Wireless Speaker System Synchronization via Controller Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless speaker systems lack the ability to output high-quality audio and video, and they often require complex user management for media playback across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A wireless audio and video system comprising multiple speakers that can communicate wirelessly, each equipped with an interface including pushbuttons for user control, a transceiver for media content transmission and reception, and a controller for managing playback based on user input, allowing seamless media content sharing and rebroadcasting between devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication capabilities are added to multiple speakers for independent media playback, then device versatility and connectivity are improved, but system complexity and user management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple speaker devices into a unified system where media content can be shared and synchronized across devices. The controller coordinates transmission between speakers, merging their operations to function as an integrated audio system rather than independent devices, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Each speaker device is designed with universal functionality to both transmit and receive media content wirelessly. The transceiver and controller enable each device to operate in multiple modes (source, receiver, or relay), providing multi-functionality that simplifies system management while enhancing adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If media content is transmitted between multiple playback devices, then media sharing capability is improved, but transmission delay and synchronization issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes wireless connections and synchronizes timing parameters between devices in advance before media transmission begins. The controller pre-coordinates the playback timing and buffer synchronization, so that when content is transmitted, minimal delay occurs and all devices are ready to play simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements feedback mechanisms where each speaker reports its playback status, buffer level, and timing information to the system. This feedback loop allows real-time adjustment of transmission rates and synchronization parameters, minimizing delay and maintaining sync across devices during media sharing
Data Source
Figure 1A~3A
Figure 3B~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
An audio playback device may include a speaker configured to play media content, at least one interface including a switch, a transceiver configured to one of transmit the media content to first audio playback device and receive the media content from a second audio playback device; and a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a user input that is received at the switch for a time duration and to one of transmit the media content to the second audio playback device via the transceiver for playback of the media content at the second audio playback device and to receive the media content from the second audio playback device via the transceiver based on the time duration.