Synchronized Audio Output Balancing Across Limited Playback Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In media playback systems, synchronized audio output from multiple devices often results in volume mismatches due to differing acoustic limits and limiter settings, leading to suboptimal audio quality when playback volumes exceed the limits of individual devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where one playback device determines and applies a limiting function based on the acoustic limits of another device to ensure balanced output across the audio frequency spectrum, either by adjusting amplifier gains or capping signals, thereby maintaining synchronized playback quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If synchronized playback is implemented across multiple networked playback devices, then audio coverage and listening flexibility are improved, but volume mismatches and acoustic deterioration occur when playback volumes exceed individual device limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having each playback device monitor its own acoustic limits and limiter settings, then communicate this information to other devices in the synchronized group. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of limiting functions across all devices to maintain balanced audio output and prevent volume mismatches when playback volumes exceed individual device limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the limiting function adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. Each playback device dynamically modifies its limiting behavior based on real-time conditions, including its acoustic limits, current playback volume, and the capabilities of other devices in the synchronized group, thereby maintaining audio quality across varying operating conditions.
2Reliability
If different limiter settings are applied to each playback device according to its acoustic limits, then individual device protection is improved, but volume balance and synchronized playback quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the individual limiting functions of multiple playback devices into a coordinated group behavior. By combining information about each device's acoustic limits and current operating conditions, the system creates a unified limiting approach that protects individual devices while maintaining consistent volume balance across the synchronized audio output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the limiting function parameters based on the collective state of the synchronized device group. When playback volumes approach or exceed individual device acoustic limits, the system modifies the limiting parameters across all devices to maintain volume balance, thereby protecting individual devices without sacrificing synchronized playback quality.
3Power
If playback volume is increased beyond individual device acoustic limits, then audio output level is improved, but acoustic deterioration and volume mismatches occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by proactively adjusting the limiting function before acoustic deterioration occurs. Each playback device monitors its approach to acoustic limits and pre-adjusts its limiting behavior to prevent distortion and maintain audio quality, rather than waiting for the distortion to occur and then correcting it.
Data Source
AI summary
An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving a first audio signal comprising content in a first frequency range to be played by the first playback device. The first playback device determines a first limiting result that represents playback of a second audio signal by a second playback device by applying, to the second audio signal, a pre-determined volume-limiting function that is associated with the second playback device, the second audio signal comprising content in a second frequency range that is different from the first frequency range. The first playback device determines another volume-limiting function based on the first limiting result and applies the determined volume-limiting function to the first audio signal to scale a playback volume of the first audio signal.