Webcasting Audio Data Transmitting Apparatus for Network Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time audio playback over networks often results in crackling sounds due to inaccuracies in data transmission and playback position calculations, leading to unprecise supply-demand flow of audio data.
Innovation Solution
An audio data transmitting apparatus comprising a first and second layer program, where the second layer program calculates and transmits the difference in audio data quantity between real and base time instants to the first layer program, transforming audio data into virtual data to ensure precise output and prevent errors, thereby regulating the output quantity accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If approximate playing position calculation is used in virtual sound card webcasting, then the system can transmit audio data over the network, but error accumulation causes crackling sounds during playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second layer program continuously monitors the actual audio data transmission quantity and compares it with the expected quantity calculated by the first layer program. The difference (error) is fed back to adjust subsequent transmission quantities, preventing error accumulation and eliminating crackling sounds during network audio playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the approximate mechanical calculation method (based on time accumulation and format conversion) with a precise measurement and feedback control system. Instead of estimating transmission quantity through Getposition() time differences, the system directly measures actual transmission quantities and uses feedback to maintain precision, substituting rough mechanical approximation with controlled measurement and adjustment.
2Ease of manufacture
If time accumulation method is used to calculate audio data quantity, then the implementation is simple, but error accumulation occurs during multiple calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary feedback mechanism between the calculation layer (first layer program) and the execution layer (second layer program). The feedback on transmission quantity differences acts as an intermediary that corrects accumulation errors without complicating the basic time accumulation method. The feedback loop maintains reliability by continuously adjusting for deviations while preserving the simplicity of the underlying calculation approach.
3Ease of operation
If Getposition() interface is used to obtain transmission quantity, then the mixing program can control data transmission, but the approximate position causes unpleasant crackling sounds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the ease of operation by keeping the Getposition() interface and mixing program control capability, but adds a feedback mechanism that measures actual transmission quantities and corrects approximate position errors. The feedback on quantity differences eliminates crackling sounds while preserving the original control interface and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual sound card environment that copies the functionality of a physical sound card's Getposition() interface. By implementing a virtual driver that mimics the expected behavior of hardware audio interfaces while adding feedback control, the system reproduces the desired control capability without the harmful effects of hardware limitations or approximation errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A webcasting system and the audio data regulating methods to be used in the webcasting system are presented. The webcasting system includes a host and an audio playing apparatus. The host, which is loaded with an operating system and drivers, determines the audio data output according to an expected data received by the operating system. The drivers provide the expected data according to the audio data received and transform the audio data for network transmission. The audio playing apparatus receives the network data and processes the network data for audio playing.