Display Latency Measurement Using Light Flash and Video Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display latency in gaming systems is a significant issue due to varying display device configurations and processing functions, leading to delayed video frame rendering, which is typically measured with expensive and specialized equipment requiring expertise.
Innovation Solution
A method using commonly available hardware, such as a light emitter and a video capturing device, to measure display latency by capturing a reference light flash and a predetermined image on a display screen, analyzing the timing difference to determine latency, and providing the measurement to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive high speed video capturing equipment and specialized measurement equipment are used, then display latency measurement precision is improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a copy of the reference frame (visualized as a predetermined image) and captures it along with the light flash signal. By creating a visual copy that can be analyzed frame-by-frame, the system achieves precise timing measurement without requiring expensive specialized equipment. The copy allows for detailed temporal analysis using standard video capture tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex specialized measurement equipment with commonly available hardware such as standard video capturing devices and light emitters. These inexpensive components can be easily acquired and used, sacrificing the need for costly specialized tools while achieving sufficient measurement precision for display latency evaluation.
2Measurement precision
If expensive specialized measurement equipment is used, then display latency measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring significant expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses commonly available hardware that users already possess (video capturing devices, light emitters) rather than requiring specialized equipment. The methodology is designed to be self-explanatory, using visual cues (light flash synchronized with reference frame) that naturally guide the measurement process, reducing the need for expert operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a light emitter that produces visible light changes (flash) synchronized with the reference frame. This visual signal provides an intuitive, easily detectable marker that simplifies the measurement process. Users can clearly observe the light flash timing relative to the reference frame without requiring specialized detection equipment or expert knowledge, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining accuracy.
3Reliability
If display devices conduct additional processing of video frames, then display quality is improved, but display latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent synchronizes the light emitter flash with the generation of the reference frame at the source (gaming console). By establishing the timing reference before the video signal undergoes any display processing, the system captures the original transmission timing. This preliminary timing marker allows for accurate latency measurement even when the display device performs additional processing on the video frames, as the reference point exists before processing occurs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate display latency measurement without the need for expensive equipment, reducing user training requirements and providing actionable feedback for improving gaming performance.
Implementation Method 1
A video is captured of a reference light flash of a light emitter of a computing device
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for measuring a display latency. A video capturing device is configured to capture a video of a reference light flash of a light emitter of a computing device. In the same video, the video capturing device is configured to capture a flash of a predetermined image displayed in a reference frame on a display screen coupled to the computing device. The video is analyzed to determine a time difference between the reference light flash of the light emitter and the flash of the predetermined image on the display screen. The determined time difference is compared with a reference time difference to determine a display latency, and the display latency may be provided to a user. In this manner, a display latency may be determined accurately and with readily available hardware, thus reducing the need to rely on expensive and specialized measuring equipment.