Network-Clock Audio Synchronization for Multi-Device Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems lack the ability to synchronize audio information across multiple devices effectively, leading to degraded playback and composite audio issues due to the inability to determine corresponding time indices, resulting in unsynchronized and undesired audio outputs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a processor circuit and an audio synchronization module that receives audio information with a network time index, determines a transmission delay, and calculates a total delay to establish an inter-device temporal frame of reference, allowing for synchronized playback and combination of audio from multiple sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional systems are used without network time indexing, then device complexity is reduced, but audio synchronization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network clock as an intermediary time reference that all devices use to timestamp audio information. This mediator provides a common temporal frame of reference, enabling precise synchronization without requiring complex peer-to-peer time coordination mechanisms between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time reference parameter from device-local clocks to network-clock-based timestamps. By expressing all time indices in terms of network clock values, the system achieves consistent temporal alignment across devices while simplifying the synchronization mechanism.
2Productivity
If audio information is transmitted between devices, then audio processing capability is improved, but transmission delay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the total delay value (including transmission delay and remote processing delay) in advance, before audio playback. This allows the receiving device to determine the coordinated time index ahead of time, compensating for delays proactively rather than reactively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by incorporating the measured or estimated transmission delay into the delay compensation calculation. The system determines the coordinated time index based on the total delay value, creating a closed-loop approach that accounts for actual transmission conditions.
3Reliability
If multiple devices process audio independently, then device autonomy is maintained, but audio synchronization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by having all devices use the same network clock for time indexing. This universal time reference serves multiple functions: timestamping audio information, calculating delays, and determining coordinated playback times, eliminating the need for device-specific time coordination mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The network clock acts as an intermediary that mediates temporal coordination between independent devices. Each device independently timestamps its audio information using the network clock, and the receiving device uses the same clock reference to calculate coordinated playback times, maintaining autonomy while achieving synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for audio synchronization are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus may comprise a processor circuit and an audio synchronization module, and the audio synchronization module may be operable by the processor circuit to receive audio information comprising a first network time index defined with respect to a network clock for a network, determine a second network time index for the audio information, the second network time index defined with respect to the network clock, determine a transmission delay value for the audio information based on a difference between the first network time index and the second network time index, and determine a total delay value for the audio information based on the transmission delay value and on a remote processing delay value for the audio information. Other embodiments are described and claimed.