Wireless Speaker Synchronization via Timestamped Audio Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless speaker systems face limitations in reliably and flexibly connecting to audio source devices and achieving synchronized audio playback, particularly in stereo sound applications which require precise temporal variations for spatial audio effects.
Innovation Solution
A wireless speaker system comprising a master and slave configuration, where the first wireless earphone receives timestamped audio source data, generates synchronization data, and transmits both to the second wireless earphone, ensuring synchronized playback by adjusting the playback delay and matching sample rates to account for variable latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless connections are used between audio source device and wireless speakers, then ease of installation and flexibility are improved, but reliability of connection and synchronization of audio playback deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary pairing and connection establishment between wireless speakers before audio playback begins. The master wireless speaker establishes a stable connection with the audio source device first, then slave wireless speakers connect to the master, creating a pre-synchronized network ready for immediate synchronized playback without connection instability during operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connections are used between audio source device and wireless speakers, then flexibility is improved, but synchronization of audio playback deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The audio signal transmission is segmented into two paths: the audio source device transmits audio data to the master wireless speaker, which then separately transmits to each slave wireless speaker. Each segment is independently timestamped and synchronized, allowing flexible wireless connectivity while maintaining precise synchronization through independent timing control at each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements timestamp-based feedback synchronization where each wireless speaker receives timestamped audio data, compares its playback timing against the timestamp, and adjusts its playback accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with variable wireless transmission delays, all speakers maintain synchronized playback to achieve precise spatial audio effects
3Manufacturing precision
If timestamped audio data and synchronization data are transmitted from master to slave wireless earphone, then audio playback synchronization is improved, but data transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the audio data transmission and synchronization data transmission into a single unified wireless communication stream from the master wireless speaker to slave wireless speakers. The synchronization information is embedded within the same data packets as the audio content, eliminating the need for separate synchronization channels and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise synchronization
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless speaker systems and methods for synchronous audio playback. Speaker systems can comprise more than one wireless speaker assembly, such as wireless earphones, in serial communication with an audio source device, such as a smartphone. Separate audio rendering by each wireless speaker assembly and synchronization of audio playback by imposing a fixed latency from an output timestamp associated with the audio source data, and rate matching the sample allow for tightly synchronized playback of stereo audio at low latency.