Buffer Control for Synchronized Audio Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data streaming systems face challenges in synchronizing the playback of audio data across multiple client systems connected to a server system over a network, due to fluctuations in clock oscillation frequency, leading to desynchronization and increased costs from complex system configurations and precision improvements.
Innovation Solution
A data reproducing system that includes a receiver, a buffering device, and a controller to maintain a target buffer amount, synchronizing the reproducing speed with the streaming speed of the audio data, using filtering to control clock frequency and prevent abrupt changes, ensuring synchronized playback across multiple client systems without the need for improved clock precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NTP server is incorporated to synchronize clock times, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock synchronization function from the system configuration and relocates it to the application layer within the reproducing device itself. The controller adjusts the reproducing speed based on buffer status without requiring external NTP servers or complex system-wide clock synchronization mechanisms, thereby eliminating the need for additional hardware and configuration complexity while maintaining synchronization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The reproducing device performs self-synchronization by monitoring its own buffer status and automatically adjusting its reproducing speed accordingly. The controller compares the buffer amount to a target value and modifies the reproducing speed to maintain synchronization, eliminating the need for external synchronization services and reducing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If clock generator circuit precision is improved, then synchronization precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being controlled from fixed clock frequency to variable reproducing speed. Instead of requiring high-precision clock generator circuits, the system adjusts the reproducing speed dynamically based on buffer status. This allows standard, low-cost clock circuits to be used while achieving synchronization through software-controlled speed adjustment rather than hardware precision.
3Measurement precision
If reproducing speed is controlled to maintain target buffer amount, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a simple feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the buffer amount and adjusts the reproducing speed accordingly. The controller compares the actual buffer amount to the target value and modifies the reproducing speed to maintain synchronization. This straightforward feedback loop achieves precise synchronization without requiring complex control algorithms or additional hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A data reproducing system includes: a receiver that receives streaming data via a network; a buffering device that buffers the received data; a reproducing unit that reproduces the data by reading the data from the buffering device; and a controller that controls a reproducing speed of the reproducing unit in response to excess and deficiency of an amount of buffer from a predetermined target value to maintain the amount of buffer of the buffering device at the target value.