One-Way Broadcast Timing for Synchronized Audio Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for synchronizing audio playback across devices on disparate networks rely on a direct network connection, which is not always viable, leading to perceptible echoes due to out-of-sync audio output.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a one-way communication protocol using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons for devices to transmit their clocks independently, allowing each device to select a master timing clock based on received clocks and adjust playback buffers for synchronized audio output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If devices use direct network connection for clock synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but network connectivity requirements increase and adaptability to disparate networks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization system into independent one-way broadcast channels, where each device transmits its clock independently without requiring a connected network. This allows devices on disparate networks to synchronize by receiving broadcast clock signals from others, achieving synchronization without direct network connectivity between all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where clock signals are transmitted via broadcast messages that can be received by any device within range, regardless of network connectivity. This intermediary broadcast mechanism enables synchronization between devices on different networks without requiring direct network paths between them.
2Reliability
If devices transmit clock signals continuously, then synchronization reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of clock signals via broadcast messages at defined intervals rather than continuous transmission. This periodic action maintains synchronization reliability by regularly updating clock information while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
3Measurement precision
If devices use two-way communication for clock synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional two-way synchronization approach by using one-way broadcast transmission where devices transmit their clock signals independently without requiring acknowledgments or coordinated exchanges. This inversion simplifies the communication protocol while maintaining synchronization accuracy through independent clock broadcasting and selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Playback timing information, including a conference identifier, is received at a device joined to a conference from co-located devices also joined to the conference. An audio frame from an audio stream of the conference is output via an external speaker of the device, with the audio frame selected based on the playback timing information to synchronize playback with the co-located devices. The playback timing information may be received over a first network that uses a one-way communication protocol, where the first network is different from a second network used to receive the audio stream.