VR Headset Audio Synchronisation via Centralized Time Code Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VR systems face significant latency and stability issues when synchronizing multi-channel audio across a large number of headsets over a Wi-Fi network, particularly with 7.1 and higher channel audio, which affects the user experience and has limited the adoption of VR technology in large-scale settings like cinemas or theaters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cinema server, sound mixer, distribution device, and wireless access points that send synchronized time code signals and audio data to multiple VR headsets via a Wi-Fi network, ensuring simultaneous playback of images and audio with reduced latency, using a configuration that includes a sound rack device connected to an audio mixer and speakers, and a distribution device connected to each headset via a wireless access point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available audio synchronisation systems are used with 7.1 or higher channel audio across multiple VR headsets, then surround sound audio directionality is improved, but latency and stability issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of audio synchronization by implementing a centralized time-code distribution architecture. The distribution device receives a single time-code signal and distributes it simultaneously to all audio channels (7.1 or higher), adjusting the synchronization parameter from decentralized per-channel timing to centralized unified timing, thereby eliminating latency and stability issues while maintaining high-channel audio versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution device acts as an intermediary between the time-code source and multiple audio channels. It receives the time-code signal and mediates its distribution to all audio outputs, ensuring synchronized playback across 7.1 or higher channel configurations without the stability issues of commercial systems
2Quantity of substance
If VR headsets are simultaneously used in large numbers over a Wi-Fi network, then system capacity is improved, but latency and resource requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the synchronization function by separating time-code distribution from audio playback. The distribution device handles time-code distribution to all headsets independently of audio data transmission, allowing hundreds of headsets to be connected over Wi-Fi without increasing latency, as each headset processes synchronization separately from content delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-distributing time-code signals to all VR headsets before content playback begins. This advance synchronization setup ensures that when hundreds of headsets connect simultaneously over Wi-Fi, they are already synchronized and ready to play back audio and video without latency delays
3Adaptability or versatility
If 7.1 or higher channel audio is used with multiple VR headsets, then sound directionality is improved, but resource requirements and system complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device is designed with universality to handle multiple audio channel configurations (5.1, 7.1, and higher) through a single unified interface. It receives one time-code signal and automatically distributes it across any number of audio channels, eliminating the need for separate synchronization systems for each channel configuration and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high audio versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A system 3 synchronises a plurality of AV devices 2 to corresponding multichannel audio. Each device 2 has preloaded images, and a distribution device 4 wirelessly connected AV device. The server 4 triggers preloaded images on each device. A cinema server 6 is connected to server 4 and configured to send time codes signals. A sound mixer 7 is cable connected to the cinema server 6 and receives audio data corresponding to VR images simultaneously with the server 4. The server 4 is cable connected to a wireless access point 5 to simultaneously message each device 2. A speaker element is provided for each channel of audio connected to mixer 7 such that upon receipt of the audio file, the mixer 7relays each channel audio signal to respective speakers 8 in synchronisation with the VR device images.