Audio Device Broadcast Control With Time-Synchronized Mesh Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Bluetooth-enabled wireless speakers lack a seamless method to control multiple devices simultaneously, such as adjusting volume levels across a group of speakers without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing time-synchronized mesh advertisements and broadcast audio streams, specifically using Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio protocol, enables synchronized playback adjustments across multiple audio devices by embedding command data into broadcast streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If broadcast audio stream and mesh advertisements are transmitted simultaneously, then both control mechanisms can operate, but temporal overlap prevents reliable reception by all audio devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic time synchronization between broadcast audio stream transmissions and mesh advertisement transmissions. The broadcast stream is divided into frames with designated time slots, and mesh advertisements are transmitted in separate time slots within the same period. This periodic alternation ensures that all audio devices can reliably receive both control mechanisms without temporal overlap, while maintaining efficient operation of both systems.
2Measurement precision
If mesh advertisements are used for control data, then precise control can be achieved, but transmission range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The broadcast audio stream serves as an intermediary carrier for mesh control data. Instead of relying solely on direct mesh advertisements that have limited transmission range, the system embeds control information from mesh advertisements into the broadcast audio stream. This intermediary approach allows precise control data to be distributed throughout the entire audio playback area, extending the effective control range while maintaining the precision benefits of mesh protocol.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is performed on each audio device, then individual control is possible, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges individual device control operations into a unified broadcast-based control mechanism. Instead of requiring separate manual adjustments for each audio device, the system combines control commands into a single broadcast transmission that is simultaneously delivered to all audio devices. This merging approach maintains the ability to control individual devices while dramatically reducing operational complexity through centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling one or more audio devices is provided. The method includes transmitting, from a first audio device, a broadcast stream. The method further includes receiving input data from a second audio device. The second audio device is configured to receive the broadcast stream from the first audio device. The input data is related to adjusting playback of the broadcast stream. The method further includes transmitting command data from the first audio device to one or more other audio devices. The command data is based on the input data. The command data is time synchronized with the broadcast stream to prevent overlap with the broadcast stream. A broadcast protocol data unit of the broadcast stream may include audio data and/or the command data.