Communication Apparatus Clock Synchronization Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual viewpoint image generation systems, achieving precise time synchronization among multiple cameras is challenging due to potential issues with network devices or communication lines, which can lead to delays in generating synchronization signals.
Innovation Solution
The communication apparatus is equipped with multiple network interfaces connected to independent time servers, and a selection unit that chooses the synchronization signal from the clock that is synchronized with the time server, ensuring timely generation of synchronization signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple network interfaces are connected to independent time servers, then redundancy is provided and trouble occurrence probability is reduced, but the complexity of controlling synchronization signal generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different synchronization sources (first and second clocks) based on real-time synchronization status. The selection unit adapts the synchronization signal source according to whether each clock is synchronized with its respective time server, enabling flexible response to changing system conditions without fixed rigid architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization checks before selecting a synchronization signal source. The check unit verifies synchronization status in advance, and the selection unit is pre-configured with logic to choose appropriate clocks based on predetermined synchronization criteria, preventing delays in synchronization signal generation.
2Measurement precision
If time synchronization of clocks is awaited, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the generation of synchronization signal is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system does not require complete synchronization of all clocks before generating the synchronization signal. Instead, it accepts partial synchronization where at least one clock (first or second clock) being synchronized is sufficient to generate the signal. This partial action approach avoids excessive waiting while maintaining adequate synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection unit dynamically determines which clock to use based on real-time synchronization status. If the first clock is synchronized, it selects that clock; if not, it switches to the second clock. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to generate synchronization signals promptly without waiting for all possible synchronization conditions to be met.
3Device complexity
If a single clock is used for synchronization, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of synchronization signal generation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system is segmented into independent first and second clock units, each with its own time server connection and synchronization capability. This segmentation allows the system to divide the synchronization function into separate manageable units, where failure or unsynchronization of one unit does not necessarily compromise the entire system, as the other unit can take over.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple synchronization sources (first clock and second clock) into a unified synchronization signal generation system. The selection unit combines the outputs of both clock units, choosing the appropriate source based on synchronization status. This merging provides redundancy and improved reliability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through unified control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus including a plurality of communication interfaces, a plurality of clocks, and a plurality of output units each associated with a corresponding clock, synchronizes the clocks with a time server, checks whether the clocks are in synchronization with the time server, and selects as a synchronization signal supplied to another apparatus a synchronization signal output from a corresponding output unit associated with the corresponding clock in synchronization with the time server from among the synchronization signals output from the output units. Each output unit starts outputting the signal when a time of the corresponding clock reaches a start time designated by an external apparatus, and outputs the signal when the time of the clock reaches the start time, even with the clock associated with the corresponding output unit out of synchronization with the time server.