Dynamic Audio Synchronization via Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems face synchronization challenges due to processing and transmission delays, leading to distortions when multiple devices stream media content, especially when users move or when audio and video content is not synchronized, causing location-based audio distortions and additional interference from mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates control messages to synchronize media content by sensing user location and time differences between audio and video signals, continuously adjusting timing to minimize delays across various system components, including wireless speakers and video displays, using techniques like auto-correlation and source-specific signals to ensure synchronized playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices stream the same media content simultaneously, then media content can be distributed to various speakers throughout a home, but processing and transmission delays cause timing differences and audio distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by having a sensing device (microphone) capture audio output from multiple speakers and feed this information back to a controller. The controller analyzes the captured audio to determine time delays and generates control messages to adjust speaker timing, creating a closed-loop feedback system that continuously optimizes synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing device (microphone) and controller that mediate between the multiple streaming devices and speakers. This intermediary captures audio signals, processes timing information, and coordinates adjustments to synchronize all speakers without requiring direct communication between all devices.
2Ease of operation
If audio signals are processed and transmitted through multiple wireless devices, then media content can be streamed to various locations, but processing delays cause audio to become out of synchronization with video
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures audio output from speakers using a microphone and feeds this information back to a controller that calculates timing adjustments. This feedback loop measures actual audio delivery times and compensates for processing delays, keeping audio synchronized with video despite wireless transmission through multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-calculates and applies time delay adjustments to audio signals based on measured processing delays. By determining and compensating for delays in advance, the system maintains audio-video synchronization without requiring real-time adjustment during playback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are moved to different locations while emitting audio, then flexibility in device placement is improved, but location-based audio distortions occur due to changing time differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts speaker timing based on real-time conditions. The sensing device continuously monitors audio output and the controller generates updated control messages to adjust speaker delays, allowing the system to adapt to changing device locations and maintain synchronization despite movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous feedback loop allows the system to detect changes in device locations and audio timing relationships. When devices are moved, the microphone captures the new audio timing, the controller calculates the required adjustments, and control messages are sent to speakers to maintain synchronization in the new configuration.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of time delays is performed for each speaker, then audio synchronization at a particular listening location can be optimized, but the system cannot adapt when listeners move to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manual adjustment, the system uses automatic feedback where a microphone captures audio from all speakers and feeds this information to a controller. The controller automatically calculates timing adjustments and sends control messages to speakers, eliminating the need for manual configuration and enabling automatic adaptation to different listening locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring audio timing relationships and correcting synchronization issues without user intervention. The sensing device and controller work together to autonomously optimize speaker timing, allowing the system to adapt to different locations and configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for synchronizing media content emitted from various sources is presented. Arrival timing of outputs from the various sources to a particular location is determined and adjusted to reduce synchronization delays at the particular location. Synchronization delays may be determined by detecting the media output from a combination of sources arriving at the location. Control messages are generated by processing the detected output and determining delays to be applied to corresponding sources.