Synchronized Stereo Audio Playback With Independent Device Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audio systems cannot play audio in stereo when multiple devices are synchronized, as they typically output the same sound and lack the ability to set equalizer and volume settings independently for each device in a stereo pair.
Innovation Solution
An audio system comprising a parent device that plays a first-channel audio signal with a delay, a child device that obtains and plays a second-channel audio signal, and an operation unit that transfers operation and setting information between devices, allowing synchronized stereo playback with equalizer and volume settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple audio devices are synchronized to play the same content, then synchronous playback is achieved, but stereo playback capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal is segmented into first-channel and second-channel signals, with each channel assigned to different audio devices. The parent device plays the first-channel signal while the child device plays the second-channel signal, enabling stereo playback across multiple synchronized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces asymmetric roles (parent device and child device) where each device has distinct functions. The parent device handles first-channel playback with delay while the child device handles second-channel playback without delay, creating asymmetric playback paths that enable stereo capability within synchronized playback.
2Stability of the object's composition
If audio devices in a synchronized group play the same sound, then group synchronization is maintained, but independent setting control (equalizer, volume) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Setting information (equalizer, volume, playback controls) is applied locally to each device based on its role. The parent device receives and applies setting information for first-channel playback, while the child device receives and applies setting information for second-channel playback, allowing independent setting control within the synchronized group.
Solution Approach 2:
Setting information acts as an intermediary that is transferred from one device to another. The operation unit transfers setting information between parent and child devices, enabling coordinated control while maintaining independent setting capabilities for each device in the synchronized group.
3Device complexity
If a single speaker unit is used per audio device, then device simplicity is maintained, but stereo output capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple audio devices with single speaker units are merged to function as a stereo system. The parent device with its single speaker plays the first channel while the child device with its single speaker plays the second channel, combining their outputs to achieve stereo capability without requiring each device to have multiple speakers.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an audio device, including: at least one processor; and at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: play, with a given length of delay, a first-channel audio signal included in an audio signal; obtain one of operation information about operation of the audio device and setting information about playing of the audio signal; and transmit one of the operation information and the setting information, and at least a second-channel audio signal included in the audio signal, to another audio device.