Command Sequencing via Time Marks for Latency Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

In networked computer systems, particularly in network video games, the variability in latency among remote clients interacting with the same computer session leads to processing distortion, as commands are received and processed by the host computer in the order of arrival rather than reflecting the actual reaction time of each client, disrupting the shared experience.

Innovation Solution

A capture and distribution method that involves sending identifiable time marks to remote clients, temporarily storing commands with coordination data linking the command production instant to a time mark, sequencing commands based on these data, and delivering them to the computer session to ensure processing in the order of production, regardless of latency differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If commands are processed in the order of arrival at the host computer, then the processing is simple and straightforward, but the processing order does not reflect the actual reaction time of each client, leading to processing distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand processing simplicityVSAvoidcommand processing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The host computer sends time marks to remote clients before receiving commands. These time marks serve as reference points that allow the system to preliminarily establish a timing framework, enabling accurate chronological ordering of commands without complex real-time calculations when commands arrive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Time marks act as an intermediary element between the host computer and remote clients. Instead of directly comparing arrival times of commands from different clients, the system uses these intermediary time marks to coordinate and order commands chronologically, resolving the processing distortion while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the host computer waits for all clients to receive session information before processing commands, then command ordering accuracy is improved, but processing delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand ordering accuracyVSAvoidcommand processing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Time marks are sent to all remote clients in advance before commands are expected to arrive. This preliminary action establishes a synchronized reference framework that allows the host computer to immediately and accurately order incoming commands without waiting for all clients to be fully ready, thus avoiding processing delays while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote clients with different latencies are allowed to interact with the same computer session, then system adaptability and user flexibility are improved, but command coordination becomes complex and processing distortion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-client session flexibilityVSAvoidcommand coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The time mark mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a synchronization reference, a timing marker, and an ordering key for commands from multiple clients with different latencies. This universal approach allows the system to handle diverse client scenarios without requiring separate coordination mechanisms for each case, maintaining flexibility while managing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of command identification from simple arrival time to time-mark-based chronological order. By transforming how commands are timestamped and referenced, the system can accommodate clients with varying latencies without increasing coordination complexity, as all commands are ordered against the same universal time mark reference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11554321B2Capture and broadcast process to coordinate orders produced by two remote customers associated with the same computer session

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 SHADOW

AI summary

A capture and distribution method for coordinating commands produced by input/output devices of a first and a second remote client associated with the same computer session running on a host computer, implements the following operations from the host computer: sending the same sequence of identifiable time marks to each remote client; receiving and temporarily storing the commands coming from the first and second remote clients for a storage duration, each command being associated with a coordination datum linking an instant at which the command was produced to a time mark; sequencing the commands received during the storage duration according to their associated coordination datum; and successively delivering the sequenced commands to the computer session.