Networked Audio Video Synchronization Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia systems for motion picture and television production require separate digital audio and video systems that are often cumbersome to synchronize, lacking efficient mechanisms for coordinated playback across multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
Interconnecting digital audio and video systems via a computer network using a communication protocol that defines states for synchronization, including disconnection, connection, and linking, with a state machine and clock synchronization mechanism to ensure synchronized playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate digital audio and video systems are used for dedicated processing, then processing capability and workflow complexity are improved, but synchronization complexity and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication protocol as an intermediary layer between separate audio and video systems. This protocol manages synchronization through defined states (disconnected, connected unlinked, connected linked) and automated clock synchronization mechanisms, allowing dedicated audio and video processing while eliminating manual synchronization complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by transitioning between defined states (disconnected, connected unlinked, connected linked). These state transitions automatically adjust synchronization parameters and clock distribution mechanisms, enabling flexible dedicated processing while maintaining automated synchronization
2Power
If multiple digital audio workstations are used to provide more processing power, then processing capability is improved, but synchronization difficulty and time code management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each digital audio workstation continuously monitors and reports its clock status to the network. The system automatically adjusts time codes and synchronization parameters based on this feedback, enabling multiple workstations to operate with high processing power while maintaining automatic synchronization without manual time code management
Solution Approach 2:
The communication protocol serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages clock synchronization, coordinates playback across multiple systems, handles state transitions, and distributes time codes. This universal protocol allows multiple digital audio workstations to be synchronized through a single unified mechanism rather than separate synchronization systems
3Measurement precision
If video playback system is synchronized with each audio system using locked time codes, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service synchronization where the communication protocol automatically manages clock synchronization and time code locking between video and audio systems. The systems autonomously adjust their own timing based on network communications without requiring manual intervention, maintaining high synchronization accuracy while eliminating operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
One or more digital audio systems, such as a digital audio workstation, and one or more digital video systems, such as a video server, are interconnected by a computer network. A communication protocol among the systems using the computer network enables the systems to play back in synchronization. The communication protocol defines several states for connections between systems. In particular, two systems may be disconnected, connected and unlinked or connected and linked. Each system transitions through defined state changes that are caused by a sequence of commands in the communication protocol, called a play start sequence, to initiate synchronized playback. The play start sequence can be initiated by any of the linked systems. The communication protocol includes a mechanism for distributing a running time clock from the digital audio system for synchronizing with the digital video system when the digital audio system and digital video system are not both synchronized by the same video reference signal.