Wireless Earbud Playback Sync With Selective Data Relay

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless earbuds experience delays and unnecessary battery consumption due to data relay issues and clock drift between earbud devices.

Innovation Solution

A wireless earbud system with a first sink device receiving audio data from a source device and a second sink device snooping this data, where the first sink device transmits synchronization information to align playback and handle clock drift, minimizing data relay by selectively relaying only missed data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data relay is performed to ensure audio data delivery to both earbuds, then audio playback reliability is improved, but battery consumption increases and delay time occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio playback reliabilityVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the first earbud proactively transmit synchronization information packets to the second earbud before data relay is needed. This includes sending control packets with sequence numbers and timing information in advance, allowing the second earbud to prepare for synchronized playback without requiring continuous data relay operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the first earbud receives acknowledgment packets from the second earbud confirming receipt of synchronization information. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust data relay operations based on actual reception status, minimizing unnecessary relay transmissions and reducing battery consumption while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If data relay is performed to ensure audio data delivery to both earbuds, then audio playback reliability is improved, but delay time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio playback reliabilityVSAvoiddelay time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the first earbud proactively transmit synchronization information packets to the second earbud before data relay is needed. This includes sending control packets with sequence numbers and timing information in advance, allowing the second earbud to prepare for synchronized playback without requiring continuous data relay operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the timing and frequency of synchronization information transmissions based on actual audio playback conditions. The first earbud monitors playback status and adapts the synchronization packet transmission schedule to minimize delay while ensuring reliable sync, rather than using fixed periodic transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If synchronization information is transmitted continuously to maintain playback sync, then playback synchronization precision is improved, but data relay frequency increases causing more delay and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback synchronization precisionVSAvoiddata relay efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by transmitting synchronization information at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. The first earbud sends synchronization packets at regular intervals, and the second earbud processes these periodic updates to maintain playback synchronization, reducing the total amount of data relay traffic while preserving sync precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the first earbud proactively transmit synchronization information packets to the second earbud before data relay is needed. This includes sending control packets with sequence numbers and timing information in advance, allowing the second earbud to prepare for synchronized playback without requiring continuous data relay operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260075556A1Wireless earbuds, system and operation method therefor

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Wireless earbuds, a system, and an operation method therefor are disclosed. The wireless earbuds according to at least one of various embodiments of the present disclosure comprise: a first synchronization device for receiving audio data from a source device; and a second sink device for snooping the audio data transmitted from the source device, wherein the first synchronization device can transmit synchronization information related to the replay of a data packet to the second synchronization device.