Acoustic Synchronization Controller for Multi-Device Audio Playback

The patent replaces network-based time synchronization with acoustic signal-based synchronization. Instead of relying on network timing signals that are affected by network speed variations, the system uses a microphone to capture acoustic signals from the sound source and compares them with locally stored reference data to determine the current reproduction point. This substitution of mechanical/acoustic sensing for network-based timing resolution the synchronization accuracy problem while maintaining group reproduction capability.

The patent merges multiple portable smartphones into a synchronized group to collectively produce the sound output. Instead of relying on a single large speaker, multiple devices play the same sound source data simultaneously, combining their output to achieve sufficient volume. This merging approach maintains the portability advantage of smartphones while achieving the power level of a large speaker through collective output.

The patent introduces an acoustic signal as an intermediary for synchronization. Instead of directly synchronizing through network timing signals, each device captures acoustic signals from the environment via microphone, compares them with locally stored reference sound source data to determine the current reproduction point, and adjusts its playback accordingly. This intermediary acoustic signal approach provides a reliable reference that is independent of network speed variations, maintaining synchronization reliability while enabling remote participation.