AV Receiver Audio Delay Sync via HDMI ARC Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The synchronization of video and audio signals is often disrupted due to differing processing times in display and audio apparatuses, leading to inconvenience for users, as manual adjustment of delay values is inaccurate and requires re-setting when signal formats change.

Innovation Solution

An A/V receiving apparatus that utilizes the HDMI-based ARC function to calculate and adjust the output time difference between video and audio signals by measuring the processing time of video signals in the display apparatus and delaying the audio signal accordingly, ensuring synchronized output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display apparatus processes the video signal to match the selected screen mode (e.g., 3D mode, high definition mode), then the image quality and functionality are improved, but the processing time increases, causing delay in image display and desynchronization with audio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen mode adaptabilityVSAvoidvideo signal processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention measures and stores the video signal processing time in advance through the video signal processing time measurement unit. By performing this measurement beforehand and using it to calculate the audio signal delay time, the system avoids real-time synchronization issues while maintaining adaptability to different screen modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the user manually sets the delay value of the audio signal based on visual and auditory senses, then the audio delay can be adjusted, but the synchronization accuracy is poor and requires frequent re-setting when signal formats change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual delay adjustmentVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the video signal processing time measurement to automatically calculate and adjust the audio signal delay time. The audio signal delay time calculation unit receives the measured processing time and computes the appropriate delay, creating a closed-loop synchronization system that eliminates manual adjustment errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization system performs self-adjustment by automatically measuring video processing time and calculating the corresponding audio delay. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual user intervention and maintains accurate synchronization even when signal formats change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If separate audio and video apparatuses are used to obtain high-quality images and sound, then the audio and video quality are improved, but the output time difference between image and sound occurs, causing synchronization issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio and video qualityVSAvoidoutput time difference
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The A/V receiving apparatus acts as an intermediary between the video signal source and the audio output device. It measures the video signal processing time and uses this information to calculate and apply the appropriate delay to the audio signal, mediating the synchronization between separate audio and video apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2849451B1A/V receiving apparatus and method for delaying output of audio signal and A/V signal processing system
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2849451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2849451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2849451B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An A/V receiving apparatus is disclosed. The A/V receiving apparatus includes a first interface connected to a display apparatus, a second interface connected to an audio signal output apparatus, and a controller configured to, when a video signal and an audio signal are received, transmit an audio signal return request to the display apparatus along with the video signal and the audio signal, when the audio signal is returned from the display apparatus, calculate an output time difference of the video signal and the audio signal based on a return timing of the audio signal, delay the audio signal according to the output time difference and transmit the audio signal to the audio signal output apparatus.