Distributed Audio Stream Mapping for Low-Latency Playback 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 like 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 the devices, reducing processing time and minimizing delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio processing is performed locally on playback devices, then device autonomy and flexibility are improved, 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 playback device configurations, and distributes the processed audio to multiple playback devices. This extraction eliminates local processing delays while maintaining device autonomy for playback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device acts as an intermediary between the audio source and playback devices. It receives raw audio content, performs necessary processing based on playback device specifications, and distributes the processed audio streams to multiple playback devices simultaneously, thereby reducing overall system latency.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple playback devices are used for distributed audio, then audio coverage and listening experience are improved, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs preliminary audio processing before distribution to playback devices. It pre-calculates and applies configuration-specific adjustments (equalization, volume, timing) to each audio stream based on playback device specifications and environmental data, ensuring synchronized playback across all devices without requiring complex real-time coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by customizing audio streams for each playback device based on its specific configuration (transducer specifications, volume limits, frequency response). Each device receives a tailored audio stream optimized for its capabilities, while the centralized processing ensures all streams remain synchronized.
3Reliability
If audio streams are customized for each playback device, then audio quality and device compatibility are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device adjusts audio stream parameters (equalization curves, volume levels, sample rates) based on playback device specifications. By systematically modifying these parameters according to device capabilities, the system achieves broad compatibility across different playback devices while managing processing complexity through automated parameter adjustment based on configuration data.
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.