IP Audio Transmitter Format Adaptation for Multi-Sink Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audiovisual distribution networks over IP networks face limitations in accommodating multiple audio formats, leading to degraded audio quality when transmitting to devices with different capabilities, as they typically output audio in a single format compatible with the lowest common denominator, such as stereo, rather than utilizing higher formats like Dolby Atmos or 7.1 surround sound.
Innovation Solution
A network system and method that dynamically adjusts and transmits audio streams in various formats (e.g., Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, 7.1, and Stereo) compatible with the capabilities of each audio sink, using a transmitter that determines and matches the audio format of the source with the capabilities of the sinks, allowing for simultaneous transmission of multiple audio streams over an Ethernet network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single audio format is transmitted over IP network to ensure compatibility with all sinks, then device compatibility is improved, but audio quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio stream into multiple format versions (e.g., Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, Stereo) and transmits them as separate packets over the IP network. Each sink device can then select and process only the format it supports, resolving the contradiction between compatibility and quality by allowing simultaneous transmission of multiple format variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter device is designed with multi-functionality to generate and transmit multiple audio format streams simultaneously. This universal capability allows the system to serve diverse sink devices (from basic stereo to advanced surround sound systems) while maintaining optimal audio quality for each device type.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple audio streams are transmitted to support different sink capabilities, then audio quality is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter performs preliminary actions by encoding the audio source into multiple format streams in advance, before transmission. This pre-processing allows sink devices to directly use the prepared streams without requiring complex real-time format conversion, reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining audio quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sink device receives and processes only the audio stream format appropriate to its local capabilities. For example, a basic stereo receiver processes only the stereo stream while ignoring higher-format streams, thereby conserving network bandwidth by avoiding unnecessary transmission and processing of incompatible formats.
3Adaptability or versatility
If format conversion is performed at the sink device, then device flexibility is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter acts as an intermediary device that performs format conversion and preparation before transmission. Instead of requiring sink devices to perform complex real-time format conversion, the transmitter pre-converts the audio into multiple formats and transmits them separately, significantly reducing the processing complexity at the sink devices while maintaining device flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a network system and method of use for distributing audiovisual data. The network comprises two or more audio sinks, each of the audio sinks having a corresponding audio format capability, a first source adapted to generate and transmit audiovisual data, wherein the audiovisual data includes an audio file formatted with a first audio format capability, and the at least one source being further adapted to transmit the audiovisual data to the two or more audio sinks through the network system using both an high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) and internet protocol (IP), and a first transmitter adapted to receive the transmitted audiovisual data from the first source. The first transmitter is further adapted to generate two or more transmission streams of audiovisual data, wherein each of the two or more audiovisual data transmission streams include audio data formatted according to the audio format capability of the audio sink to which it is being transmitted to.