Content Synchronization Using Reference Time Lag Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional content synchronization methods among multiple terminals are burdensome due to the need for continuous time information acquisition from a server, increasing the load on terminals, servers, and transmission paths.
Innovation Solution
A content processing apparatus and method that transmit an acquiring request for reference time between executing modules to synchronize content across terminals, using reference time information and processing time information to calculate a time lag, allowing terminals to synchronize without continuous time updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous time information acquisition from server is used to synchronize content among terminals, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but burden on terminals, servers, and transmission paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the server transmit time information to all terminals in advance before content delivery begins. Terminals acquire time information once at the start, calculate time lags beforehand, and store this data for use during content synchronization, eliminating the need for continuous time updates during content playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The server creates a copy of time information and transmits it to all terminals simultaneously. Each terminal receives and stores this copied time data, then uses the copied information locally for synchronization calculations without needing to continuously query the server during content delivery.
2Measurement precision
If continuous time information acquisition from server is used to synchronize content among terminals, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but transmission path load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from continuous periodic time information transmission to a single initial transmission followed by content delivery. Time information is transmitted once at the beginning, then terminals use this information throughout the content playback period, significantly reducing the quantity of data transmitted over the network.
Solution Approach 2:
Time information is transmitted in advance before content delivery begins. Terminals acquire and store time information once beforehand, then perform local synchronization calculations without requiring additional transmission path usage during content playback, thereby reducing overall transmission load.
3Reliability
If time information is transmitted from server to each terminal continuously, then synchronization is maintained, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Terminals perform preliminary calculations to determine time lags between their local time and the server's time at the beginning. This initial calculation includes measuring the time taken to receive time information and computing the offset, which is then stored and reused throughout content playback, avoiding repeated processing during content delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Each terminal independently calculates its own time lag using the time information received from the server. Terminals perform self-service synchronization by using their received time data and local clock to compute and apply the appropriate time offset, eliminating the need for continuous server intervention or complex centralized coordination during content delivery.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a content synchronizing method includes: first transmitting when receiving an acquiring request for reference time to determine a timing to synchronize a plurality of pieces of content executed by a plurality of modules with each other from a first module out of the modules, the acquiring request for the reference time to a second module out of the modules; receiving source information indicating an acquisition source of the reference time from the second module; and acquiring reference time information indicating the reference time from the acquisition source indicated by the source information, wherein second transmitting to the first module, together with the reference time information, processing time information indicating processing time from receiving the acquiring request until transmitting the reference time information, the processing time information being used to calculate a time lag between time in the first module and the reference time.