AC Power Frequency Clock Synchronization for Multimedia Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for synchronizing clock signals between multiple electronic devices, such as those used in large video walls or video and audio systems, often require separate synchronization devices or wired connections, leading to signal delays and synchronization issues that can result in mismatched playback timing, causing user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device capable of generating a clock signal by monitoring the frequency of an alternating current (AC) power source, using a comparison clock signal to count cycles and adjust the clock frequency based on threshold values, and controlling voltage inputs to a clock generator to synchronize with external devices without the need for separate synchronization devices or wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate synchronization device or wired connection is used to synchronize clock signals between multiple electronic devices, then clock synchronization is achieved, but signal delays occur and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each electronic device autonomously generates its own clock signal based on the AC power source frequency it receives, eliminating the need for external synchronization devices or wired connections. The device self-adjusts its clock frequency by counting AC power cycles and comparing them against expected values, achieving self-synchronization without adding system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The AC power source serves dual purposes: it provides both power supply and clock synchronization reference simultaneously. By using the same AC power source as both energy source and timing reference for multiple devices, the system achieves universal synchronization without requiring separate synchronization infrastructure
2Reliability
If a separate synchronization device or wired connection is used to synchronize clock signals, then clock synchronization is achieved, but signal transmission delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
Each device independently generates its clock signal directly from its own AC power source without receiving timing signals from other devices through wires or wireless connections. This eliminates signal transmission delays entirely, as each device's clock is locally generated based on its power source frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization function is extracted from the data transmission path. Instead of transmitting synchronization signals through shared communication lines alongside data, the patent separates clock generation from data transmission by deriving clocks directly from AC power sources, eliminating the need for shared synchronization lines that cause delays
3Measurement precision
If clock frequency is adjusted to match AC power source frequency variations, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but clock signal stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual AC power source frequency by counting clock cycles over a reference period and compares it against the expected frequency. Based on this feedback, the device adjusts its operating clock frequency to compensate for power source variations, maintaining synchronization accuracy while stabilizing the output clock signal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the clock generation parameters (frequency, voltage input to clock generator, or PWM duty cycle) based on the measured AC power source frequency deviations. By adjusting these parameters in response to power source variations, the system maintains accurate synchronization while compensating for instability in the power source frequency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient synchronization of clock signals across multiple electronic devices, ensuring synchronized playback of multimedia data without the need for additional hardware, thereby enhancing user experience by maintaining consistent timing across displays and audio outputs.
Implementation Method 1
determining a frequency of an external alternating current (AC) power source may comprise determining a light fluctuation frequency
Data Source
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AI summary
A user terminal device and a display method thereof are provided. A method for controlling a clock according to an exemplary embodiment includes generating a clock, generating a comparison clock corresponding to a frequency of an external alternating current (AC) power source, counting a number of clock cycles according to the comparison clock, and controlling a generation period of the clock according to the counted number of clock cycles.