Bluetooth Audio Subsystem Synchronization via Latency Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving synchronization of audio playback across multiple Bluetooth-connected sub-systems in audio playback systems is complex due to varying internal latencies of slave devices, leading to desynchronization issues.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves obtaining internal latency data for each sub-system, determining and applying delays to synchronize audio playback by calculating the maximum internal latency of slave devices within each sub-system, and using these calculations to synchronize playback across all sub-systems, with the option to update these values over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio data is distributed to multiple Bluetooth sub-systems for parallel playback, then the coverage and adaptability of the audio system is improved, but synchronization precision deteriorates due to varying internal latencies of slave devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the internal latency of each slave device in advance and stores this data. Based on these pre-measured values, the master device calculates and configures compensation delays before audio playback begins. This preliminary characterization of device characteristics allows the system to pre-compute the necessary delay adjustments to achieve synchronization across all sub-systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces delay parameters for each sub-system that are calculated based on the measured internal latencies. By adjusting these delay parameters, the system compensates for the varying processing speeds of different slave devices. The master device modifies the playback timing parameters of individual sub-systems to align their output, transforming the synchronization problem into a parameter adjustment problem.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex synchronization algorithms are implemented to achieve precise playback synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and computing resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the synchronization problem into independent measurements for each slave device. Instead of implementing a complex global synchronization algorithm, the system measures and compensates for the latency of each device separately. The master device handles the coordination, while each slave device operates independently with its own pre-calculated delay parameter, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables each slave device to self-characterize its own internal latency through measurement procedures. Each device provides its own latency data to the master device, which then uses this information to calculate the appropriate compensation delay. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex inter-device communication and coordination protocols during playback.
3Manufacturing precision
If internal latency measurements and delay calculations are performed continuously, then synchronization precision is maintained, but computing resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs latency measurements and delay calculations in advance, before audio playback begins. The system characterizes each slave device's internal latency once during setup, calculates the necessary compensation delays, and stores these values for use during playback. This eliminates the need for continuous computation during actual audio reproduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs latency measurements and synchronization adjustments periodically or at discrete intervals rather than continuously. The master device can re-measure and re-calculate delays at predetermined moments or when specific conditions are met, reducing computational overhead while maintaining synchronization accuracy during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synchronizing sub-systems each including a master device and at least one slave device connected to the master device via Bluetooth for playback by the at least one slave device of audio data. The method includes collecting respective internal latency data of the sub-systems, determining, based on the internal latency data of the plurality of sub-systems, respective delays to be applied by the sub-systems between reception of the audio data and playback of the audio data by the slave devices of the sub-system, and, by each sub-system, applying the corresponding delay for playback of the audio data.