Multi-Device Audio Stream Mapping for Low-Latency Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems face challenges in synchronizing audio across multiple devices without noticeable delay, particularly in applications like lip-syncing with video content or live performances, due to processing limitations in playback devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing device processes audio content using information about the configuration of playback devices, including transducer specifications and environmental factors, to generate customized audio streams that are then sent to playback devices, reducing processing time and minimizing delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio content is processed by playback devices themselves, then device autonomy is improved, but processing time increases causing noticeable delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio processing function from individual playback devices and relocates it to a centralized computing device. The computing device receives audio content, processes it according to transducer configurations, and distributes the processed audio to multiple playback devices. This extraction eliminates the processing delay that would occur at each individual device while maintaining system autonomy through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device acts as an intermediary between the audio source and the playback devices. It receives audio content, processes it based on configuration information about transducers, and distributes the processed audio streams to appropriate playback devices. This intermediary approach centralizes processing to reduce delay while still allowing playback devices to operate autonomously in distributing and playing back the processed audio.
2Manufacturing precision
If audio is customized for each transducer, then audio quality is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex task of customizing audio for each transducer is extracted from the playback devices and performed centrally by a computing device. The computing device receives configuration information about transducers, processes the audio content accordingly, and generates customized audio streams. This centralization maintains high audio quality through precise transducer-specific processing while reducing the complexity burden on individual playback devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device performs preliminary audio processing and customization before distribution to playback devices. By pre-processing the audio content according to transducer configurations and generating ready-to-play audio streams, the system achieves high audio quality without requiring complex processing at each playback device. The playback devices simply distribute and play back the pre-customized audio.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple playback devices are used across different locations, then audio distribution capability is improved, but synchronization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the audio processing function across multiple playback devices by centralizing it in a computing device. The computing device receives audio content, processes it once according to all transducer configurations, and distributes synchronized audio streams to multiple playback devices located in different areas. This merging approach maintains synchronization precision while enabling wide audio distribution across the venue.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device serves as a central intermediary that coordinates audio distribution to multiple playback devices. It processes audio content once and distributes synchronized streams to devices across different locations, eliminating synchronization issues that would arise from independent processing at each device. This intermediary approach maintains both distribution versatility and synchronization precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes receiving data indicating a configuration of one or more playback devices. The one or more playback devices may include one or more transducers. The method further includes, based on the received data, associating each of one or more audio streams respectively with at least one transducer of the one or more transducers. The method further includes generating the one or more audio streams and sending at least one of the generated one or more audio streams to each of the one or more playback devices. An example non-transitory computer readable medium and an example computing device related to the example method are also disclosed herein.