Audio Timing Synchronization with Automatic Tone Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing audio synchronization techniques for multiple output devices are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes, wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

A method for audio synchronization that includes transmitting a request to a second device, causing an audio tone output, receiving data based on the tone, and adjusting the synchronization setting of a third device, thereby reducing the cognitive burden and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing audio synchronization techniques are used, then audio synchronization is achieved, but user time and device energy are wasted due to multiple key presses required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input complexityVSAvoidsynchronization time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs audio synchronization automatically without requiring user intervention. The first device autonomously transmits requests, plays audio tones, receives responses from the second device, and adjusts synchronization settings based on the measured time delay, eliminating the need for manual key presses and making the system self-sufficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input (multiple key presses) with an automated acoustic measurement system. Instead of users physically pressing keys to synchronize devices, the system uses audio tone transmission and timing measurement to automatically determine and adjust synchronization parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If existing audio synchronization techniques are used, then audio synchronization is achieved, but device energy is consumed due to multiple key presses and user interface operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input complexityVSAvoiddevice energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary user interface components (multiple key presses) from the synchronization process, retaining only the essential automated functions of tone transmission, timing measurement, and parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of time

If automated audio tone method is used, then synchronization speed is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional communication steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization timeVSAvoidsynchronization process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal audio tone transmission mechanism that serves multiple purposes: it acts as a synchronization signal, a timing reference, and a communication carrier between devices. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The audio tone serves as an intermediary carrier that mediates the synchronization process between the first and second devices. Instead of direct complex digital communication, the system uses the simple analog audio signal as an intermediary to transfer timing information and enable automatic synchronization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method provides faster, more efficient audio synchronization, reducing user input complexity and conserving battery power in electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, via the communication device, to a second device, a request for the second device to participate in the audio timing synchronization process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

causing an output of an audio tone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 3

receiving data from the second device based on the audio tone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250267406A1Methods and user interfaces for audio synchronization

Publication Date: 2025.08.21 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to audio synchronization. An example method includes, at a first device with a communication device: performing an audio timing synchronization process that includes: transmitting, via the communication device, to a second device, a request for the second device to participate in the audio timing synchronization process; subsequent to transmitting the request to the second device, causing an output of an audio tone; subsequent to causing the output of the audio tone, receiving data from the second device based on the audio tone; and adjusting an audio timing synchronization setting of a third device based at least in part on the data received from the second device.