Audio Data Synchronization via Master-Slave NAK Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless Bluetooth audio systems often experience asynchronous playback and inconsistent power consumption due to inconsistencies in receiving audio data packets between master and slave devices, leading to poor sound quality and inefficient power usage.
Innovation Solution
An audio system data synchronization method where devices send special acknowledge packets (NAK packets) to re-transmit audio data packets if reception fails, ensuring synchronized data receipt and coordinated power consumption by only sending the NAK packet once, thus avoiding interference and reducing power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both devices send ACK/NAK packets independently when reception fails, then each device can request re-transmission, but feedback packet interference occurs and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feedback mechanisms of two devices by introducing a master-slave relationship where only the master device sends ACK/NAK packets to the audio source, while the slave device sends feedback only to the master device. This combination eliminates feedback packet interference and reduces overall power consumption while maintaining reliable audio data reception for both devices.
2Reliability
If both devices send ACK/NAK packets independently, then each device can ensure its own data reception, but power consumption becomes inconsistent and increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating a master-slave relationship where devices have different roles: the master device handles all communication with the audio source and sends ACK/NAK packets, while the slave device only communicates with the master device. This asymmetric design ensures both devices receive data reliably while significantly reducing power consumption compared to symmetric independent operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If master and slave devices operate independently, then each can manage its own reception, but asynchronous playback occurs and sound quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The master device serves as an intermediary between the audio source and the slave device. It receives audio data packets from the source, manages ACK/NAK feedback, and coordinates re-transmissions. This intermediary role ensures both master and slave devices play audio data synchronously, maintaining stable playback composition while allowing each device to operate with appropriate independence.
Data Source
AI summary
An audio system data synchronization method and an audio component are provided. The method includes: the first device receiving in an n-th cycle an audio data packet sent by the audio data source and judging whether receiving is successful; the second device receiving in the n-th cycle the audio data packet and judging whether receiving is successful; if the receiving of the first device and/or the second device is failed, one of the first and second devices whose receiving is failed sending a first special acknowledge packet in the n-th cycle; after receiving the NAK packet, making the audio data source re-send the audio data packet in an n+1-th cycle; and after receiving the first additional field, making the other device stop sending a signal in the n-th cycle, and receive, in synchronization with the device whose receiving is failed, in the n+1-th cycle the re-sent audio data packet.