Centralized Audio Stream Distribution for Multi-Device Lip-Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback systems face challenges in synchronizing audio across multiple devices without noticeable delay, particularly in applications requiring lip-syncing with video content or live performances, due to processing limitations in playback devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing device processes audio content using information about the configuration of playback devices, including transducer specifications and environmental data, to generate customized audio streams that are then sent to playback devices, reducing processing time and minimizing delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio processing is performed locally on playback devices, then audio customization for each device is achieved, but processing time and synchronization delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio processing function from individual playback devices and relocates it to a centralized computing device. The computing device receives audio content, processes it according to each playback device's configuration, and generates customized audio streams. This extraction eliminates local processing delays while maintaining device-specific audio customization through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device performs audio processing in advance before audio content is distributed to playback devices. By pre-processing audio streams according to each device's transducer configuration and environmental characteristics, the system prepares optimized audio content beforehand, eliminating real-time processing delays during actual playback.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple playback devices are used across different zones, then audio distribution flexibility is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device serves as a universal control center that manages multiple playback devices across different zones. It performs multiple functions including audio processing, stream generation, distribution coordination, and synchronization control. This centralized multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces synchronization complexity compared to distributed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the computing device receives information about playback device status, zone configurations, and environmental conditions. Based on this feedback, the computing device dynamically adjusts audio stream generation and distribution timing to maintain synchronization across multiple zones, thereby managing complexity through adaptive control.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes receiving data indicating a configuration of one or more playback devices. The one or more playback devices may include one or more transducers. The method further includes, based on the received data, associating each of one or more audio streams respectively with at least one transducer of the one or more transducers. The method further includes generating the one or more audio streams and sending at least one of the generated one or more audio streams to each of the one or more playback devices. An example non-transitory computer readable medium and an example computing device related to the example method are also disclosed herein.