Distributed Peripheral Synchronization via Autonomous Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for synchronizing lighting and effects across computer peripheral devices require a central direction and high bandwidth, leading to inefficiencies in power usage and user experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a local, distributed control system where each device stores data and instructions for effects, periodically communicating with a host or other devices to maintain synchronization, minimizing bandwidth and power consumption, and allowing devices to initiate effects independently with correction messages sent only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central PC coordinates synchronization by sending commands to each device, then synchronization is achieved, but bandwidth consumption and power usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized synchronization control into distributed autonomous control among devices. Each device maintains its own effect state and independently determines when to update, eliminating the need for continuous centralized command transmission. This segmentation reduces communication bandwidth requirements and power consumption while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each device autonomously manages its own effect synchronization by monitoring its internal state and independently deciding when to update from the effect data structure. Devices self-correct timing drift without requiring continuous external correction commands, reducing the power and bandwidth overhead of centralized control while maintaining reliable synchronization.
2Reliability
If continuous synchronization commands are sent from PC to devices, then synchronization is maintained, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous synchronization command transmission, the system uses periodic updates triggered by effect state changes. Devices check for updates at specific intervals based on effect duration and type, transmitting data only when necessary. This periodic action maintains synchronization reliability while dramatically reducing bandwidth consumption compared to continuous command streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where devices report their current effect state and timing to the host, which then determines whether synchronization correction is needed. This feedback loop enables the host to send correction commands only when drift exceeds thresholds, maintaining reliable synchronization while minimizing bandwidth usage through selective rather than continuous communication.
3Measurement precision
If devices constantly communicate with host to maintain sync, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial communication action by having devices report their state only at critical moments (effect start, middle, end) rather than continuously. The host sends correction commands only when drift exceeds predetermined thresholds. This partial action maintains sufficient synchronization accuracy for user perception while significantly reducing power consumption compared to constant communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters based on effect characteristics. Report frequency and correction thresholds are modified according to effect duration, type, and current synchronization state. This parameter adaptation maintains synchronization accuracy across different effect scenarios while optimizing power consumption by reducing communication activity during stable states.
4Ease of operation
If centralized control is used for effect synchronization, then coordination is simplified, but device complexity and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal effect data structure and synchronization protocol that works across multiple device types (keyboards, mice, headsets). Each device independently interprets and executes effects based on its capabilities without requiring device-specific coordination logic. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture while reducing individual device complexity compared to centralized control schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the host controlling each device's effect timing, the system inverts control by having devices autonomously interpret the effect data structure and self-regulate their timing. The host provides the effect definition and initial trigger, but devices independently manage execution timing and synchronization corrections. This inversion reduces host complexity and bandwidth requirements while maintaining coordinated operation across devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Synchronization of effects across multiple devices using local, distributed control, and eliminating the need for central direction of the effects with the associated large bandwidth required. In one embodiment, each device stores data and instructions for creating its own effects. The devices periodically communicate with a host or each other to maintain synchronization, and compensate for any drift. This approach minimizes the use of bandwidth and battery power in the devices.