Hybrid 3DTV Stream Synchronization via Timestamp Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for providing three-dimensional television (3DTV) services face challenges in synchronizing left and right image streams transmitted using different broadcast standards, such as ATSC main broadcast and MDTV, which leads to difficulties in audio/video synchronization due to different timing models.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating and multiplexing synchronization information, including timestamp pairs or offsets, to synchronize left and right image streams across different timing models, using units like synchronization information generation and multiplexing units in content providing and reproduction apparatus, allowing for playback time restoration using reference clocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate streams are used for stationary 2D service and mobile 3D service, then service compatibility is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stationary 2D service stream and mobile 3D service stream into a single hybrid broadcast stream. The main view image stream for stationary service and the additional view image stream for mobile 3D service are transmitted together in one broadcast channel, eliminating the need for separate bandwidth allocation while maintaining service compatibility through unified timing synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid broadcast stream serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides 2D service for stationary receivers and 3D service for mobile receivers. The same broadcast stream can be decoded by both stationary ATSC receivers and mobile MDTV receivers, making the transmission system universal and adaptable to different service types without requiring additional bandwidth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different timing models are used for ATSC and MDTV streams, then broadcast standard independence is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common reference clock as an intermediary between the ATSC PTS/PCR timing model and the MDTV RTP timestamp timing model. This reference clock serves as a mediator that both timing models can reference, enabling synchronization of left and right image streams from different broadcast standards without compromising their independent timing mechanisms. The reference clock acts as a universal time base that reconciles the different timing approaches.
3Quantity of substance
If additional view image is transmitted through mobile service stream, then bandwidth allocation is improved, but timing synchronization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing parameter reference from separate independent clocks to a unified reference clock. By adjusting the timing parameters of both the main view image stream and additional view image stream to reference the same common reference clock, the system achieves precise timing synchronization. This parameter change allows the mobile service stream to carry additional view images without sacrificing synchronization precision, as both streams are now measured against the same time base.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for synchronizing left and right streams in a stationary/mobile hybrid 3DTV are disclosed. The apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment may synchronize content streams corresponding to left and right images using a timestamp pairing mode, a timestamp offset mode, and a network time protocol (NTP) synchronization mode.