Audio Video Synchronization via Light Sensor Test Pattern
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern televisions introduce delays in video processing, causing audio/video synchronization issues, which are particularly problematic for 3-D content and active shutter glasses, requiring precise synchronization that current manual solutions are inadequate and prone to user error.
Innovation Solution
A method using a video test pattern generated by an entertainment device, sensed by a separate sensing device equipped with a light sensor and communication interface, to determine timing information and calculate a delay constant for automatic synchronization of audio and video signals, ensuring precise alignment even with 3-D content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual synchronization methods are used, then users can adjust A/V synchronization settings, but the process is time-consuming, inaccurate, and prone to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic synchronization without requiring user intervention. The entertainment device autonomously measures video delay by displaying test patterns, receives timing information from the sensing device, calculates delay constants, and applies synchronization adjustments automatically, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment while achieving precise synchronization
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the sensing device to continuously monitor and adjust synchronization. The sensing device captures timing information about when test patterns are displayed, feeds this data back to the entertainment device, which then calculates the actual video delay and adjusts audio timing accordingly, creating a closed-loop synchronization system
2Measurement precision
If manual synchronization is used for 3-D content, then users can adjust settings, but the requisite level of synchronization between set-top box, 3-D TV, and 3-D glasses cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The entertainment device automatically measures and compensates for video delay in 3-D content without requiring manual intervention. It displays test patterns, receives timing feedback from the sensing device, calculates the precise delay constant, and automatically adjusts audio timing and 3-D glass synchronization, achieving the high precision required for 3-D content while managing system complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of video delay by displaying test patterns before actual 3-D content playback. This preliminary action allows the entertainment device to calculate the delay constant in advance and apply appropriate synchronization adjustments during 3-D content delivery, ensuring precise synchronization without requiring complex real-time manual adjustment
3Measurement precision
If automatic synchronization using video test pattern is implemented, then user-error is eliminated and precise synchronization is achieved, but additional devices and communication protocols are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a timing measurement tool, a communication interface, and a synchronization reference. The entertainment device uses the same test pattern display infrastructure for both normal operation and synchronization measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated hardware while achieving precise automatic synchronization
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
Automatically synchronizes audio and video signals, eliminating user-error and providing precise synchronization for 3-D content, ensuring correct display and reducing viewer confusion.
Implementation Method 1
determining in the sensing device timing information of the video test pattern by capturing the video test pattern using a light sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Described herein are techniques which facilitate the automatic synchronization of audio and video signals between an entertainment device (104) and a presentation device (102). A sensing device (106) detects and records timing information from a video test pattern generated by an entertainment device and output by a presentation device. Using the timing information from the sensing device, the entertainment device synchronizes the audio and video signals it outputs to one or more presentation devices. The presentation device exhibits synchronized audio and video (610) to a user.