Audio Transmission Device Distance-Based Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In content reproduction systems where multiple devices synchronize audio output, delays in audio transmission can lead to an out-of-sync experience for users, causing discomfort, especially when devices are spaced apart, and existing solutions like reducing volume or adjusting reproduction settings compromise user-friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A transmission device that measures direct distances to receiving devices and adjusts transmission data with time information to synchronize audio output across devices, ensuring that the reference time for content data reproduction is set based on measured distances, thereby minimizing audio delays and maintaining high volume output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content data is transmitted to multiple receiving devices for synchronized reproduction, then the user can enjoy audio throughout the home, but unintentional audio delays occur between devices causing out-of-sync experience and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different reproduction start times for different receiving devices based on their individual distances from the transmission device. Each device receives customized time information tailored to its specific location, ensuring that audio arrives simultaneously at all devices despite varying transmission distances. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining synchronization reliability while preserving the versatility of multi-device playback coverage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If audio output volume is reduced to compensate for delay perception, then user comfort may be improved, but listening quality and user-friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and setting appropriate reproduction start times for each device before audio playback begins. The transmission device determines the distance to each receiving device and sets time information that compensates for transmission delays in advance. This eliminates the need for post-hoc volume adjustments or other compensatory measures, maintaining both user comfort and high listening quality without requiring operational compromises.
3Reliability
If distance measurement and time information setting are implemented, then audio synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual synchronization methods with automated electronic distance measurement and time calculation. The transmission device automatically measures distances to receiving devices and computes appropriate reproduction start times using simple mathematical relationships (time = distance/speed of sound). This substitution of automated electronic processing for manual or mechanical adjustment methods achieves reliable audio synchronization while keeping the added complexity minimal and manageable.
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
This approach provides a synchronized and comfortable listening experience for users by reducing unintentional audio delays, maintaining high volume output, and enhancing user-friendliness by avoiding the need for volume adjustments or reproduction limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measurement unit for measuring direct distances to the respective receiving devices
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission device includes: a communication unit performing communication with one or more receiving devices; a distance measurement unit measuring direct distances to the receiving devices; a transmission data setting unit setting transmission data including content data including audio and time information indicating the time when reproduction of content data is started for the receiving devices whose distances are measured based on the measured distances; and a transmission processing unit transmitting transmission data set by the transmission data setting unit to corresponding receiving devices of transmission targets all at once. The transmission data setting unit sets time when the device itself starts reproduction of the content data as a reference time, and sets the time information for synchronizing audio indicated by the content data reproduced in the device itself with audio indicated by the content data reproduced in the receiving devices for each receiving device using the set reference time.