Audio Interface Apparatus Synchronization via Timestamp Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio interface apparatuses face challenges in accurately synchronizing accompaniment data with performance data due to unstable connections between the apparatus and personal computers, leading to potential delays and interruptions in sound data.
Innovation Solution
An audio interface apparatus with a processor that stores and synchronizes time-series sound data with accompaniment data, using identifiers to align the data even during unstable connections, and transmits the synchronized data to the computing device, thereby reducing temporal interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sound data is transmitted in real-time over unstable connections, then connection speed is maintained, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to delays and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating and transmitting synchronization identifiers (timestamps) along with the sound data blocks. These identifiers are prepared in advance and transmitted with the data, allowing the receiving device to pre-calculate and pre-position data blocks in buffer memory according to their arrival times, thus maintaining synchronization accuracy even during unstable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization identifier acts as an intermediary element between the transmitted sound data and the local accompaniment data. This identifier mediates the synchronization process by providing a reference point that allows the receiving device to align incoming sound data with the local playback timeline, resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and synchronization accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If data is buffered to maintain synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but data transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer management system dynamically adjusts data block positioning based on the synchronization identifiers. Instead of static buffering, the system dynamically determines where each data block should be placed in memory based on its timestamp, allowing efficient use of buffer space and minimizing unnecessary delays while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
3Reliability
If connection stability is improved through error correction, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the receiving device monitors incoming synchronization identifiers and data blocks, detects any synchronization deviations or transmission errors, and adjusts the buffer positioning and playback timing accordingly. This feedback loop maintains reliability without requiring complex error correction protocols, as the synchronization identifiers provide continuous feedback for timing adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio interface apparatus includes a communication apparatus configured to receive first time-series sound data from a computing device, an input circuit including an input port configured to be coupled with a sound input apparatus, an output circuit including an output port configured to be coupled with a sound output apparatus, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to: store, in the memory, the first time-series sound data, to output, to the output circuit, the first time-series sound data stored in the memory, to acquire a second time-series sound data from the input circuit, to store, in the memory, the second time-series sound data, to generate an identifier for synchronizing the second time-series sound data with the first time-series sound data, and to transmit, to the computing device, the second time-series sound data and the identifier.