Audio Device Synchronization via Timestamped Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio devices, such as wireless Bluetooth earphones, fail to synchronize control mechanisms like noise reduction and volume control between left- and right-ear earphones, leading to differences in sound playback and affecting listening quality.
Innovation Solution
An audio device system that wirelessly receives audio signals and control signals, processes them, and synchronizes operations based on time information to ensure synchronized control mechanisms across multiple audio devices, such as left- and right-ear earphones, using a wireless communication module, processing circuit, and playback component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control mechanisms (noise reduction, volume control) are implemented independently in each audio device, then each device can function autonomously, but synchronization between devices is lost causing sound differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where control signals from one audio device are transmitted to other audio devices through the wireless communication module. This feedback loop ensures that control mechanisms (noise reduction, volume control) are synchronized across all devices, resolving the contradiction between autonomous control and sound synchronization by allowing each device to receive and execute control commands from the group.
2Device complexity
If control signals are transmitted through audio signals, then transmission is simplified, but control precision and timing accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission channel into two independent parts: audio signals for audio content and control signals for control mechanisms. By separating these functions, the system achieves both simplified transmission structure and precise control timing. The control signals are transmitted as distinct data packets with timestamps, allowing accurate synchronization without interfering with audio playback.
3Speed
If control operations are executed immediately upon reception, then response speed is improved, but synchronization with other devices is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by receiving and buffering control signals before executing them. Each audio device receives control signals from all other devices, validates the timestamps, and schedules execution at the appropriate synchronized time point. This preliminary reception and scheduling process ensures that control operations are executed simultaneously across all devices while maintaining fast response speed through efficient timestamp-based coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a control method of an audio device, wherein the audio device includes the steps of: wirelessly receiving an audio signal from an audio communication device; processing the audio signal to generate a processed audio signal for playing; receiving a command signal, wherein the control signal indicates the audio device to execute an operation, and the control signal is not part of the audio signal; obtaining time information; and executes the operation at a specific time point based on the time information.