BLE Broadcast Audio Sync for Consistent Multi-Device Volume

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless audio environments using Bluetooth low energy (BLE), synchronization to broadcast isochronous streams (BIS) can result in different audio output timings between devices, causing user discomfort due to volume discrepancies.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a BLE communication circuit and speaker synchronizes to BIS based on periodic advertisements, deferring audio output with a reference volume until data rendering is indicated by subsequent packets, ensuring synchronized volume levels across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If audio output is synchronized to BIS immediately after synchronization, then audio rendering speed is improved, but volume consistency across devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio rendering speedVSAvoidvolume consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by deferring audio output until synchronization packets are received. The device prepares to output audio but waits for the second periodic advertisement packets that contain synchronization information before actually rendering the audio. This ensures that all devices are synchronized to the same timing reference before audio playback begins, resolving the volume consistency issue while maintaining efficient audio rendering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If audio output is deferred until data rendering is indicated, then volume consistency across devices is improved, but audio output delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume consistencyVSAvoidaudio output delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic action by utilizing the periodic advertisement structure of BLE. The audio output is deferred until the next periodic advertisement packet is received, which occurs at predetermined intervals. This approach minimizes the deferral time while ensuring synchronization, as the periodic packets provide regular synchronization opportunities without requiring excessive waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If synchronization packets are awaited before audio output, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by having the receiving device autonomously determine when to output audio based on the synchronization information contained in the periodic advertisement packets. The device independently processes the synchronization data and triggers audio output without requiring additional coordination or extended processing time, achieving both high synchronization accuracy and efficient processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4727179A1Electronic device, method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for controlling output of audio in wireless environment
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4727179A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4727179A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4727179A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may comprise a communication circuit for Bluetooth low energy (BLE). The electronic device may comprise a speaker. The electronic device may comprise at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to receive information on a first periodic advertisement of a second external electronic device from a first external electronic device by means of the communication circuit. The at least one processor may be configured, on the basis of the information, to receive, by means of the communication circuit, at least one first packet advertised from the second external electronic device according to the first periodic advertisement.