Audio Playback Buffer Adaptive Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Audio playback breaks up due to unsynchronized streaming audio capture and playback sample clocks, leading to buffer starvation or overflow, and existing solutions like MPEG encoding may still result in erratic playback.
Innovation Solution
An audio stream adaptive frequency system that adjusts the playback buffer level by dynamically changing the playback frequency to maintain a target range, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted audio playback without the need for encoded clocking information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If playback buffers are used to synchronize audio capture and playback clocks, then audio playback stability is improved, but buffer starvation or overflow occurs causing audio breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the playback buffer level adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the buffer level based on real-time synchronization status between capture and playback clocks, allowing the buffer to expand or contract as needed to prevent both starvation and overflow conditions while maintaining stable audio playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the synchronization status between capture and playback clocks and using this information to adjust buffer levels. The system feeds back the synchronization state to control the buffer management, creating a closed-loop system that prevents buffer starvation or overflow by responding to real-time conditions.
2Measurement precision
If MPEG encoding with clock synchronization is used, then clock synchronization is improved, but transmission delays cause erratic playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock synchronization function from the MPEG encoding layer and implements it directly at the playback buffer level. By taking out the synchronization mechanism from the encoding stage and applying it at the playback stage, the system eliminates the need for complex encoded clocking information while still achieving precise synchronization, thereby reducing transmission delay impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively adjusting buffer levels based on predicted synchronization needs rather than reacting to delays after they occur. The system anticipates synchronization requirements and pre-adjusts buffer management strategies, preventing transmission delays from causing erratic playback in the first place.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If buffer level is constantly adjusted to maintain target range, then audio playback continuity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the buffer level parameter dynamically based on synchronization status. Rather than using complex multi-parameter control systems, the invention focuses on changing the buffer level parameter in response to synchronization conditions, achieving continuous playback with relatively simple control logic that monitors and adjusts this key parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an audio stream adaptive frequency comprises an audio capture device for sending audio samples captured from an audio source and an audio playback device for receiving the audio samples. The audio playback device includes a playback buffer and is configured to adjust playback of the audio samples from the playback buffer when the buffer is not within a designated target range. Other systems and methods are also provided.