TS1 through the wireless communication driver 223 and generates a corresponding time difference TD for TP based on the time.

[0059] In some embodiments, the audio playback program 226 sends a timestamp request TSR to the application programming interface D_API or file system D_FS of the wireless communication driver 223, and in response to the timestamp request TSR, the application programming interface D_API or file system D_FS transmits the corresponding timestamp TS1 to the audio playback program 226.

[0060] In some embodiments, interrupt service routine 213 is used to notify input / output interface 211 to generate input / output signal GPIOS. Input / output interface 211 generates input / output signal GPIOS in response to interrupt service routine 213.

[0061] In some embodiments, the input / output interface 221 receives the input / output signal GPIOS and triggers an interrupt signal, and the interrupt handler 224 starts the acquisition of the system time SysT.

[0062] In some embodiments, the interrupt service routine D_ISR is used to retrieve the system time SysT in response to a call from the interrupt handler 224, and to pair the system time SysT with the timestamp TS1.

[0063] In some embodiments, interrupt service routine 213 responds to a beacon sending a BCT notification to input / output interface 211. Input / output interface 211 generates an input / output signal GPIOS. Input / output interface 221 is electrically connected to input / output interface 211 to receive the input / output signal GPIOS to trigger an interrupt signal.

[0064] In summary, this invention adds input / output interfaces 211 and 221 to the transmitting speaker AP to provide a channel between the wireless communication chip 210 and the system chip 220, in addition to communication interfaces 212 and 222. With this configuration, the wireless communication chip 210 can transmit the input / output signal GPIOS to the input / output interface 221 via input / output interface 211, triggering an interrupt signal to notify the system chip 220 to retrieve the system time. This eliminates the need to retrieve the system time only after the timestamp is transmitted to the wireless communication driver 223 via communication interfaces 212 and 222, thus solving the problem of misalignment between the transmitting speaker's system time and the time marked by the timestamp in the prior art. In this way, the audio playback system 100 can use the input / output signal GPIOS to provide accurate system time SysT and beacon time for pairing, achieving optimal alignment. This allows the speaker AP to play audio AD at specified times.

[0065] Although this case discloses detailed embodiments as described above, it does not exclude other possible implementations. Therefore, the scope of protection of this case shall be determined by the appended claims and not by the foregoing embodiments.

[0066] For those skilled in the art, various modifications and refinements can be made to this case without departing from its spirit and scope. Based on the foregoing embodiments, all modifications and refinements made to this case are also covered within the protection scope of this case.

[0067] [Symbol Explanation]

[0068] 100: Audio playback system

[0069] 210: Wireless communication chip

[0070] 211: Input / output interface

[0071] 212: Communication Interface

[0072] 213: Interrupt Service Routine

[0073] 214: Timer

[0074] 220: System-on-a-Chip

[0075] 221: Input / output interface

[0076] 222: Communication Interface

[0077] 223: Wireless Communication Driver

[0078] 224: Interrupt handler

[0079] 225: Timer

[0080] 226: Audio playback program

[0081] 300: Audio playback method

[0082] 310~340: Steps

[0083] 321~322: Secondary steps

[0084] 400: Signal transmission method

[0085] 500: Signal transmission method

[0086] AP: Transmitter

[0087] BC: Beacon Signal

[0088] D_API: Application Programming Interface

[0089] D_FS: Archive System

[0090] D_ISR: Interrupt Service Routine

[0091] KS: Kernel Space

[0092] RX1~RX4: Receiver speakers

[0093] TP: Time Pair

[0094] TPR: Time to Request

[0095] TS1[k]: Timestamp

[0096] TSR: Timestamp Request

[0097] US: User Space

[0098] GPIOS: Input / output signals.

Claims

1. An audio playback method, comprising: A wireless communication chip sequentially transmits multiple beacons, each of which transmits a corresponding timestamp. In response to the transmission of these multiple beacons, a system chip captures multiple corresponding system times for each of the multiple beacon transmissions, including: When each of the multiple beacon transmissions is executed, the wireless communication chip transmits an input / output signal and the current timestamp from the multiple corresponding timestamps to the system chip via a first input / output interface and a communication interface. When the system chip receives the input / output signal, it triggers a system interrupt. The first input / output interface and the communication interface are included in the wireless communication chip; and In response to an interrupt signal triggered by the input / output signal, the system chip extracts a current system time as the corresponding system time of a current beacon transmission among the multiple beacon transmissions; Based on the multiple corresponding timestamps and the multiple corresponding system times, generate multiple corresponding time differences that correspond one-to-one with the transmission of these beacons; and The system's playback time is determined by a single chip, at least in part, based on the multiple corresponding time differences.

2. The audio playback method according to claim 1 further comprises: When each of the plurality of beacon transmissions is performed, the input / output signal is generated by the wireless communication chip, including: The wireless communication chip's interrupt service routine notifies the first input / output interface to generate the input / output signal to a second input / output interface; and In response to the input / output signal, the system chip is triggered to generate the interrupt signal.

3. The audio playback method according to claim 2, wherein the interrupt service routine is used to notify the first input / output interface.

4. The audio playback method according to claim 1, wherein in response to the interrupt signal, the system single chip retrieves the current system time as the corresponding system time sent by the current beacon, comprising: An interrupt handler executes an interrupt service routine registered by a wireless communication driver of the system chip, and the interrupt service routine retrieves the current system time as the corresponding system time sent by the current beacon.

5. The audio playback method according to claim 1, wherein in response to the interrupt signal, the system single chip retrieves the current system time as the corresponding system time sent by the current beacon, comprising: An interrupt handler retrieves the current system time as the corresponding system time sent by the current beacon.

6. The audio playback method according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of corresponding timestamps are transmitted to an audio playback program of the system single chip, and the audio playback method further comprises: The audio playback program requests the corresponding timestamps from a wireless communication driver, retrieves the corresponding system time from the interrupt handler, and pairs them to generate multiple time pairs. Based on the multiple corresponding timestamps and the multiple corresponding system times, a multiple corresponding time difference is generated that corresponds one-to-one with the transmission of the multiple beacons, including: The audio playback program extracts the corresponding timestamps through the wireless communication driver and generates the corresponding time differences based on the multiple time pairs. The audio playback method also includes: A wireless communication driver pairs the corresponding system times with the corresponding timestamps to generate multiple time pairs. Based on the multiple corresponding timestamps and the multiple corresponding system times, a multiple corresponding time difference is generated that corresponds one-to-one with the transmission of the multiple beacons, including: The audio playback program extracts the multiple time pairs through the wireless communication driver and generates the multiple corresponding time differences based on the multiple time pairs. The audio playback program extracts the multiple time pairs through the wireless communication driver and executes them at multiple predetermined times. There is a first time interval between any two adjacent times among the plurality of predetermined times.

7. A transmitting speaker, comprising: A wireless communication chip, comprising: A first interrupt service routine is used to notify a first input / output interface to generate an input / output signal; The first input / output interface generates the input / output signal in response to the first interrupt service routine; as well as A first communication interface is used to transmit a timestamp; as well as A single-chip system, comprising: A second input / output interface is electrically connected to the first input / output interface; A second communication interface is electrically connected to the first communication interface; An interrupt handler is provided, wherein the second input / output interface receives input / output signals and triggers an interrupt signal, and the interrupt handler initiates the acquisition of system time. A wireless communication driver for receiving the timestamp via the second communication interface; and An audio playback program is used to generate a time difference between the system time and the time marked by the timestamp, and to play an audio at a system playback time estimated based on the time difference.

8. The transmitting speaker of claim 7, wherein the wireless communication driver comprises: A second interrupt service routine is provided to retrieve the system time in response to a call from the interrupt handler, and to pair the system time with the timestamp.

9. An audio playback system, comprising: A transmitting speaker for transmitting a plurality of first beacon signals, each of the plurality of first beacon signals including a first timestamp, and the transmitting speaker including: A wireless communication chip, comprising: A first interrupt service routine, responding to a beacon transmission notification via a first input / output interface; and The first input / output interface generates an input / output signal; as well as A single-chip system, comprising: A second input / output interface is electrically connected to the first input / output interface to receive the input / output signal and trigger an interrupt signal; A second interrupt service routine is provided to retrieve a system time of the transmitting speaker in response to the interrupt signal. as well as An audio playback system for generating a time difference between the system time of the transmitting speaker and the time marked by the first timestamp; as well as Multiple receiving speakers, each communicatively connected to the transmitting speaker, are used to receive the multiple first beacon signals. The transmitting speaker determines the playback time of a system at least in part based on this time difference.

10. The audio playback system of claim 9, wherein when performing an audio playback, the transmitting speaker is further configured to transmit a plurality of second beacon signals and an audio signal to the plurality of receiving speakers. Each of the plurality of second beacon signals contains a second timestamp. The transmitting speaker plays the audio at the system playback time estimated based on the time difference and the second timestamp.

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