Audio Stream Switching With Synchronized Output Start Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices require manual pairing with audio source devices when switching between them, leading to inconvenience in audio output synchronization.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device is equipped with a communication module, processor, and memory to receive commands, identify audio output start times, and synchronize audio streams across multiple devices for seamless audio output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pairing is used to switch between audio source devices, then connection reliability is ensured, but user convenience deteriorates and operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of switching audio source devicesVSAvoidtime required for pairing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes connections with multiple audio source devices in advance. When audio output is requested, the electronic device can immediately select from pre-connected devices without requiring manual pairing at the moment of use, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device is designed to maintain simultaneous connections with multiple audio source devices and audio output devices. This multi-functionality allows the device to switch between different devices without breaking connections or requiring re-pairing, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous connections with multiple devices are maintained, then switching convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to switch between audio devicesVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device acts as an intermediary that manages connections between audio source devices and audio output devices. It maintains connection states and handles switching logic centrally, which simplifies the overall system architecture despite managing multiple simultaneous connections, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If audio output synchronization is implemented across devices, then audio quality is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio output synchronization accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of synchronization control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust audio output timing across devices. By continuously checking synchronization status and making real-time adjustments, the system achieves high audio synchronization accuracy without requiring overly complex preprocessing, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260019776A1Audio output method and electronic device performing same

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An audio output method according to an embodiment includes receiving a first control command from a first external electronic device; identifying a time point for starting an operation by first control related to a first audio broadcast stream that is broadcast by a first audio source device corresponding to the first control command; and performing the first control related to the first audio broadcast stream based on the time point for starting the operation.