VR Audio Latency Compensation for Synchronized HMD Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality systems lack integration with consumer home theater systems, resulting in inferior audio and video playback quality, and tethering solutions complicate and inconvenience users, especially when multiple users share the experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing audio output from an external sound system with video output from a head-mounted display using a host player device, involving latency compensation and wireless connectivity to ensure synchronized playback across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If HMD is tethered to a PC to supply higher quality playback, then audio and video playback quality is improved, but device complexity and user inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio processing function from the HMD by connecting to an external sound system, while maintaining wireless video playback. This separation allows the HMD to remain lightweight and wireless while accessing high-quality audio through external speakers or home theater systems, eliminating the need for physical tethering to a PC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless transmission system that enables audio and video synchronization between the HMD and external sound system without physical connection. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by providing high-quality audio output while maintaining the wireless, simple HMD design.
2Manufacturing precision
If HMD is tethered to PC, then audio quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio output function from the HMD by utilizing external sound systems connected wirelessly. Users can connect their HMD to existing home theater systems or speakers, eliminating the need for physical tethering to a PC while still accessing high-quality audio playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service audio configuration where the HMD automatically detects and synchronizes with external audio devices. Users can manually adjust latency compensation settings to match their specific audio setup, making the system adaptable to various audio configurations without requiring complex setup procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users share VR experience, then user engagement is improved, but cable management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio transmission through wireless connectivity rather than physical cables. Multiple users can connect their HMDs wirelessly to a single audio system, eliminating cable entanglement and physical connection constraints while enabling simultaneous multi-user experience sharing.
4Reliability
If latency compensation is applied, then audio-video synchronization is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary latency measurement during setup or calibration phase, storing the measured latency value for use during actual playback. This preliminary action eliminates the need for continuous real-time latency compensation calculations during video playback, reducing processing overhead while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for simultaneous output of video from a head-mounted display device and audio output from an external sound system includes compensating for latency in the external sound system relative to the head-mounted display. The latency is measured by outputting test content using one of alternative methods.