TV Audio Synchronization Using Processing-Time Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The synchronization issue between audio signals output from built-in speakers in a TV and external audio devices due to differences in audio signal processing times, leading to desynchronization of sound output.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus that can be synchronized with an external audio device to control audio signal output timing and level, using processors to adjust delays and levels to ensure synchronization within a predetermined time and decibel range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sound is output simultaneously from a speaker built in the TV and an external audio device, then the audio coverage is improved, but synchronization between the two sound sources deteriorates due to different processing times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio coverageVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures and compares processing times of the TV and external audio device, then adjusts the output timing parameter of one device to match the other. This parameter adjustment ensures synchronized sound output while maintaining the benefit of dual audio sources for improved audio coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the output timing of audio signals is adjusted to achieve synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the audio signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically measures the processing times of both devices, calculates the time difference, and adjusts the output timing without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach achieves synchronization while minimizing the complexity burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures the actual processing times of audio signals through both the TV and external audio device, uses this feedback information to calculate the time difference, and adjusts the output timing accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3833047B1Electronic apparatus and controlling method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3833047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3833047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3833047B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a communication interface; a display; an internal speaker; and a processor configured to control the internal speaker to generate a first audio signal and control the communication interface to transmit a signal to control an external audio device to generate a second audio signal that is synchronized with the first audio signal. The processor is configured to: obtain a first processing time regarding the first audio signal and a second processing time regarding the second audio signal; and control the internal speaker and the communication interface based on the first processing time and the second processing time so that a difference between a first output timing of the first audio signal and a second output timing of the second audio signal is less than a predetermined value.