Communication Apparatus Synchronization via Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication apparatuses experience a time lag and difference in reproduction positions when one apparatus transmits a reproduction instruction to another, leading to overlapping content reproduction due to the delay in starting reproduction based on the received reproduction start position.
Innovation Solution
The communication apparatuses synchronize their reproduction by having the receiving apparatus transmit its current reproduction start position to the sender after preparation, allowing the sender to adjust and ensure both start reproducing from the same position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the communication apparatus transmits the reproduction start position before the reproduction instruction, then another communication apparatus can prepare reproduction in advance, but a time lag occurs between transmission of the reproduction instruction and start of reproducing the content
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving communication apparatus performs reproduction preparation (obtaining content, decoding, buffering) in advance by receiving the reproduction start position before the reproduction instruction. This preliminary action allows the apparatus to be ready to start reproduction immediately upon receiving the instruction, reducing the time lag.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving communication apparatus transmits a wireless signal (feedback) to the transmitting apparatus after completing reproduction preparation. This feedback mechanism allows the transmitting apparatus to update the reproduction start position to match the current position, ensuring synchronization despite the time lag.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the communication apparatus continues reproducing the content even after transmitting the reproduction instruction, then the content reproduction is continuous, but a difference in reproduction position occurs between the communication apparatus and another communication apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The reproduction start position is made dynamic rather than static. The transmitting apparatus updates the reproduction start position based on the current reproduction position at the time of receiving the wireless signal from the receiving apparatus. This dynamic adjustment maintains synchronization even as both apparatuses continue reproducing content.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless signal transmitted by the receiving apparatus serves as feedback that triggers an update of the reproduction start position. This feedback loop ensures that both apparatuses remain synchronized by continuously adjusting the start position to match the current reproduction state.
3Productivity
If the reproduction start position is obtained before transmission of the reproduction instruction, then the reproduction preparation can be performed in advance, but the reproduction position becomes outdated by the time another communication apparatus starts reproducing
Solution Approach 1:
The reproduction start position is obtained in advance to enable preliminary reproduction preparation. This allows the receiving apparatus to prepare content buffering, decoding, and other preparation tasks before the actual reproduction starts, improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The outdated reproduction start position is corrected through feedback. When the receiving apparatus transmits the wireless signal after completing preparation, the transmitting apparatus obtains the current reproduction position and updates the start position accordingly, ensuring accuracy is restored.
Data Source
AI summary
If another communication apparatus is reproducing a content stored in an external apparatus, a reproduction instruction for causing a communication apparatus to reproduce a content stored in the external apparatus is transmitted from the another communication apparatus to the communication apparatus. The communication apparatus performs reproduction preparation for the content based on the reproduction instruction, and then transmits a wireless signal to the another communication apparatus. The another communication apparatus obtains a reproduction start position of the content, based on reception of the wireless signal, and transmits the obtained reproduction start position to the communication apparatus.