IP Video Frame Alignment Using Common Reference Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent frame alignment and synchronization of digital video content in the Internet Protocol (IP) domain lead to blurry images and color distortions, particularly due to the challenges introduced by recent advances in video technology for transmitting digital video using IP protocols.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for aligning frames of digital video content using a common reference time, such as Precision Time Protocol (PTP) time, which includes software modules for data extraction, synchronization, temporal alignment, vertical alignment, and horizontal alignment to ensure precise timing and positioning of video frames across IP video packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital video content is transmitted using IP protocols, then transmission flexibility and network compatibility are improved, but frame alignment precision and synchronization accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time stamp data as an intermediary element that mediates between IP packet transmission and video frame synchronization. Each video frame is assigned a time stamp indicating its intended display time, and the processing device uses these time stamps to reorder packets and ensure frames are displayed in the correct temporal sequence, thereby maintaining alignment precision despite IP protocol variability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical synchronization methods (such as black burst signals and reference point alignment) with a digital time-stamping system. Instead of relying on physical signal references or mechanical timing mechanisms, the system uses software-based time stamping and packet reordering logic to achieve precise frame synchronization over IP networks
2Speed
If video frames are transmitted over IP network, then transmission speed and bandwidth utilization are improved, but frame synchronization stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing device monitors the arrival time of packets containing time stamp data, compares it with the intended display time, and adjusts the frame display timing accordingly. This feedback loop compensates for network jitter and variable transmission delays, maintaining synchronization stability despite high-speed IP transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning time stamps to video frames before transmission. These time stamps encode the intended display timing information, allowing the receiving device to proactively buffer and reorder frames based on their destination time, rather than reacting to arrival time alone. This preliminary timing information enables stable synchronization even with variable transmission speeds
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional reference points are used for frame alignment, then implementation simplicity is improved, but alignment precision in IP domain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for alignment from spatial reference points (such as black burst signals or synchronization markers in the video content) to temporal parameters (time stamps indicating when each frame should be displayed). This parameter change from spatial to temporal domain enables precise alignment in the IP network environment while maintaining implementation feasibility through software-based time tracking
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a system including a non-transitory memory storing an executable code, and a hardware processor configured to execute the executable code to receive first and second Internet protocol (IP) video packets including respective first and second video content, and to identify a common reference time for the first and second IP video packets. The hardware processor also determines a first buffering interval for synchronizing the first and second IP video packets based on a first frame number, a first line number, and a first pixel number of the first video content, and the common reference time. In addition, the hardware processor holds the first IP video packet during the first buffering interval, and releases the first IP video packet when the first buffering interval elapses so as to align the first video content with the second video content at the common reference time.