Audio-Video Time Synchronization Using Prioritized Schedules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for synchronized playback of audio and video in peer-to-peer computer networks face inaccuracies in maintaining precise timing between devices, particularly in stereo setups and between audio and video components, due to reliance on system clocks or hardware solutions that are not sufficiently accurate.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a prioritized schedule to select synchronization mechanisms, where a session master device uses a best-effort approach to synchronize devices, allowing subsets to use higher precision mechanisms, and group masters within the session enhance synchronization precision, especially for stereo audio playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If system clocks or hardware solutions are used for synchronization, then devices can participate in coordinated sessions, but synchronization precision is insufficient for high-quality audio playback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization system into multiple hierarchical levels: session master, group masters, and members. Each level handles synchronization for specific subsets of devices, allowing high-precision synchronization for critical pairs (like stereo loudspeakers) while using lower-precision mechanisms for less critical devices. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing synchronization responsibilities across multiple levels rather than requiring all devices to use the most complex synchronization mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different synchronization mechanisms with varying precision levels to different device pairs based on their specific requirements. For example, stereo loudspeakers use high-precision synchronization mechanisms, while devices in different rooms may use lower-precision mechanisms. This local quality approach allows the system to achieve high synchronization precision where needed without requiring all devices to use the most complex mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all devices use the same synchronization mechanism, then implementation is simplified, but devices with different synchronization requirements cannot achieve optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal synchronization framework that can accommodate multiple synchronization mechanisms and device types. The session master coordinates diverse devices (loudspeakers, displays, mobile devices) using a common protocol, while allowing individual device pairs to select from multiple synchronization mechanisms based on their requirements. This multi-functionality approach enables both broad device compatibility and optimized synchronization accuracy for specific device pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of synchronization mechanisms based on device pairs and their requirements. Devices can dynamically choose from multiple synchronization mechanisms (audio clock, video clock, system clock, hardware solutions) depending on their specific needs and capabilities. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different scenarios, achieving both broad compatibility and optimized precision for each device pair.
3Measurement precision
If high-precision synchronization mechanisms are used for all device pairs, then synchronization accuracy is maximized, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high-precision synchronization mechanisms only to the extent necessary for each device pair's requirements. Critical device pairs like stereo loudspeakers receive high-precision synchronization, while less critical pairs use lower-precision mechanisms. This partial action approach maximizes synchronization accuracy where needed while minimizing energy consumption and system complexity for the overall network, resolving the contradiction between precision and resource usage.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for synchronizing playback of an audio and/or video content. An embodiment operates by collectively selecting, by a first device in concert with a second device of a plurality of devices in a computer network session, and in accordance with a predetermined synchronization list comprising a first and second synchronization mechanism, the first synchronization mechanism over the second synchronization mechanism such that the first synchronization mechanism is more precise than the second synchronization mechanism. The first and second synchronization mechanisms are configured to provide a synchronized playback of the at least one of the audio content and the video content.