Audio Device Synchronization via Optimum Radio Point Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio equipment synchronization methods, such as using accurate clock systems or Wi-Fi access point time synchronization, are either costly or user-constraining, especially when devices connect to different wireless network bands or sources, leading to potential time offsets in synchronized sound playback.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects and connects audio equipment to a common optimum radio point with a shared BSSID for time synchronization, allowing devices to use a single source for synchronized playback without requiring additional hardware or complex user configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each piece of audio equipment incorporates a very accurate clock system with very low drift, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clock function into the wireless network infrastructure (access point) rather than distributing independent accurate clock systems across each audio device. The access point serves as a common time reference for all devices in the network, eliminating the need for expensive precise clocks in each device while maintaining synchronization accuracy through network-coordinated timekeeping.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless network access point acts as an intermediary time reference between audio devices. Instead of each device having its own accurate clock, the access point provides a centralized time synchronization mechanism that mediates timekeeping across the network, enabling synchronized playback without requiring expensive clock hardware in each device.
2Measurement precision
If a common reference clock is delivered to each piece of audio equipment, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clock functions into a single centralized reference at the access point. Rather than delivering separate reference clocks to each audio device, the system merges timekeeping into the network infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization through centralized time coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point serves multiple functions including wireless network management and time synchronization for all audio devices. This universal approach eliminates the need for dedicated reference clock hardware in each device, reducing complexity while providing synchronized time reference across the entire audio system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pieces of audio equipment connect to wireless network via different frequency bands or sources, then network flexibility is improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access point provides universal time synchronization services across different wireless frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). The patent enables the access point to serve as a common time reference for devices on different bands, maintaining synchronization accuracy while preserving network flexibility and adaptability to various connection configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point acts as an intermediary that bridges different wireless network segments and frequency bands. It provides a unified time reference that mediates between devices connected via different sources or bands, ensuring synchronization accuracy is maintained despite the diversity in network connection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization method performed for a first piece of audio equipment connected to a wireless network via a first radio point that is identified by a first BSSID, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a second piece of audio equipment connected to the same wireless network and forming part of the same audio group; acquiring a second BSSID of a second radio point via which the second piece of audio equipment is connected to the wireless network, and then determining whether the first BSSID and the second BSSID are identical; if not, performing a selection stage to select an optimum radio point that is identified by an optimum BSSID; if the optimum BSSID is different from the first BSSID, connecting the first piece of audio equipment to the wireless network via the optimum radio point.