Multi-Device Audio Playback Synchronization for Low-Latency Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio playback devices struggle to provide a rich audiovisual experience due to limited performance and synchronization issues when multiple devices are used, leading to sound delays and asynchrony.

Innovation Solution

A method for synchronizing audio playback across multiple devices by connecting a primary audio playback device with an audio acquisition device and secondary devices, using connection and packet guiding information to ensure synchronized audio output, adjusting signals based on device characteristics, and employing time synchronization for real-time and pre-recorded audio.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If audio signals are transmitted through multiple audio playback devices, then the auditory experience is enhanced, but sound delay and asynchrony occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauditory experienceVSAvoidsound delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining connection information between the first audio playback device and the audio acquisition device before actual audio playback. This connection information is sent to secondary devices in advance, enabling them to prepare for synchronized reception and playback, thereby reducing sound delay and asynchrony issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The first audio playback device acts as an intermediary by obtaining connection information from the audio acquisition device and distributing it to secondary audio playback devices. This intermediary role enables coordinated synchronization across all devices without requiring direct communication between each device and the acquisition device, reducing overall system delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple audio playback devices are connected, then audio output coverage is improved, but synchronization between devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio output coverageVSAvoidsynchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the audio playback function across multiple independent devices (first audio playback device and secondary devices), each receiving and processing audio signals independently. This segmentation allows expanded audio output coverage while maintaining synchronization through shared connection information obtained from the audio acquisition device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the first audio playback device receives connection information from the audio acquisition device and distributes it to secondary devices. This feedback loop ensures all devices have consistent timing and synchronization information, maintaining stable synchronized operation across the expanded multi-device system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4697751A1Method for audio playback device and audio playback system
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4697751A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4697751A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4697751A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for an audio playback device, an audio playback device, an audio playback system, and a computer-readable storage medium, where the method for a first audio playback device includes: connecting with an audio acquisition device and at least one second audio playback device; sending connection information of the first audio playback device with the audio acquisition device to the at least one second audio playback device for the second audio playback device to receive, based at least on the connection information, an audio acquisition signal sent by the audio acquisition device; receiving the audio acquisition signal sent by the audio acquisition device; and playing first audio corresponding to the audio acquisition signal synchronously with the at least one second audio playback device. The method for an audio playback device according to the present disclosure can reduce delay between sound propagated through air and sound propagated after being processed by an audio acquisition device and an audio playback device, thereby improving auditory experience of a user.