Audio Device Network Signal Distribution for Synchronized Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
In audio systems with multiple devices connected via a network, there is a demand to treat multiple audio devices as a single apparatus for synchronized sound emission, but this leads to complex signal distribution paths, potentially causing delays in sound emission across devices during group reproduction.
Innovation Solution
An audio device with network communication and sound emission capabilities receives audio signals from other devices to synchronize sound emission, allowing it to emit specific audio channels, thereby reducing delay by adjusting the signal distribution route within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio devices are connected via network for group reproduction, then the ability to treat multiple devices as one audio apparatus is improved, but the signal distribution path becomes complicated causing delay in sound emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio signal distribution by designating specific devices as master devices and others as slave devices. Each slave device receives signals only from its designated master device, creating segmented distribution paths that prevent complex multi-hop routing and reduce transmission delays while maintaining the capability to treat multiple devices as a unified audio system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio signals are distributed through multiple devices in a network, then group reproduction capability is improved, but the distribution path complexity increases causing synchronization delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into master and slave device roles, where master devices receive audio signals and distribute them to designated slave devices. This segmentation simplifies the distribution path complexity by establishing direct one-to-many relationships rather than allowing complex many-to-many routing, thereby enabling group reproduction with reduced synchronization delays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple audio devices reproduce the same content simultaneously, then the versatility of the audio system is improved, but delay occurs in sound emission across devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having master devices receive and process audio signals before distributing them to slave devices. Slave devices are pre-configured with their designated master device information, allowing them to immediately receive and reproduce signals without delay when group reproduction is initiated, thus maintaining system versatility while minimizing emission delays.
Data Source
AI summary
In a case where a sound of one channel of an audio signal which is reproduced and emitted by a second audio device is emitted from a first audio device, an audio device receives a signal of other channel of the audio signal from the second audio device and causes a sound emission unit to emit a sound of the other channel.