Collaborative Image Control via Time Delay Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time synchronization between multiple digital cameras in peer-to-peer environments is challenging, especially without a network-based time reference, and existing control protocols are not adequately effective for collaborative photography.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining a time delay between local and remote mobile devices, using local and remote clocks to synchronize command execution times across devices, enabling simultaneous execution of commands like image capture or display without relying on a network-based time reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network-based time reference is used for synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but system dependency on network infrastructure increases and fails in peer-to-peer environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control messages as intermediaries that carry timing information between devices. These control messages enable devices to synchronize their clocks and coordinate command execution without relying on network-based time references, thus resolving the contradiction between synchronization accuracy and environment compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables devices to perform self-synchronization by exchanging control messages and calculating time delays autonomously. Each device determines the time delay associated with other devices and adjusts its local execution time accordingly, eliminating dependency on external network time references while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
2Reliability
If control messages are transmitted between devices, then synchronized command execution is achieved, but communication overhead and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary clock synchronization before command execution. Devices exchange control messages to synchronize their clocks in advance, determining time delays and adjusting local execution times beforehand. This preliminary action reduces the impact of communication latency during actual command execution, maintaining reliable synchronization while minimizing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If local execution time is determined based on remote clock offset, then time synchronization without network reference is achieved, but clock drift and timing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where devices continuously monitor and adjust for clock offsets. By determining time delays associated with remote devices and incorporating these into local execution time calculations, the system compensates for clock drift and maintains timing accuracy independently of network-based time references.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of conducting collaborative sessions between mobile devices may provide for determining a time delay associated with a set of participating mobile devices, and determining a command execution time based at least in part on a clock of a managing device and the time delay. One or more control messages may be transmitted to the participating mobile devices, wherein the control messages include the command and the command execution time. Upon receiving a control message, each participating mobile device may determine a local execution time based at least in part on the command execution time and an offset of the clock of the managing device relative to a local clock. Execution of the command can therefore be coordinated across the set of participating mobile devices.