Wireless Audio Synchronization via AP-Station Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless sound output systems face synchronization errors due to retransmission of synchronization request messages and require separate hardware for periodic message transmission, limiting universal implementation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless audio transmission device and system that allows switching between access point and station modes, transmitting synchronization request and response messages wirelessly without periodic message transmission, and calculating time offsets to reduce synchronization errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization request messages are retransmitted after a predetermined time when not received, then reliability of synchronization is improved, but synchronization error increases and time loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the receiving device proactively send a synchronization response message immediately upon receiving the synchronization request message, rather than waiting for potential retransmissions. This preliminary response ensures that the transmitting device can calculate the time offset without needing to retransmit, thereby improving reliability while avoiding synchronization errors and time loss that would result from retransmission delays.
2Measurement precision
If beacon messages are transmitted periodically for time synchronization, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate hardware construction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling wireless sound output devices to function both as stations (receiving audio signals) and as access points (transmitting synchronization requests and responses). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate beacon message transmission hardware, as the same wireless communication interface can operate in different modes depending on the synchronization phase, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the wireless sound output device to dynamically switch between station mode and access point mode. During normal operation, the device operates as a station receiving audio signals. When synchronization is needed, it switches to access point mode to transmit synchronization requests and responses, then returns to station mode. This dynamic mode switching enables accurate time synchronization without requiring permanent dedicated hardware for beacon transmission.
3Ease of operation
If wireless sound output devices operate in station mode only, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability decreases due to inability to initiate synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling wireless sound output devices to dynamically switch between station mode and access point mode based on synchronization needs. In normal operation, devices remain in simple station mode for ease of operation. When synchronization is required, they temporarily switch to access point mode to transmit synchronization requests and responses, then return to station mode. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for synchronization initiation while maintaining operational simplicity during normal audio playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling wireless sound output devices to autonomously initiate synchronization by switching to access point mode and transmitting synchronization requests when needed. Rather than relying solely on the transmitting device to initiate synchronization, each receiving device can independently serve its own synchronization needs by temporarily acting as an access point, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through automatic mode switching.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wireless audio transmission device, a wireless sound output device, and a system having same. A wireless audio transmission device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a communication unit for wirelessly transmitting an audio signal to a plurality of wireless sound output devices; and a processor for controlling the communication unit, wherein, when the wireless audio transmission device is in an access point mode and the plurality of wireless sound output devices are in a station mode, the communication unit wirelessly transmits a synchronization request message to the plurality of wireless sound output devices and wirelessly receives a synchronization response message from at least one of the plurality of wireless sound output devices; and after receiving the synchronization response message, when the wireless audio transmission device is in the station mode and a first wireless sound output device among the plurality of wireless sound output devices is in the access point mode, the communication unit wirelessly receives a second synchronization request message from the first wireless sound output device, and wirelessly transmits a second synchronization response message from the first wireless sound output device. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a synchronization error in a wireless sound output system.