Multi-Display Playback Synchronization Using Master-Client Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face playback time discrepancies when sharing content due to varying network latencies, necessitating a technology to synchronize video playback times across multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A display system and method that determines whether a device operates as a master or client within a sync group, using multicast communication protocols to synchronize playback times based on master playback information, including presentation time stamps and buffering times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If content is shared between multiple electronic devices over a wireless network, then content sharing capability is improved, but playback time synchronization deteriorates due to varying network latencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sync group manager as an intermediary component that coordinates between multiple display devices. This manager receives sync group information from the host and distributes synchronization commands to client devices, acting as a mediator to compensate for network latency variations and maintain synchronized playback across devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where client devices continuously monitor their playback status and buffer states, reporting this information back to the sync group manager. The manager then adjusts synchronization commands based on this feedback, allowing dynamic adaptation to network conditions and maintaining synchronization despite varying latencies
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system dynamically determines master and client devices based on sync group configuration changes, then adaptability to network changes is improved, but device complexity increases due to multicast protocol implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional roles: host devices that generate content, a sync group manager that coordinates synchronization, and client devices that consume content. This segmentation allows each device type to have simplified, role-specific logic while the overall system maintains high adaptability through the manager's coordination capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts device roles (master/client) based on sync group configuration changes detected through multicast protocols. When devices join or leave the sync group, the manager dynamically reassigns roles and updates synchronization parameters, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions without requiring complex static configuration
3Reliability
If playback time synchronization is implemented across multiple devices, then playback synchronization is improved, but loss of time increases due to network latency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-synchronizing clock times between the sync group manager and client devices before content playback begins. It also pre-loads buffer data and establishes synchronization parameters in advance, so that when playback starts, devices are already aligned and can maintain synchronization despite subsequent network latency variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic synchronization actions where the sync group manager continuously sends time reference signals and synchronization commands at regular intervals during playback. This periodic reinforcement maintains synchronization alignment across devices, compensating for drift that accumulates over time due to network latency
Data Source
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AI summary
A display system, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, may comprise: a host; and at least one display device receiving an image reproduction signal from the host. The at least one display device may: recognize a sync group on the basis of the image reproduction signal; determine whether to operate as a master device or a client device in the sync group; and, on the basis of master reproduction information from the master device, synchronize the reproduction time of an output image between the at least one display device and at least one other display device.